April was a busy month for energy education in the Lone Star State. From hosting teacher workshops to inspiring students to explore oil and gas careers to recognizing extraordinary math teachers, our company’s efforts made an impact in schools across the state.
Spurring interest in oil and gas careers
The month-long events kicked off April 1 with Spurring Energy Education Day, where 1,000 middle and high school students spent the day peering at rocks through microscopes, learning about hydraulic fracturing and trying on oilfield protective clothing.
Hosted by the South Texas Energy & Economic Roundtable, the event highlighted science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM – careers. ConocoPhillips employees took an interactive approach to help students understand groundwater protection and water recycling efforts. Pete Spicer, senior environmental advisor, portrayed “Dr. Drip” while Jeff Murray, Eagle Ford water management lead, played the sidekick “Dr. Spurt” to explain how we safely use and protect water when producing oil and gas.
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Fulfilling a need among teachers
On April 6, more than 20 teachers learned creative ways to incorporate energy into their classrooms at our workshop in Kenedy, Texas. Hosted in collaboration with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, the workshop provided teachers with classroom materials that emphasize all energy forms, efficiency and conservation. Teachers received state-correlated curriculum guides and experiments to promote innovative thinking and encourage a dialogue about energy.
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“The feedback from the teachers was wonderful,” said Glynis Strause, Eagle Ford stakeholder relations advisor. “They were pleased with the materials and excited to share the information and activities with their students.”
ConocoPhillips hosted another NEED workshop in Dumas, Texas the following week, marking the fourth of 17 workshops planned across the country this year.
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Promoting diversity in STEM careers
In mid-April, we continued our eight-year support of the Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) with an $80,000 contribution. TAME encourages women and minority students to pursue STEM careers through innovative, hands-on science programming for K-12 students across Texas.
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Honoring math teachers
We wrapped up the month by honoring six Houston teachers who help students excel in math through the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month program. Each month during the baseball regular season, one winning teacher will be recognized during a Houston Astros home game.
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“Math proficiency is key to a student’s academic and career success, and we understand the critical role teachers play in students’ mathematical achievement in the classroom,” said Ellen DeSanctis, vice president of Investor Relations and Communications. “That’s why we are pleased to honor Houston-area teachers who help inspire students to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.”
