More than 75 educators, including Julie Brown from Batavia Elementary, head back to the classroom this fall with additional knowledge, materials and science labs and experiments supplied and designed by the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP). Through funding provided by Ohio’s oil and gas producers, OOGEEP hosted two statewide science teacher workshops over the summer. The organization also provides educators additional support and programs throughout the year.
OOGEEP regularly holds teacher workshops to educate teachers about the crude oil and natural gas industry and the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles at work. During the workshop, professional educators walk teachers step-by-step through OOGEEP’s curriculum, including demonstrations of multiple hands-on science labs. The sessions also include guest industry speakers and field visits to active oil and gas sites in the region.
“OOGEEP is an organization respectful of educators and wiling to arm teachers with information, supplies and insights useful to assist students in mastering science standards,” said elementary school Teacher Marti Edgerly. “The group goes all out for educators with hands-on experience, real-life applications, colleague collaboration and input, practical and useful ideas and informative field trips.”
“This has been an excellent learning opportunity that allowed me to see and reassured by the extensive safety and management practices employed by this greatly needed industry,” said high school Teacher Rebecca Dobson. “I can’t wait to share what I learned with my students.”
“Thousands of Ohio students will ultimately have a better understanding of Ohio’s oil and gas industry and the importance of science in our daily lives because of the dedication of these teachers, said Sarah Tipka, OOGEEP Board Member, Education Committee Chair and Ohio oil and gas producer. “More than 2,700 teachers have taken part in our workshops, demonstrating a desire to learn more about a crucial Ohio industry.”
OOGEEP recently introduced a revamped curriculum titled STEM Lessons in Oil and Gas Energy Education that demonstrates how STEM can be used to learn about geology, engineering and chemistry, among other areas. The curriculum meets all state and national science standards and is adaptable to grades K-12. It includes experiments that: demonstrate how biotic material is transformed into hydrocarbons; explain the principles of geologic time and rock cycles; help students understand how sound waves are used to map geologic formations underground; how math and engineering plays a key role in developing and producing local energy; and how chemistry and petrochemicals are refined and processed into familiar products such as plastics, soaps, medicines, synthetic fibers and rubber.
Teachers earn continuing education units and an optional graduate credit by attending the workshop. Through the generosity of Ohio’s oil and gas producers, there is no cost for teachers to attend, and all received graphic organizers, internet activities, career connections, curriculums, classroom supplies and material kits to take back to their classroom and students.
OOGEEP has additional resources available for teachers and students. The organization provides classroom presentations to science classes of all ages through the Petro Pro program. OOGEEP sponsors an oil and gas specific award at State Science Day in the spring and also provides annual scholarships for students pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry. More information about all the resources provided FREE to teachers and students can be found at oogeep.org/teachers-students.