STEAM class connects force and motion with pipeline pigging

Amanda Arway of Plain Local Schools teaches a STEAM class for 5th and 6th grade students. They work creatively and learn from each other, combining real-world situation with material from science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Arway participated in an Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program workshop and used many of the lessons with her students.

After completing a unit on force and motion, Arway introduced the OOGEEP lesson on Pipeline Pigging. This allowed students to see how pipes are used to carry oil and natural gas.

Arway said, "Many students said they had seen the movie, Deepwater Horizon. This prompted a lengthy discussion about pipeline safety. I also had a parent who works on pipelines come in and speak to the class about their career. This was many students' favorite part of the unit."

"Having the background knowledge and the experience pf participating in these activities made it easy for me to teach these units and feel confident when helping students learn this material!” Arway said.