1. The Story of… OIL ! Taylor Ebron & Troy Dorch Per. 3 September 27 th

2. A little fun fact… Did you know that Petroleum is derived from Greek (petra – rock and oleum – oil)? Did you know that artificial grape flavoring, chewing gum, toothpaste and deodorant all contain petroleum? *A longer list will come soon

3. History No one knows how oil was originally created or found, but it is widely believed that it has been used for over 5,000 years. First China, than Persia were the first two countries to use unrefined oil for light, to keep fires ablaze and in warfare. An early petroleum industry was established in the 8 th century, when the streets of Baghdad were paved with tar. The first large oil refinery opened in 1856 in Romania. The first oil drilling in the United States began in 1859, when oil was successfully drilled in Titusville, Pennsylvania. In the first quarter of the 20th century, the United States overtook Russia as the world's largest oil producer. After World War II ended, the countries of the Middle East took the lead in oil production from the United States.

4. Where and How? Oil was formed from the remains of animals and plants that lived millions of years ago in marine environments before the dinosaurs. Over millions of years, the remains of these animals and plants were covered by layers of sand and silt. Heat and pressure from these layers helped the remains turn into what is now called crude oil. The search for oil is carried out by geologists. Scientists and engineers explore a chosen area by studying rock samples from the earth. Measurements are taken, and, if the site seems promising, drilling begins It is usually found trapped in a layer of porous sandstone beneath a non porous-rock like limestone or it is found in a fault in the earths crust.

5. Environmental and Cultural Repercussions Offshore exploration and extraction of oil disturbs the surrounding marine environment. Extraction may involve dredging, which stirs up the seabed, killing the sea plants that marine creatures need to survive. Occasionally the oil spills into rivers and oceans killing all living things in the area, damaging the economic structure. Burning oil releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is thought to contribute to global warming

6. Here’s a fun little list of products containing petroleum and petrol by-products :) Crayons, Plastic Bottles, Aspirin, Hair Dye, Toothbrushes, Tape, Polyester, Soap, Lipstick, Eyeglasses, Rugs, Life Jackets, Cups, Bandages, Refrigerators, Umbrellas, Tennis Rackets, Insect Repellent, Pens, Boats, Shoes, Footballs, Toilet Seats, Basketballs, Ice Cube Trays, Paint Brushes, Paint, Mops, Trash Bags, CD’s, DVD’s, Cars, Cameras, Telephones, Shower Curtains, Curlers, Turf, Pillows, Balloons, Shampoo, Ropes, Combs, Dentures, Lotion, Luggage, Nail Polish, Perfumes, Contact Lenses, Yarn, Candles, Bras, Pipes, TV Cabinets, Medicine, Tires, Fertilizers, Beads, Tights, Zippers, Bracelets, Flip Flops, Ribbons, Earrings, Shoe Laces, Computers, Erasers, Markers, Mattresses, Puzzles, Darts, Frisbees, Ear Plugs, Knitting Needles, Kites, Earphones, Cards, Photographs, Goggles, Whistles, Tents, Monkey Bars, Baby Oil, Pacifiers, Dolls, Q-Tips, Inhalers, Gloves, ChapStick, Syringes, Cough Syrup, Utensils, Sponges, Straws, Mascara…

7. Government Regarding the oil spill, the US government “remained committed ‘to doing everything possible to make sure the Gulf Coast recovers from this disaster.’” On Sept. 19 th, BP released a statement saying the well is officially “dead” and the cement they used to stop the flow is very secure and effective.

8. What can we do? Renewable energy source alternatives do exist, although the degree to which they can replace petroleum and the possible environmental damage they may cause are uncertain and controversial. Sun, wind, geothermal, and other renewable electricity sources cannot directly replace petroleum for transportation use; instead automobiles and other equipment must be altered. Reformulated Fuels: Because a lot of air pollution comes from cars and trucks, many environmental laws have been aimed at changing the make-up of gasoline and diesel fuel so that they produce fewer emissions. These "reformulated fuels" are much cleaner-burning than gasoline and diesel fuel were in 1990.

9. citations Wikipedia.com Google.com www.bydesign.com/fossilfuels/links/html/oil/oil_history.html http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=oil_home-basics http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/petroleum/environmental-effects.html http://www.ecologycenter.org/erc/petroleum/world.html http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/us/20well.html

10. FIN