| Affiliations: | |
| Project Leader: | Collin Kohlmeyer cj18kohl@tamu.edu Geography |
| Faculty Mentor: | Julie Loisel, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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Spring 2017: TBD |
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Team Size:
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8 (Team Full) |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Poster presentation at conferences, Research credits (GEOG491), Opportunity to visit at least one energy site (likely fracking site and/or wind farm), Listed as an official contributor/co-author on final publications (based on contribution). |
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Team Needs:
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Looking for a diverse set of skills including: knowledge (or willingness to learn) about different energy types, interest in K-12 education and Environmental science (majors in Education and Environmental Science/Geography welcome, but not mandatory), good writing skills, and good academic standing. We also hope to recruit at least one student with graphic design experience. |
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Description:
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This ongoing research project on hydraulic fracturing merges K-12 education and environmental science. We are developing an energy workbook that will be implemented at the 6th grade level throughout Texas, and potentially across the USA in the coming years. While the emphasis will be on hydraulic fracturing (see justification below), the workbook will also cover all main types of energy currently in use in the USA and across the world. Student researchers will be tasked with: (1) researching materials related to the various energy types, (2) writing the reading materials that will become part of the energy workbook, (3) help developing content mastery questions and hands-on activities for students. In addition to being a comprehensive energy unit, the workbook will be geared towards state and national standards, such as TEKS and Common Core. A little more background on fracking: According to the US Energy Information Administration, over 50% of the oil and natural gas produced in the US came from hydraulically fractured wells in 2015. While the economic and geopolitical benefits of this new industry are numerous, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is still controversial because of its negative impacts on the environment such as ground and surface water contamination, air pollution, and increases in seismic activity near deep injection wells. Yet, it is only briefly mentioned in textbooks and rarely taught in middle schools. Our project fills that educational gap |