Inside Education’s
2011 Oil Sands Innovations Professional Development Program November 2-3, 2011
Summary Report
Inside Education Invites you to explore the many successes of our recent energy education program Page 1
An Overview
Highlights
Page 2
The Program & Participants
• 44 Participants and a record number of
Page 3
Partnership & Support
program applicants, with estimated reach of
Page 3
Energy Education in the News
3700 students
Page 4
Evaluation & Testimonials
• Visiting Devon & Cenovus SAGD sites
Page 6
Summary & Futures
• Touring CanMet Energy Laboratory
Page 7
Appendix A - Detailed Program
• Television News Coverage
Page 8
Appendix B - Participant List
• Exemplary Program Feedback
An Overview Inside Education has a long history of offering high quality professional development programming to support energy education in Alberta classrooms; and the 2011 Oil Sands Innovations Program stands out as one of our most successful programs to date.
Participants prepare for their journey to northeast Alberta to explore in-situ oil sands development
The 2011 Oil Sands Innovation Program was designed to highlight how innovation and science are at the forefront of this fast paced highly technological industry and can serve to link discussions on oil sands, the environment, economy and society. Using the theme of innovation we were able to convey both the challenges and opportunities created with ongoing development and how science and technology are shaping Alberta’s oil sands.
sands deposits, however many Albertans have a limited understanding of this technology. This program strived to enhance participant understanding of in-situ development, specifically Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD)and provide insight into cutting edge research that will influence how oil sands development is occurring now and into the future.
Alberta is dependent upon the oil In-situ techniques are commonly used sands and there is much rhetoric to recover bitumen from deep oil Inside Education's 2011 Oil Sands Innovations Summary Report
filling our televisions, newspapers, inboxes and even our classrooms. Schools are avenues where current, accurate and meaningful discussions on energy development can take place and the facilitators in these discussions are classroom teachers. Professional development programs such as the 2011 Oil Sands Innovations Program give teachers a first hand, on-the-ground experience which they can share with their students.
44 participants from across the province had the unique opportunity to visit two SAGD sites in Northeast Alberta, tour CANMET labs oil sands research centre, meet with key stakeholders and discover how to take all this learning back to their classrooms, enlightening the future decision-makers and stewards of Alberta.
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The Program This professional development program, as with all Inside Education programming, provides a well-rounded discussion of current topics related to natural resources and the environment. This program was designed to cover a wide variety of topics and perspectives including:
• • • • • • •
The science and the process of oil sands production In-situ bitumen recovery and SAGD technology In-situ development and groundwater Alberta government management of oil sands Alberta’s energy economy and energy security Oil sands education in the classroom – multiple perspectives and multiple learning styles Current research, technology and innovation
A detailed program agenda can be found in Appendix A.
Barbra Korol, Alberta Energy, explains how energy development is linked to our society and economy.
Participants on board the plane to Conklin, Alberta
A group of teachers on a one-of -a-kind tour of the Devon Jackfish 2 facility
The 2011 oil sands program attracted Inside Educations highest number of applicants for a single professional development Testimonials program with over 100 teachers submitting an application to attend. This overwhelming demand not only indicates the need and value for this type of programming but motivated Inside Education to adjust the program to allow for a greater number of participants. In total 44 participants were selected from the high quality applications; participants were selected to represent a wide range of teachers with various teaching backgrounds, geographic locations and thoughtful applications. A full list of participants can be found in Appendix B.
A behind the scenes look at innovation with researchers from the CANMET Energy Labs
2011 OIl Sands Innovations Summary Report
Julia Ko, Water Matters, highlights some of their concerns related to in-situ development and groundwater use and contamination
Teachers put their heads together participating in activities that they can take back to their classrooms 2
Partnership & Support Inside Education is proud to recognize the following partnerships that help make the 2011 Oil Sands Innovation Tour a success.
Cenovus Devon Statoil GOVAB CAPP SEPAC Canadian Natural Participants were made aware of these partnerships throughout the program and specifically during the introduction, participant package, signage, and during the closing discussion. In addition to the financial support provided, Inside Education acknowledges the in-kind support provided by all of our guests and tour hosts, this commitment of time and expertise contributed a dynamic and successful program. Energy Education in the News Inside Education was pleased to welcome several media on the program including a televised interview with Inside Education program staff and participants. These stories showcase interest in and value of oil sands education in Alberta. Shaw TV Edmonton – Oil Sands Education , November 7, 2011 La Nouvelle Beaumont News – Local Teacher gets schooled during oil sands adventure, November 10, 2011 The Grover Examiner – Area teachers get educational tour of the oil sands, November 17, 2011
Inside Education and the oil sands program are featured on Shaw TV.
