ExxonMobil Enhances K

July 9, 2013

ExxonMobil has partnered with the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) to promote K-12 energy education in Wyoming.

In support of SER’s ongoing energy education programs, ExxonMobil has contributed $100,000 to enhance curriculum development, contribute to professional development for teachers, and increase general energy literacy in Wyoming.

“Our contribution demonstrates ExxonMobil’s continued commitment to math and science education,” says Mike Van der Linden, Wyoming operations superintendent, ExxonMobil Production Co. “We believe investing in programs that help build enthusiasm about math and science will help develop our next generation of energy leaders.”

“This gift will be instrumental in expanding the scope and scale of our current activities,” says Don Roth, SER deputy director for academics. “It will make a significant difference in Wyoming in terms of increasing understanding of the energy sector and exposing our students to exciting career prospects.”

Currently, several programs -- including the Science Posse and Environmental-Energy Nanotechnology -- provide state-of-the-art energy-based curriculum and activities related to Wyoming K-12 schools. In addition, SER sponsors after-school clubs, summer institutes for students and teachers, field trips, and project-based activities focused on increasing students’ capacity for problem solving, critical analysis, and self-directed learning using energy as context.

The ExxonMobil contribution also will permit development of new initiatives such as interactive blogs, iBooks, distance education resources, and an ExxonMobil Challenge Day competition. The Challenge Day will be modeled after the highly successful Intel Education competitions that inspire discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship in students.

“Wyoming is an ideal energy laboratory for our students and teachers,” Roth says. “Connecting classroom learning with realistic applications empowers and motivates students to gain a better perspective of the complexities and excitement in the energy sector. Ultimately, these programs will contribute to a highly trained, Wyoming-based energy workforce.”

For more information about SER’s K-12 energy education programs, contact Roth at (307) 766-6816 or email rothdon@uwyo.edu.

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