Mining For Oil

In class, we were given an assignment where we were instructed to create a map. The map we were told to create showed locations that contained oil. Once we had prepared our maps, we were placed into small groups. In our groups, we would agree on five drilling locations. Also, we received a drill bit. The drill bit was a stick with a needle on the end which was marked by the centimeter. Next, we recieved a paper which listed "rules" for the mining experiment. A few of these rules were that if we broke our drill bit, it would cost our "company" $1,000,000.00 to replace, and our company was given an intial amount of 2.5 million dollars. If we went over that budget while mining, whatever the reason, we could petition our company for one million dollars extra. If we then went over that amount, the company went bankrupt. It also cost a certain amount of money for every centimeter we drilled.

In my group, we eventually wound up going bankrupt. We never struck oil, therefore we never actually made any money. Our locatinos were incorrect, and I believe that is why we were unable to find oil. From this experience, I learned that the business of oil mining is very expensive. Also, I learned that oil is growing very scarce around the world and it is a non-renewable resource. We as the Earth's inhabitants need to cut down on our oil usage because once it's gone; it's gone. Oil takes millions upon millions of years to form and there will be no more, not in our lifetime at least. Oil takes a very long time to form and there is also no other way to make it. Even if scientists know what oil is made up of, there is still no way to create more manually. It can only be made naturally, and as previously stated, that takes an unfathomably long amount of time to do. Also, oil is a very important part of our environment. Most people count on oil to keep things in their life running. Some stoves, fireplaces, and other household appliences rely on oil to run daily. Cars are actually the number one reason for the oil shortage on our planet.

One way to help conserve oil would be to only own one or two cars per family. Car-pooling is also a great way to help conserve our oil.