Janine Surmick with RiverQuest in Pittsburgh presented the program, which took place in Mr. Grata’s Chemistry room as lab tables were required for the hands-on activities. Among other things, students examined the diamond chips in the hydraulic fracturing drill bit and attempted to clean “fracking” waste water. Sponsored by The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the EQT Foundation and presented from a neutral standpoint, students were presented with both the economical and environmental sides of this relevant topic.
Many thanks to Mrs. McDermott for allowing Mrs. Ridgeley to juggle student schedules and giving them the opportunity to learn and ask questions about this hotly debated current issue! The information presented will be invaluable to the students later in the year as the Conservation Biology classes begin studying forms of energy.
