Quiz

The Student Guide and Science of Oil – Starter Pack contain the quiz.
Answer Key: Q1:D Q2:B Q3:C Q4:D Q5:B

Reading and Extended Reading

The Student Guide contains the Science of Oil – Reading and Extended Reading info sheets.

Reading Answer Key

  1. Ancient sea plants and animals like plankton and algae
  2. From buried organisms under heat and pressure over millions of years
  3. Molecules made of hydrogen and carbon
  4. To separate and clean it into useful products
  5. Plastics, clothes, cosmetics, medicine, fertilizer, etc.
  6. To get oil out of tight rocks by cracking them open
  7. By poisoning, smothering, or damaging feathers and organs
  8. It traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere, causing climate change
  9. Benefit: cheap and efficient; Risk: leaks or spills
  10. They trap and remove oil from the water’s surface
  11. The rock has very small pores, which makes oil flow more difficult
  12. By oil tankers or ships
  13. It helps set production levels and oil prices
  14. To reduce pollution and fight climate change
  15. Sensors, safety valves, training, and careful handling

Extended Reading Answer Key

  1. Hydrocarbons
  2. From the remains of ancient marine organisms that were buried under sediment and transformed by heat and pressure over millions of years.
  3. A process in which crude oil is heated and separated into different components based on boiling points.
  4. Gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel (others acceptable: plastics, lubricants, etc.).
  5. To break large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones like gasoline.
  6. They have low permeability, so oil doesn’t flow easily through them.
  7. Pipelines transport crude oil and refined products efficiently over land.
  8. Deepwater Horizon (2010)
  9. Because sulfur contributes to air pollution (e.g., sulfur dioxide, which can cause acid rain) and makes transport and processing more difficult.
  10. Oil spills from collisions or equipment failure, and pollution from ship engines.
  11. Because it takes millions of years to form and we are using it faster than it can naturally be replaced.
  12. Potential groundwater contamination and induced earthquakes from wastewater injection.
  13. Oil can coat animals, block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, and introduce toxic substances into the environment.
  14. It’s the use of oil-eating microbes to break down and naturally degrade oil in contaminated environments.
  15. Pipelines are more efficient, cost-effective over time, and have lower emissions; though they come with environmental and political challenges.
  16. Answers will vary. Strong responses should consider economic dependence, energy needs, climate change, and potential for renewable alternatives.
  17. Offshore drilling uses platforms and carries higher spill risk in marine ecosystems. Onshore uses land rigs and may disrupt terrestrial habitats.
  18. Oil is used in making plastics, cosmetics, synthetic fabrics, fertilizers, and medicines.
  19. Environmental impact, potential spills, biodiversity, economic benefit, regulations, and indigenous rights.
  20. It may decrease demand for gasoline, leading to reduced oil use for transportation, though demand for petrochemical products may remain steady.

Computation

The Student Guide contains the Science of Oil – Computation activity.
Answer Key: Q1: Cadillac: (1) 2400/20 = 120 gallons; (2) 120 x 20 = 2400 lbs; Mini Cooper: (1) 2400/30 = 80 gallons; (2) 80 x 20 = 1600 lbs; Hyundai Hybrid: (1) 2400/50 = 48 gallons; (2) 48 x 20 = 960 lbs.
Q2: Cadillac: (1) 120 x 3 = $360; (2) 360/5 = $72; Mini Cooper: (1) 80 x 3 = $240; (2) 240/5 = $48; Hyundai Sonata: (1) 48 x 3 = $144; (2) 144/5 = $28.80.
Q3: (1) 4.88 x 3 = 14.64 gallons/person
Q4: (1) 2400 x 53 = 127,200 lbs; (2) 127,200/160 = 795 lbs/person.
Q5: (1) Hyundai Hybrid; (2) Mini Cooper; (3) Cadillac; (4) Plane.
Q6: Answers will vary.

Data Set

The Student Guide contains the Science of Oil – Data Set.
Answer Key: Question 1: (Answers will vary) Example: Development of new technologies such as fracking and horizontal drilling; government incentives to increase energy independence and security.
Question 2: Example: Increased greenhouse gas emissions and water and land pollution; answers will vary. Question 3: Answers will vary.
Question 4: (Answers will vary) Example: Focus on other energy sectors and technologies.
Question 5: (Answers will vary) Example: The Middle East produces the most oil, followed by North America. The other regions have some big hitters, but trail behind in comparison.