OPEC Webquest - adapted from the Council for Economic Education
Directions: Read the instructions for each step and follow them carefully. If you have any questions, please raise your hand. You have the option to work with a partner or on your own. If you choose to work with a partner, you must each complete your own webquest answer sheet.
Step 1: Determine the difference between crude oil and refined oil? How is refined oil used? Answer the question on the back of your sheet.
Step 2: Research the answer to each question on your letter using the following sites.
Question 1 and 2: Resource
Question 3: (make sure you click on "yearly") Resource
Question 4 and 5: Resource
Read these resources after you have completed questions 1-5:
Click here and here and here.
Step 3: Answer the following questions on the back of your letter using the OPEC website:
Step 4: When you have completed your research, see me for your letter template. Use it to synthesize your findings in a letter to the president. But wait, there's more....(read this in your best infomercial voice! :) BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR LETTER, read one last article for consideration: The Hummer is Back. Thank Falling Oil Prices.
You may work at your own pace to answer these questions.
THEN, you may select one of the following enrichment options:
Step 1: Determine the difference between crude oil and refined oil? How is refined oil used? Answer the question on the back of your sheet.
Step 2: Research the answer to each question on your letter using the following sites.
Question 1 and 2: Resource
Question 3: (make sure you click on "yearly") Resource
Question 4 and 5: Resource
Read these resources after you have completed questions 1-5:
Click here and here and here.
Step 3: Answer the following questions on the back of your letter using the OPEC website:
- What percentage of the world's oil is held by OPEC nations?
- What percentage of the world's oil is possessed by Saudi Arabia?
- What percentage of the world's oil is possessed by Iran?
- What percentage of the world's oil is possessed by Iraq?
Step 4: When you have completed your research, see me for your letter template. Use it to synthesize your findings in a letter to the president. But wait, there's more....(read this in your best infomercial voice! :) BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR LETTER, read one last article for consideration: The Hummer is Back. Thank Falling Oil Prices.
You may work at your own pace to answer these questions.
THEN, you may select one of the following enrichment options:
- Option A: Select one of the member countries of OPEC and research that country's economy (You can use the CIA World Factbook as a resource). How much of their economic wealth is determined by oil? What other resources, if any, do they also produce? Write your answers on the back of your letter. You may create a product map to accompany your answers if you choose.
- Option B: Research alternative energy options for cars. How do their prices compare to the cost of oil? Read this article and this article to help you. Based on your research, which do you think is the most cost effective option ? What are the advantages and disadvantages of electric or hybrid cars?
- Option C: Using the PBS Global Connections website, answer the following questions:
- Who first discovered oil in Saudi Arabia in 1936?
- What percentage of oil is located in the Middle East?
- What happened to oil prices between 1972 and 1974?
- By 2050, where will the U.S. receive 80% of its oil?