Conley-Wilson+Film+Entry+11+-+Pipe+Dreams

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The film //Pipe Dreams,// by Leslie Iwerks Productions is about TransCanada’s proposal of the extension of the Keystone XL Pipeline. This pipeline would transport crude oil from Canada to Texas by the Gulf of Mexico. Locals of the mid-West, in states like Nebraska are focused on in this video most of which have been farmers nearly all of their lives. This trade has been in many of these people’s families for generations, however with this proposed pipeline their occupation and land is at risk of being damaged and taken away from them. These farmers and locals voice their opposition and issues they have with this pipeline along with the potential environmental impacts like contamination of domestic and drinking water, impact on natural wonders of their states, and existing spills that could lead to long-lasting negative environmental impacts.

A curriculum Ideas for high school students include the classic oil spill clean-up activity with either milk/oil combination or with water/oil, food coloring could be used. This activity can be paired with National Geographic’s [|oil spill clean-up stimulation] where students learn how to clean-up a spill in creative ways. This could be done with heavier oils to show how crude oil would be harder to clean-up than regular oil as it sinks to the bottom as opposed to staying on the surface of the water. These high-schoolers could also write short research papers or presentations on the environmental impacts on animals, habitats, people and society.

Another interactive idea for students in areas near existing or proposed pipeline to prepare them for dealing with related issues throughout their lives could include playing an existing game (like Monopoly) that is rigged in a way that allows certain people have more power over others. Although select people will have an advantage, the vast majority of people will have little to no power. This will teach students that they will likely have an uphill battle ahead of them however if the little people come together they could make some sort of impact that could potentially have a big impact. For example in this film the Nebraskans do end up failing however the sixth phase of the pipeline was cancelled by the Obama administration’s rejection issued November 6, 2015.

Students throughout the United State should be taught about environmental issues of this type in very hands on ways. Showing students visually of the potential impacts of these types of destructive systems and projects would hold more impact on the students because these things can be hard to wrap your head around. It is important to inform students of all ages however we do not want to terrify these kids and take away their hope for the world. Students should be taught how these issues can be combated and about alternative resources for energy production as well. They should also learn why and how to preserve nature by gaining a connection to the natural environment. It is important to have these issues prioritized in the regions directly impacted by pipelines, however it is important to inform students around the nation and world about these issues. This is because these issues could easily become a reality in regions that is does not directly impact them in present day. This Keystone XL Pipeline not only the states it runs through but the food people across the nation eat, the water millions of Americans eat, and the livelihood of the future and current generations of the world and nation.