Exciting New Lessons in Carbon Capture – A Step Towards a Greener Future in Corpus Christi
This fall, Corpus Christi has seen some thrilling developments in its classrooms, particularly in the realm of environmental science. Teachers like Cynthia Hopkins at Harold C. Kaffie Middle School are introducing their students to the wonders of carbon capture and storage (CCS). Equipped with pre-prepared lesson plans, Cynthia is excited to teach her 7th graders about carbon emissions and the safe methods used to trap them underground.
Why Carbon Capture Matters
The importance of these lessons extends beyond just the classroom walls. The Gulf Coast region, where Corpus Christi is located, is quickly becoming a hotbed for the growing CCS industry. With over 50 CCS projects either underway or in the planning stages, it’s vital for students to comprehend what these projects entail. “Things are coming to Corpus, and I want our kids to understand that there are opportunities for them,” Cynthia explained. Understanding CCS could be the gateway for many of these young learners into future careers.
Innovative Teaching Methods
This initiative began with a summer training program offered by The University of Texas at Austin’s Gulf Coast Carbon Center. Cynthia was amongst the pioneering group of teachers to receive this specialized training, which focused on creating a K-12 curriculum specifically tailored for teaching about carbon capture. “We recruited master teachers from the Houston and Corpus areas, and they were just awesome,” said Sue Hovorka, the principal investigator at the Gulf Coast Carbon Center. “Really, they mentored us on how to do this correctly.”
Beyond the classroom, the Gulf Coast Carbon Center has been researching CCS for decades and was recently chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy to spearhead a consortium of regional universities. This consortium is aimed at providing important information about CCS to communities along the Gulf Coast, ensuring safety and reliability concerns are addressed.
Hands-On Learning in Action
Cynthia has already put some of her new knowledge to good use. In her classroom, she incorporated some lively activities that got the students engaged and excited about carbon dioxide molecules. Using Styrofoam balls as a hands-on method to build carbon dioxide structures, the lesson became not just educational but fun and interactive. “I know that may not sound like a lot, but those things can really add up for teachers,” she noted. The enthusiasm of her students spoke volumes about the effectiveness of learning through engagement.
A Growing Interest in CCS
Another teacher, Stephanie Hurst, an 8th grade science educator at Cleveland Middle School, participated in the same summer training and was equally impressed by the immense potential of carbon capture. “I had not heard of carbon capture before and was amazed with how much we can actually store in the ground,” she shared. Stephanie plans to integrate lessons on carbon cycles and greenhouse gases into her curriculum starting in late January, aligning perfectly with Texas’ education requirements.
Sharing Knowledge at Upcoming Conference
Both teachers are set to share their newfound passion for CCS at the upcoming Texas Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching, scheduled for November 14-16 in San Antonio. Alongside Sue Hovorka, they hope to inspire a wave of interest among their fellow science educators. “Because we’re in the classroom, we’re able to pull carbon capture into this TEKS flawlessly,” Stephanie stated excitedly. “Teachers are going to be able to take what we have and take it straight into their classroom.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The exciting developments in teaching about carbon capture reflect a broader movement to prepare younger generations for the workforce opportunities that come with emerging green technologies. With solid educational support and hands-on learning experiences, students in Corpus Christi are not just learning about climate change; they are becoming part of the solution.
For those interested in learning more about the carbon capture project, lesson plans, and educational resources, there are plenty of exciting options to explore. The world of science education is changing rapidly, and this is just the beginning!
