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Education

Three Oil and Gas Activities for Kids – Rig Building, Bit Baking, and Learning Formation Layers

24 July 2024

Want to know how to introduce the world of drill bits and the oil and gas industry to kids? Discover the exciting activities the Ulterra kids participated in during Benny’s 2nd Annual Bring Your Kid to Ulterra Day. Our focus was on creating a fun and educational experience to help them explore our industry hands-on.

Here’s a recap of the day’s activities for you to share with your little ones:

Rig Builders

Age Group: Kids (4+)

Supplies (per kid/tower):

Build as big of a rig as you want, adding in supplies as needed. Here’s where to start:

  • 14 popsicle sticks
  • 10 toothpicks
  • Glue or sticky tack
  • 1 piece of string
  • 1 pom pom/drill bit key chain
Instructions:
  1. Give each child popsicle sticks, toothpicks, and glue.
  2. Help them assemble a small rig by sticking popsicle sticks and toothpicks together and securing with glue (see photo below).
  3. Tie the string to the tip of the rig and attach the pom pom (or something similar) to the end, representing the drill bit
  4. As they build, explain the parts of the rig and what they do
  5. Have each child give their rig a fun name!

Bit Bakers

Age Group: Kids (2+)

Supplies (per kid/cake):
  • Microwaveable cake, brownie, or muffin mix
  • M&Ms or similar small candies
  • Bundt cake mold
  • Microwave
Instructions:
  1. Place M&Ms at the bottom of the mold.
  2. Pour in the cake mix to cover the M&Ms, simulating a bit mold.
  3. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. While the cake cools, talk about how matrix bits are made from different powders and binders, which are melted together in a large, hot oven to form a strong matrix body. Additionally, you can discuss PDC cutters (represented by the M&Ms) and their purpose in PDC bits.

Learning the Layers

Age Group: Kids (2+)

Supplies (per kid/container):
  • Play dough
  • Sand
  • Pebbles or small rocks
  • Transparent container
  • Small tool (like a pencil, or a household drill bit or screwdriver) to represent a drill bit
Instructions:
  1. Give each child play dough, sand, and rocks.
  2. Show them how to create layers with different materials to represent Earth’s layers (like soil, rock layers, and reservoirs).
  3. Let them explore and use the tool to “drill” through the layers.
  4. Discuss how different rock types affect drilling conditions.
In addition to these activities, you can also:
  • Host a storytelling session with industry-related books, including Benny the Bit
  • Decorate themed cookies
  • Create stories and images that showcase the drilling industry
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