2011 OIl Sands Innovations Summary Report
Print and online media coverage of the 2011 oil sands program
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Evaluation Inside Education strives to continually evaluate and improve our education programming, with this, we conduct a formal survey following the program in addition to the anecdotal feedback we receive in the form of testimonials during the program itself. The exemplary results below demonstrate success in achieving program goals and the value of this and future professional development programs.
This education tour increased my understanding of the science, technology and innovations that shape oil sands development in Alberta 5%
This experience will enhance my teaching and help me provide high quality oil sands education for my students
21%
Strongly Agree
Strongly Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Disagree
Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
79%
Strongly Disagree
95%
Participants were asked to identify the average number of students that they expect to share their knowledge and experience with over the next year and results indicated a reach of approximately 3700 students!
This education tour exposed me to people, places and perspectives that I would not have otherwise experienced
This edcuation tour increased my appreciation for the complex relationship between in-situ development and the environment
10% Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree 90%
Strongly Agree 100%
Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
100% of respondents agree that the 2011 Oil Sands Innovation Tour was enjoyable, educational, and a high quality professional development opportunity and would recommend an Inside Education professional development program to their to their colleagues.
2011 OIl Sands Innovation Summary Report
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Testimonials “I really enjoyed the field experiences - they were invaluable! To actually get our and see & explore facilities in this industry made learning fun and memorable” - Mike Paustian, Namao School, Namao “One of the best learning experiences! The tour provided ideas for promoting a healthy understanding between the environment and resources that exist in alberta. All the more reason to educate students for a better future.” Vijen Vijendren St.Theresa School, Wabasca “What a privilege to be a part of this program. I will definitely share this experience with colleagues, students and family - Sharon Fisher, Dunluce School, Edmonton “Excellent program. My experience has led to many discussions - the balance of viewpoints presented was the best part, being able to see behind the numbers and what the issues are. Appreciate your time and energy and the support given to you by industry and other groups and have sent my appreciation to many of them. Thank you!” Roger Moore, NAIT, Edmonton “This whole experience was amazing!!! It certainly gave me the knowledge base I lacked in terms of the oil sands. To put the whole trip in perspective - I am still totally in awe of the experience and what I learned - I could not have learned as much from reading a book.....I wake up every day feeling connected to the experience. WOW and THANK YOU!!!” - Anonymous Thank you for this wonderful opportunity! The oil sands education tour provided a vast wealth of knowledge and varying perspectives. As Albertans it is so important that we educate ourselves and our students about our natural resources. All your hard work, dedication and commitment to continuing education is nothing less than outstanding” - Angela Johnstone, Hugh Sutherland School, Carstairs
Summary & Futures The 2011 Oil Sands Innovations program was an enormous success thanks to the support and commitment from our partners, and the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by educators from across the province. The excellent feedback and survey results indicate that our professional development programs offer a unique learning experience that will ultimately benefit today’s students – our future decision-makers and stewards. Inside Education is encouraged to see a growing demand for our high quality programs and will continue to provide support educators through upcoming professional development programs, classroom resources and student programs. Inside Education is committed to meeting the growing demand in Alberta and the rest of Canada for high quality oil sands education, with this Inside Education is planning for a 2012 National Oil Sands Institute. This professional development program will bring over 40 teachers from across the country together to explore oil sands topics related to both mining and in-situ development. Once again many thanks to our program partners and dedicated teachers who participated in the program. We look forward to your ongoing support and working with you to enhance energy in Alberta and beyond. For further information about this program and all Inside Education programs and services contact: Steve McIsaac, Executive Director Inside Education p/ 780-421-1497 e/ smcisaac@insideeducation.ca www.insideeducation.ca 2011 Oil Sands Innovations Summary Report
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Appendix A - Detailed Program
Oil Sands Innovation Tour November 2-3, 2011 Wednesday November 2nd Introduction / Welcome - Inside Education Alberta’s Oil Sands 101 Presenter: Jason Toner, Inside Education A rapid-fire look at Alberta’s oil sands, this fast paced ‘prezi’ will introduce participants to the key knowledge, and terminology to prepare them for the coming two days of learning. The Economy of Oil Sands- Why are they so valuable? Presenter: Barbra Korol, Alberta Energy Why are the oil sands so important to Alberta, Canada, and the world? Barbra will highlight the role oil sands play in our economy, our society, and in our energy security. Environmental Management of Alberta’s Oil Sands- Where are we now? Presenter: Andrew Buffin, Alberta Environment and Water Much is said about the environmental concerns around oil sands developments. But, what are the ground rules that industry must adhere to when planning and implementing development within Alberta? What is the status of some of the environmental mitigation efforts from the Province’s perspective? Andrew will highlight these important questions to provide some perspective on these issues. Charter Flight departs for Conklin (Leismer) airstrip Afternoon tour of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Facilities When someone pictures oil sands developments, most envision open pit mines and large trucks. A surprising few appreciate that much of Alberta’s oil sands are, in fact, too deep to mine from the surface. These reserves are recovered in place, or in situ, through technology such as Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage. What is SAGD? How Summary & Futures does it differ from mining? Participants will find out with a rare glimpse into two of Alberta’s leading SAGD facilities near Conklin Alberta. Group A (Oil Group) Tour of Devon Energy Jackfish 2 Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Project Host: Stacia Green, Devon Energy Corporation Group B (Sand Group) Tour: Cenovus Energy Christina Lake Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Project Host: Rita Erven, Cenovus Energy Thursday November 3rd Oil Sands Education Facilitator: Kathryn Wagner, and, Jason Toner, Inside Education This workshop will take our focus back to the classroom and provide quick lesson ideas and teaching resources that will better arm you to engage your students in meaningful oil sands education. Oil Sands and Groundwater Presenter: Julia Ko, Water Matters Out of site should not be out of mind, particularly when it comes to groundwater. Co-author of a recent report that highlights the need better understand the relationship between groundwater and in situ operations, Julia will discuss this relationship and her recommendations for improving groundwater management, assessment and monitoring in the oil sands region.
