April 8, 2016

Workshop Energizes Teachers to Educate Students about Energy

In an effort to spark an interest among future scientists and engineers, ConocoPhillips yesterday hosted a full-day workshop to engage and inform local teachers about the science behind the energy industry.

Twenty-one area primary and secondary teachers from Beeville, Cuero, Floresville, Jourdanton, Karnes City, Kenedy, Pawnee, Pleasanton, Yoakum and Yorktown participated in the April 6 workshop, where they learned creative ways to incorporate energy into their classrooms. Hosted in collaboration with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, the workshop provided teachers with classroom materials that emphasize all forms of energy, energy efficiency and conservation. Each teacher received state-correlated curriculum guides and hands-on experiments that promote innovative thinking and encourage a dialogue about energy.

“Oil and natural gas will continue to play a critical part of our future, so we need the best and brightest students to keep it going,” said Randy Black, ConocoPhillips Manager of Eagle Ford Operations. “We’re proud to partner with NEED to cultivate an interest in science and energy among teachers so they can share their knowledge with students.”

“The NEED Project is pleased to have ConocoPhillips as a longstanding partner in energy education. Understanding energy is fundamental to making important energy decisions today and in the future,” said Mary Spruill, executive director of the NEED Project. “ConocoPhillips is committed to improving the teaching and learning of energy to engage students in explorations that may spark their interest in future energy careers.”

Since 2008, ConocoPhillips and NEED have provided teachers across the country with energy curriculum and training opportunities. To date, these efforts have reached 600,000 students. This year, ConocoPhillips will host 17 workshops.