Petroleum Geologist
A WebQuest for Careers in Earth Science: Petroleum Geologist
Introduction
Petroleum remains one of our most important natural energy resources today. Most
automobiles still run on petroleum-based gasoline, and petroleum-based fertilizers are a
fundamental part of modern agriculture. Petroleum geologists address all aspects of
locating and extracting this natural energy resource. In this WebQuest, you will learn
more about what petroleum geologists do and their educational requirements. Then, you
will create a pamphlet that communicates your findings.
Task
You work for a large oil drilling corporation. You have been asked to create a petroleum
geologist career pamphlet to be used by the community college in your area. The
pamphlet will be use to guide students as they make choices in determining their major
courses of study that will eventually lead to careers.
Process
Use the Internet to conduct your research. The following questions will help guide your
research. Remember to record your answers.
1. Where do petroleum geologists work?
2. What are the typical working conditions for petroleum geologists?
3. What should one do to prepare for a career as a petroleum geologist?
4. What is the employment outlook for petroleum geologists?
5. What are the salaries of typical petroleum geologists?
Pamphlet
Once you have completed your research, create a petroleum geologist career pamphlet.
Your pamphlet should be informative and accurate; it should address all of the points
listed above. It should also be well-organized, engaging, and of professional-looking
quality.
Resources
Be sure to use accurate, reliable resources. You will find helpful sites hosted by
professional organizations, by educational institutions, by news organizations, and by
federal and state agencies. Be careful to critically evaluate the information you collect
and to cross-reference information whenever possible.
Evaluation
Read this rubric to see how you will be scored on this activity.
Task
0
The task
was not
completed.
Process
The process
was not
followed.
Pamphlet
The
pamphlet
was missing
key
information;
not all of the
points were
addressed.
Total Score
Criteria
5
It appears
that some
effort was
made to
complete the
task, but
major ideas
were
missing.
The process
was
followed,
but not all of
the points
were
addressed.
The
pamphlet
was
informative,
but it was
also
disorganized
and not
engaging.
Points
10
The task was
completed,
but some
information
was
incorrect.
15
The task was
completed with
great attention
to detail.
The process
was
followed,
but some of
the
information
gathered is
inaccurate.
The
pamphlet
was
informative,
but it was
either
disorganized
or not
engaging.
It was clear that
much research
went into the
project. All of
the points were
addressed in
thorough detail.
The pamphlet
was
informative,
well organized,
and engaging to
prospective
petroleum
geologists.