Tour: Energy Discovery Centre Look around and discover the interesting exhibits housed in this first class learning centre that provides both an historical perspective of Alberta’s petroleum resources as well as some insight into other energy sources found in the province. Tour: CanmetENERGY Research Facility– Innovation in Action Host: Kim Kasperski, Natural Resources Canada Put on a lab coat, and get into the science, innovative research and thinking that is needed to help make oil sands development more sustainable. The CanmetENERGY research facility will provide a glimpse into the future of oil sands. 3:30 pm Bringing it all together- What did we learn? Facilitators: Inside Education In this wrap-up discussion, participants will take some time to discuss with their colleagues what they have experienced while also considering key questions that will help them to continue their own oil sands education and that of their students. Wrap – up & Thank you!!
Partners:
Appendix B - Participant List Name
School
City/Town
Pam Arnason Margot Baril Cooke
Spruce Grove Composite High School
Spruce Grove
Al Borkent
W.P Wagner High School F. R. Haythorne Junior High
Edmonton Sherwood Park
Randy Bouwers
Sherwood Heights Jr. High
Sherwood Park
Susan Campbell
Hughenden Public School
Hughenden
Katherine Campbell
Wainwright High School
Wainwright
David Cook
Bev Facey High School
Sherwood Park
Gary De Leeuw
Louis Riel Science School
Calgary
Mike Degenhardt
McNally High School
Edmonton
Nicole Eisenkrein
Namao School
Namao
Sharon Fisher
Dunluce School
Edmonton
Salvador Galdamez
John Paul 1 School
Edmonton
Floyd Hann
La Crete Public School
La Crete
Vincent Isaac
St. Teresa
Edmonton
Laurie Johnson Marcy Johnston-Southworth
Hardisty School
Edmonton
Angela Johnstone
Ecole Broxton Park Hugh Sutherland School
Spruce Grove Carstairs
Sherry Kuefler
W.P Wagner High School
Edmonton
Colin Lacey
Kate Chegwin Junior High
Edmonton
Morgan Laird
Bentley School
Bentley
Nicole Lespérance
École Beau Meadow School
Beaumont
Patti MacPhee
Louis Riel Elementary/Junior High School
Calgary
Rafaela Marques
Not Applicable
Red Deer
Marie Meeres
Notre Dame High School
Red Deer
Roger Moore
NorQuest College
Edmonton
Marci Nemetz
Big Valley School
Big Valley
Glenn Newby
John Barnett
Edmonton
Mike Paustian
Namao School
Namao
Jennifer Poon
Keephills School/Parkland School Division
Keephills School
Kevin Przyswitt
McNally High School
Edmonton
Marcella Rhein
Spruce Grove High School
Spruce Grove
Sue Robertson
Tuscany School
Calgary
Sandi Saunders
Calmar Elementary School
Calmar
Renee Shevalier-Lavin
Annunciation Elementary
Edmonton
Karishma Singh
Headway school
Edmonton
Julie Soares
École St. Martha School
Calgary
Allyson Souster
F. R. Haythorne Junior High School
Sherwood Park
Donna Tyler
Hugh Sutherland School
Carstairs
Mike Tyler
Woodman School
Calgary
Arthur Verhoef
Calvin Christian School
Coalhurst
Vijen Vijendren
St. Theresa Elementary School
Wabasca
Ann Young
Dixonville School
Dixonville
Lynne Zwicker
John Paul II Catholic High School
Fort Saskatchewan
2011 Oil Sands Innovations Summary Report
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