Derricks to Desks

July 15-18, 2013.
A Petroleum Seminar for Teachers. 

Sponsored by the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and The American Petroleum Institute, San Joaquin Chapter (API).

Four of the largest oilfields in the U.S. are located right here in Kern County where over 155 million barrels of oil were produced in 2010 alone. This wide-scale production not only pumps dollars back into the Kern County economy but brings with it a wide assortment of technical experts in oil technology, geology, engineering, physics, computer science, economics and a host of related fields.

That is why the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), San Joaquin Chapter, are conducting “Derricks to Desks”, a seminar designed to give teachers a first-hand look at all aspects of the petroleum industry.  Offered in July, this four-day seminar is full of information, fast paced and FUN!

Teachers participate in seminars with industry experts and visit several local oil operations for a unique view of the industry.  Participants experience an in-depth look at all facets of the petroleum industry, from its colorful history to the technology involved in drilling a well, the sale of gasoline at the pump, environmental protection, careers, and alternative energy. Field trips include Occidental’s Elk Hills oil and gas field; the new 50-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant; Kern County Museum’s “Black Gold – the Oil Experience” exhibit; Chevron’s Brighthouse Solar Facility; and a Santa Barbara offshore excursion to view the second largest natural seeps of oil and gas in the world.  Additionally, one portion of the program focuses on lesson plans, projects, experiments and other ideas which may be integrated into classroom subjects at all grade levels.

Registration Information:

Class size is limited to a minimum of 25 people and a maximum of 40 people.  There is optional 3.0 quarter unit credit available from CSU Bakersfield.  Seminar fees are $75. The American Petroleum Institute, Coastal Chapter gives three full teacher grants covering registration, hotel, gas and food.

To inquire about the API teacher grants please contact:
Bonnie J. Walters at the California Oil Museum. Email: waltersrrt@roadrunner.com 

For more information or to register for the Derricks to Desks Teachers Seminar contact:
Sherlee Bailey at the Western States Petroleum Association (661)321-0884 ext. 2; email: sherlee@wspa.org.