Science NIE ACTIVITY Science Matters!

is a series presented in

MATTERS!
collaboration with the Connecticut Academy of
Science and Engineering and the Connecticut
Science Center.
For more information, visit www.cctcase.org
… IN CONNECTICUT or call 860.241.3144.

Drilling for Hydro-Fracking Questions regarding the regulation of the hydraulic fracturing process and the
disposal of hazardous byproducts are still under great debate. The prospects

Facts
Where and how we acquire the natural resources to
of homegrown natural gas reserves offer excellent opportunities for job growth,
economic activity and the United States’ ability to gain its energy independence;
however, strict regulation systems are necessary in order to decrease the threat
fulfill our energy needs is always of great concern high volume hydraulic fracturing poses to environmental health.
economically, politically, and environmentally. With
recent geological findings, homegrown Marcellus To learn more about alternative energy resources, come visit the Connecticut
Shale is posited to be the East Coast’s ticket towards Science Center’s Energy City gallery on the 6th floor!
energy independence.
Marcellus Shale is a
type of carbon rich,
sedimentary rock WORDS TO KNOW
that lies beneath
portions of New York, Sedimentary Rock- A rock type formed
Pennsylvania, Ohio, through an accumulation of sediment and
and West Virginia, other Earth materials within bodies of water.
among other states in
the region. What makes this rock type noteworthy
Methane Gas- The main component to
is the estimated quantity of methane gas trapped natural gas.
within— based upon the United States Geological Natural Gas- Naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture
Survey’s assessment, approximately 80 billion barrels that is an important energy resource to provide heating
of recoverable natural gas liquids. Although a
seemingly attractive target for energy development,
and electricity.
the current extraction method (horizontal hydraulic Water Contamination- Water that has been compromised
fracturing) is fraught with environmental issues, by either the direct or indirect discharge of pollutants.
namely, the contamination of drinking water
resources.
The natural gas found within Marcellus Shale is trapped Did You Know?
in pockets or veins where the shale has naturally fractured during settling. In order Did you know that Marcellus
to capture a commercially viable amount of gas from Marcellus shale, a well is drilled Shale is a sedimentary
vertically to approximately 500 feet above the formation; then, the wellbore is turned
horizontal to tap the pockets and veins of gas in the shale. In order to recover the rock type formed by the
natural gas deposits, a process termed high volume deposition of sediment over
hydraulic fracturing, which uses millions of gallons of 400 million years ago?
water laced with chemicals, is administered. The fluid
is pumped down the well at high enough pressures MEET THE SCIENTIST
to fracture the shale, then, the fractured rock is kept
Corinne Johnson, Staff Scientist at the
open using a proppant typically composed of sand
and/or other chemicals. Hydro-fracking fluids qualify
Connecticut Science Center
My name is Corinne Johnson and I am a Staff Scientist at the Connecticut
as hazardous materials and carcinogens, toxic enough
Science Center. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental
to contaminate groundwater resources when best
Science and Geosciences. My work at the Science Center includes
practices are not observed and the leaking of wells
developing and facilitating science programs for students of all age-
occur. Also, due to the extravagant volume of water
levels, presenting inquiry-based professional development for teachers
consumed within the hydraulic fracturing process,
throughout Connecticut, interacting with visitors on the gallery floors
the drinking water resources of communities near
of the CT Science Center, and much, much more. I am continuously
to hydro-fracking sites are diminished.
inspired by witnessing how hands-on science can spark, among learners
of all ages, an avid curiosity to probe deeper, to seek answers.
Next Page: November 8