Introduction and Outline for Oil Sands Sustainability Project

Introduction and Outline for Oil Sands Sustainability Project

Grade 9 Students will have the opportunity to participate in a research-based inquiry project to study the Alberta Oil Sands. They will critically assess all aspects of the Oil Sands, and inquire the effects locally and globally.
The focus of the project is to integrate across all subject areas a significant portion of the mandated curriculum and apply that learning to our real world. The information on the following pages will provide a scaffold for the inquiry.
The Alberta Oil Sands affect the lives of Albertans in many ways including: economically, environmentally, politically, and scientifically. The Alberta Oil Sands are reserves of Oil located in Alberta. The Oil is not crude it is, a naturally occurring mixture of sand, clay or other minerals, water and bitumen, which is a heavy and extremely viscous oil that must be treated before it can be used by refineries to produce usable fuels such as gasoline and diesel. A variety of treatment methods are currently used by oil sands producers and these treatment methods are part of the reason for the controversy surrounding the Alberta Oil Sands. This is due to the fact that the treatment methods can be harmful to the environment, and scientists are always trying to find new treatment techniques. The revenue the Oil Sands bring in and the use of this money by the government are also reasons for controversy. Students will learn about all the issues surrounding the Alberta Oil Sands and created their own opinions based on the information.

This is a large and complex project. Time management is critical. The final Project will be due ________. There will be separate due dates for certain aspects of the project, there is a timeline checklist below so you and your son/ daughter can monitor their progress. Please help your son/ daughter by encouraging them to stay on top of due dates.
Please sign below to indicate that you are aware of this project. Do not hesitate to e-mail/ call if you have any questions.

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