BENERGY Module 4: Lesson 2

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Explain what fracking (hydraulic fracturing) actually is and how it works. 
• Describe modern safety and environmental protections that make fracking cleaner. 
• Compare myths vs. facts about fracking’s impact on water, land, and emissions. 
• Understand fracking’s role in reliable and cleaner U.S. energy independence. 

Part 1: What Is Fracking, Really? 

In your notebook, create an hour-by-hour schedule of what your day, and that of your household would be like if you had no power for 48 hours. (Don’t sleep on this lesson!! Limit sleep time to 20 hours of the 48.) 

1. Fracking

Fracking is short for hydraulic fracturing — a process where water, sand, and a small amount of additives are injected deep underground to crack shale rock and release natural gas and oil trapped inside. 

• These wells are usually a mile or more below groundwater sources, and modern well casings include multiple layers of steel and cement to prevent leaks. 

2. Why Hydraulic Fracturing is Cleaner Than You’ve Heard

Fracking has evolved dramatically since early versions decades ago. 

Here’s why it’s cleaner today: 

Cleaner Energy Output: Natural gas from fracking has helped cut U.S. carbon emissions by replacing coal in power generation — leading to the largest drop in CO₂ in the world over the last 20 years.  

Reduced Surface Footprint: Horizontal drilling allows one well pad to reach the same gas as 20+ older wells. Less land disturbed. 

Advanced Water Recycling: Over 90% of the water used in many modern wells is treated and reused. 

Methane Capture: New equipment captures gas that used to escape into the air, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 

3. Why Hydraulic Fracturing is Safe 

Fracking is heavily regulated by state and federal agencies.

Operators must: 

1. Cement and test wells to ensure zero groundwater leaks. 
2. Monitor air quality and chemical use. 
3. Disclose additives (most are common compounds found in food or household products). 
4. Follow strict spill prevention rules. 
5. Multiple studies from the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA found no widespread evidence that fracking contaminates drinking water when properly managed. 

4. Why Regulated Hydraulic Fracturing Is Important to America, Your Life and the Lives of your Family

Fracking helps make energy affordable, reliable, and

• Supporting millions of U.S. job 
• Making the U.S. the world’s top energy producer and less dependent on unstable regions. 
• Cutting energy costs for families and industries. 
• Being the reliable energy partner to less reliable energy sources  
• The energy source that will keep the lights on 24/7/365. 

Part 2: Family Discussion Activity

Have your family discuss: 

“Would you rather get your energy from countries that don’t share America’s environmental standards — or from cleaner U.S. sources developed with strict oversight?” 

Then, look up your state’s natural gas production map to see if fracking plays a role in your region’s energy mix. Report what you found to your family. 

Part 3: Videos

WATCH: The Truth About Fracking

Pre-view Questions – Use these questions to activate your curiosity and gauge your baseline understanding 

Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and  to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages. 

WATCH: Fracking Facts: Benefits of Fracking 

Post-Viewing Questions – Use these questions to assess your understanding of the video’s key points and  to help reinforce your understanding of the main messages.