Fossil fuels were forming before dinosaurs lived Oil was formed from the remains of sea plants and animals that lived millions of years ago – even before the dinosaurs! The sea plants and animals died and were buried on the ocean floor under layers and layers of mud (sand). Over millions of years, their remains were buried deeper and deeper. Enormous heat and pressure from these layers helped turn the dead sea plants and animals into oil and gas. That’s why oil and gas are called “fossil” fuels! Speaker notes: Oil was formed from the remains of sea plants and animals that lived millions of years ago – even before the dinosaurs! The sea plants and animals died and were buried on the ocean floor under layers and layers of mud (sand). Over millions of years, their remains were buried deeper and deeper. Enormous heat and pressure from these layers helped turn the dead sea plants and animals into oil and gas. That’s why oil and gas are called “fossil” fuels! Speaker notes: Even though fossil fuels were used thousands of years ago, mass consumption of oil and gas began only “recently.” Energy Timeline 3000 B.C. Mesopotamians used “rock oil” in architectural adhesives, ship caulks, medicines and roads 2000 B.C. Chinese refined crude oil for use in lamps and to heat their homes 1701 Coal discovered near Richmond, Va. Mid-1800s Kerosene replaced whale oil as lamp fuel. 1859 “Colonel” Edwin Drake drilled the first commercial well and discovers oil and natural gas near Titusville, Penn., 69 feet below the Earth’s surface. 1882 First coal-fired electric generating station began operating in New York City to supply electricity for household lights. Pre-1885 Wood was the primary source for cooking, warmth, light, trains and steamboats. 1890 Cars were mass produced, creating gasoline demand. 1910 Most rural homes still heated with wood. In towns, coal was displacing wood in homes. 1940s –1960s A massive expansion of the U.S. pipeline network began, which led to rapid growth of natural gas markets. Today, this interstate pipeline network, laid end-to-end, would stretch almost 12 times around the earth. 1950 – present Oil became most-used energy source because of automobiles. 1957 The first commercial nuclear power plant began operating. 1993 – present The U.S. imported more oil and refined products from other countries than it produced. More and more imports have been needed because of growing petroleum demand and declining U.S. production. 2001 Of every 10 barrels of petroleum consumed in the United States, more than 4 barrels were consumed in the form of gasoline. Transportation needs accounted for two-thirds of all petroleum used in the United States. 2007 World uses about 86 million barrels of oil per day – 40,000 gallons every second

Where Do Oil and Gas Come From? Oil drops in grains of sand Gas Oil Water Source Rock (Fossils) Speaker notes: Oil and gas aren’t found in a big underground lake! Engineers drill down through layers of sand and rock to reach the rock formations that contain oil and gas. Exercise: Put glass beads or marbles into a clear glass. Ask students if the beaker is full. Pour water into the glass to cover the beads or marbles. Point out that the space between the beads/marbles (or rocks) is where oil and gas are found. Microscopic View Oil and gas aren’t found in a big underground lake! Engineers drill down through layers of sand and rock to reach the rock formations that contain oil and gas.

Oil and Gas Are Found On Land and under Water

What Products are Made with Petroleum? MP3 Players Pantyhose Patio Screens Perfumes Photographic Film Photographs Piano Keys Roller Blades Roofing Shampoo Shaving Cream Soft Contact Lenses Surfboards Telephones Tents Toothpaste Toys Umbrellas Artificial Hearts Aspirin Balloons Bandages Blenders Cameras Candles CD Players Clothing Compact Discs/DVDs Computers Containers Crayons Credit Cards Dentures Deodorant Digital Clocks Dyes Fertilizers Food Preservatives Footballs Furniture Garbage Bags Glasses Glue Golf Balls Hair Dryers Hang Gliders House Paint Ink Insecticides Life Jackets Lipstick Luggage Medical Equipment Medicines The speaker can set the scene. Ask the students to point out additional items that are made from petroleum products that they use every day.

We are using fossil fuels (coal, oil & gas) faster than they can be replaced. Burning fossil fuels for energy also pollutes our atmosphere. Many people are concerned about the greenhouse effect and climate change. Scientists and other inventors are working hard to find ways that we can use other sources of energy, and stop using so much fossil fuel.