Dozens of Moore teachers knew they would spend a day learning some skills, but they may not have realized they would also leave an energy workshop outfitted with all the supplies needed for several years’ worth of teaching materials — and it didn’t cost them a thing.

The teachers recently attended an energy workshop hosted by the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. The workshop focused on the OERB’s core classroom curricula. The hands-on programs help educators teach students about the petroleum industry through reading, science experiments and math projects. The curricula include a Fossils to Fuel program for elementary students; a Petro Active program for middle schools students; and CORE Energy, a novel energy education curriculum for students in nine through 12 grades.

“We looked at research that showed textbooks didn’t provide the in-depth information about the oil and natural gas industry that Oklahoma students really need,” said OERB Education Director Landi Thompson. “Because oil and natural gas is so prominent in this state, we really wanted to fill that information gap and provide teachers the material they need in the classroom.”

The Moore teachers each chose a focus of learning for the Nov. 15 workshop based upon the grade level they teach. C. Annette Huett teaches fifth grade science and math at Kelley Elementary.

“The OERB has taken the time to make sure that these activities are classroom friendly and include PASS skills,” said Huett. “The best part is that they supply all of the needed materials so nothing comes out of my pocket.”

“Because our programs do meet those PASS standards, our teachers leave knowing they really are getting a valuable tool they can use in their classrooms,” said Thompson.

Kate Shannon teaches physical science, astronomy and meteorology at Southmoore High School. She focused her workshop learning on the CORE Energy Science curriculum and knows what she teaches her kids in class today, will stick with them later in life.

“The application of physics and chemistry concepts to the oil and gas industry will help students retain the information longer,” said Shannon. “It is something they can connect to. Knowing how fuel is collected, refined and remediated is something they can use their whole life.”

Other educators in attendance that day said the activities included in the curricula are creative and enjoyable.

“It’s just plain motivation and they will want to learn,” Plaza Towers fourth grade teacher Cheryl Littlejohn, said.

Other Moore teachers in attendance were:

Dianna Austin, Westmoore High School, CORE energy science; Jeffrey Baughman II, Westmoore High School, petro active; Mary Jane Chiles, Moore High School, CORE energy language arts; Charity Dressler, Southmoore High School, CORE energy math; Victoria Echols, Moore West Junior High School, petro active; Lisa Garrison, Fairview Elementary, fossils to fuel; Barbie Gomez, Kelley Elementary, fossils to fuel 2; Donna M. Haworth, Moore West Junior High, petro active; Joy Hayes, Moore Public Schools, CORE energy science; Cherri Henry, Bryant Elementary, fossils to fuel; James Henson, Highland West Junior High School, petro active; Katherine Holzheuser, Moore Public Schools, CORE energy language arts; Scott Hunter, Brink Junior High, petro active; Mindy Lingo, Southmoore High School, CORE energy science; Kristy Moore, Bryant Elementary, fossils to fuel; Lori Newmark, Bryant Elementary, fossils to fuel; Diane Portillo, Kelley Elementary, fossils to fuel; Michelle Shelton, Highland East Junior High, CORE energy math; Jessica Swagerty, VISTA Academy, CORE energy language arts; Bryan Thomas, Sky Ranch Elementary, fossils to fuel; Andrew Twichell, Westmoore High School, CORE energy social studies and Amy Watkins, Westmoore High School, CORE energy social studies.

A calendar of upcoming 2009 workshops can be found on the OERB Web site.

After each class completes the curriculum, they will receive a free field trip from the OERB to various museums with energy exhibits. The kit of materials, training and teacher’s guide are provided free. School districts also receive substitute reimbursements.

The OERB also provides scholarships for college students; a safety video; partnerships with museums statewide; and Petro Pros in-class presentation program.