“What the Frack?!” A Research Paper on Hydraulic Fracturing

For the past two days we have been discussing thermochemistry, specifically how energy is transformed from one thing to another. Ancient plants become fossil fuels that are used to power our cars, trucks, trains, and airplanes. Even nuclear reactions on the surface of the sun give energy to plants, which feed several animals including humans. It is safe to say that energy is a huge part of our lives. It is also a very controversial topic in our society. How can we get enough energy? How can we keep energy costs cheap? Is it safe to use certain types of energy? How long will our energy resources last? These are questions that have moved trillions of dollars over the years and led to numerous wars and other global conflicts over the years. Don’t believe me? Look up the terms OPEC, Sudan, Gulf War, or China and it won’t be long before you find proof that the debate over energy is a very expensive and often deadly discussion.

That being said, it is important for every global citizen to be aware of how they are affected by energy and how they can affect the use of energy around the world. Today we will be focusing on a particularly controversial issue in our world: hydraulic fracturing or “fracking”. You’ve probably heard the word sometime in the past couple of years, whether it be on the radio, television, internet, or even on billboard ads. The issue of fracking in Colorado is a particularly controversial issue being a big topic in the recent congressional elections and remains a particularly thorny issue to this day.

Rather than explain fracking to you directly, I want to give you the opportunity to make your own decisions without some adult telling you what to believe. Today you will search the internet, gather resources, and then write an essay to help you make your own decision on how you feel about fracking. We will then discuss the issue in class on Friday.

Your essay should answer the following questions (70 points):

1. What is hydraulic fracturing?2. Why is hydraulic fracturing a controversial issue today?3. What countries have allowed and what countries have banned hydraulic fracturing?4. What are three benefits to hydraulic fracturing?5. What are three disadvantages to hydraulic fracturing?6. Do you agree or disagree that hydraulic fracturing should be allowed and why or why not?

Your essay should also include at least the following references (30 points):

1. A newspaper article2. An academic articles (any website with “.edu” at the end)3. A government article (any website with “.gov” at the end)

Lastly, your paper should be at least 1 page in length, double spaced, with 1 inch margins on all sides. You should include your name and period in the header or footer. I will demonstrate how to do this in class along with some notation shortcuts. Essay should also include appropriate bibliography.