FRACKING

AN INTERDISCIPLINARY UNIT PLAN

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING :
SO WHAT IS FRACKING?

Fracking is the process of drilling down

into the earth then releasing a high
pressure water mixture deep into the
ground and rock to release gases.

Water, sand and chemicals are injected

into the rock at high pressure which
allows the gas to flow out to the head of
the well.

Natural gas unlocked by from fracking

is a clean and an abundant energy
source that complements renewable
energy on the days when the sun
doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow.
FRACKING EXPLAINED IN 45 SECONDS:
WHY DO WE USE HYDRAULIC FRACKING?
It also allows for the recovery of oil and natural
gas
from formations that geologists once believed
were impossible to produce.

Tapping into natural gas reserves that were

previously stuck in tight rock formations and
unavailable.

Up to 95 percent of natural gas wells

drilled in the next decade will require hydraulic
fracturing.
EFFECTS OF FRACKING ON THE ENVIRONMENT:

Methane emissions, air emissions, water

contamination, and noise pollution

Water and air pollution are the biggest risks to

human health from hydraulic fracturing

Excessive water usage

Governments worldwide are developing regulatory

frameworks to assess and manage environmental
and associated health risks

Some opponents claim that regulations may not

help
WHAT ARE STAKEHOLDERS?
A person with an interest or
concern in something, especially
a business.

OR

Someone with an invested

interest in the outcomes of an
event.

Who are some stakeholders at

your school?
 EXAMPLE OF STAKEHOLDERS:
Should School District 68 (Nanaimo/Ladysmith) have year-round schooling?
STUDENT:
We want summers for family vacations
Our sports are scheduled during the
school year.. who would we play
against from other districts?
Students are used to the this routine
and have other engagements that are
planned around summer breaks
TEACHER:
We need students continuously
engaged- Studies have shown greater
academic achievement
The year is more evenly broken up and
gives teachers more time to prepare
Scheduling adjustments are easier for
parents as they already will be working
through the summer months
DISCUSSION FORMAT:
Move to your stakeholder table
Read/view the primary and secondary sources
Discuss your stakeholders perspective with your group
o Do your stakeholders feel that fracking is justified?
o How did your stakeholder participate? What did they
experience?
o What side is your stakeholder supporting?
Elect a group leader (or leaders) to present & argue your
stakeholders perspectives to the other groups
o 90 seconds max
o questions are encouraged!
Take notes & complete worksheet on other stakeholder
perspectives during their presentations