The Oil Boom In Oklahoma

Improved Essays
1. Title of the Lesson: The Oil Boom in Oklahoma

2. Instructional Unit: Oklahoma After World War II

3. Target Audience (Course & Grade Level): Oklahoma History/ 9th Grade

4. Time Requirement/Duration of lesson: 2 Class days/ 60-minute class times.

5. Introduction or Rationale (Significance) of the lesson:
During the lesson students will be introduced to the economic impact of fossil fuels, the development of Tulsa as the “Oil Capital of the World”, oil reserves (Anadarko Basin), and how oil speculation and drilling works. I am teaching this lesson as a key piece of Oklahoma history after 1950’s to present, with emphasis on the fossil fuel economy. The first teaching method that I chose was direct instruction for day 1; day 2 includes
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Students should know that Native Americans had used and been in contact with surface level oil. Furthermore, Native Americans used oil for medicinal purposes. The students have the common knowledge that Oklahoma was settled by Native Americans before Americans relocated the Five “Civilized” Tribes into what would become Indian Territory. Also, that Indian Territory was rapidly encroached by Americans seeking land. Pressure from settlers forced the United States to open up Indian Territory for more expansive settling by Americans, the land runs. The influx of population led to Oklahoma Territory to join with Indian Territory to become a State in 1907. It is in this climate of hopeful settlers and subdued Indian tribes that the Oil Boom would occur. Although some students will have gaps in the basic knowledge of Oklahoma history, it is important to give a broad review of key aspects of the beginning of the rise of oil and natural gas of the 20th and 21st century. This is to include the rise in the demand of oil during World War I and increasing exploration in the supply of oil and natural gas throughout Oklahoma. Additionally, oil and natural gas are the biggest industry in Oklahoma, which includes the refinement and production of petroleum products that are not just gasoline or diesel fuel. Students will be allowed to ask questions throughout the lecture. Questions that students might ask include: What are fossil fuels? Why do fossil fuels matter to me? How does the development of fossil fuels impact Oklahoma? Why is Oklahoma’s economy dependent on oil and gas? I will inform them that oil and natural gas are the cornerstone to the Oklahoman economy, despite the fluctuations of boom and bust periods; yet the industry continues to adapt over time to stay competitive. Also, that this

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