CE_TimeToDrill

CE5: Time to Drill

This exercise takes you to an online oil drilling simulation to learn more about the molecules we call petroleum and how we obtain them.

About The Science These statements are taken directly from the section called "About the Science", in the upper right corner of the website. Fill in the blanks with the word or phrase that has been left out.

1 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) Petroleum was formed long ago from the remains of ___________________ 2 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) When the remains of once-living things are buried for ___________________ under layers and layers of sediment, they begin to change. 3 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) They are converted into ___________________ which then is trapped in porous rock or fractured rock formations. 4 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) We can use ___________________ to explore the underground rock layers to determine where the petroleum may be locked deep underground. 5 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) A small explosion may be used to create the ___________________ which travel down through the rock layers and reflect back to the recording equipment. 6 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) Once the underground layers of rock and soil are mapped and a likely location for the oil is determined, a ___________________ is brought in and drilling can begin. 7 . Fill in the Blank - (Maximum Points: 1 ) ...the drill bit is a rotating apparatus that usually consists of two or three cones made up of the hardest of materials (usually ___________________ ) and sharp teeth that cut into the rock and sediment below. 8 . Multiple Select - (Maximum Points: 3 ) There are two main forces at work which the driller can control to effectively drill through the earth. Put a check mark next to both correct answers.
 * how fast the drill spins
 * the amount of force pushing down on the drill
 * the type of rock being drilled

Running the Simulation To run the simulation, first click on the orange "Continue" button at the bottom of the window. Then click on the "PLAY NOW" button.

1 . File Upload - (Maximum Points: 5 ) Choose Stage 1 and drill to your "Target Depth". When you succeed, upload a screenshot showing your "Drilling Report".

2 . File Upload - (Maximum Points: 5 ) Continue on to Stage 2. Yes, it is hard. Try several times until you succeed. Take a screenshot of the "Drilling Report" and upload it here. If work until the end of the period without succeeding, upload a picture of one of the challenges that slowed you down! If you are successful at Stage 2 compete with others in the class for higher scores.