Although it’s common for kids to learn about several topics pertaining to geology in school, it’s rare for kids to learn in-depth about the petroleum industry. This inspired us to host Benny’s Bring your Kids to Ulterra Day, a day to educate the kids at Ulterra about the industry their parents are a part of. Through hands-on activities, engaging crafts, and an on-theme Lego build, these three activities are appropriate and fun for kids of all ages.

Drilling Through Sand, Play-Doh, and Rocks!

Age Group: Kids (2+)

This fun activity is easy to set-up and allows kids to learn about drilling through different rock layers!

Supplies (per kid):

• 3 Buckets (2-gallon buckets)
• 3 2 lb Bag of Play Sand (we used Kinetic Sand)
• Large Bag of Aquarium Rocks
• 2 Pounds of Play-Doh
• Hape Sand and Beach Toy Driller Toy

Instructions for Set-Up

1. Pour play sand in a bucket (leaving at least 6 inches of room)
2. Fill the other bucket with rocks (leaving at least 6 inches of room)
3. Put Play-Doh in additional bucket

Instructions for Activity:

1. Teach the kids about the different types of rock formations
2. Show the kids how to use the drilling tool to drill in the rocks, sand, and play-doh
3. Let them experience what it’s like to drill through varying geologic conditions
4. Have fun!

Building a Lego Rig

Age Group: Kids (4+)

A rig is easy to make using a handful of Legos!

Supplies (per kid)

• Lego kit (10-25 pieces and up) This will vary based on age!

Instructions for Activity:

1. Teach the kids about different types of rigs, including land and offshore rigs
2. Let the kids use the Legos to construct a rig
3. Get creative!

Crayon Rock Cycle

Age Group: Kids (4+)

Easy geology experiment explaining the rock cycle using crayons

Supplies (per kid)

• Crayons
• Cheese grater
• Pen/pencil
• Wax paper
• Aluminum foil
• Paper
• Toaster oven/conventional oven (pre-heated to 300 degrees)

Instructions for Activity:

1. Peel the paper off four crayons and draw three columns on a piece of paper. Label this column “Igneous rocks.” Write down words that describe what the crayon feels and looks like in column 1.
2. Use a cheese grater to grate the crayons into a pile on a piece of wax paper. Label this column “Sedimentary rocks.” Write down words that describe what the crayon feels and looks like in column 2.
3. Keep your crayons in a pile and fold the wax paper over the top. Apply pressure with your palm to squish the crayons together. Label this column “Metamorphic rock.” Describe how the crayons look and feel in column 3.
4. Place the metamorphic rock in tinfoil to create a baking cup.
5. (Adult) Place the tinfoil cup in a preheated 300-degree oven for 5 minutes to allow the metamorphic rock to melt and form into a new shape.
6. Let cool and remove from foil.

In addition to these three activities, you can also:

1. Host a Benny the Bit story-time or read industry-related books
2. Decorate industry-themed cookies
3. Take the kids for a tour around the office or workspace
4. Teach them about the different careers in oil and gas
5. Teach them about different oil and gas drill bits, drilling tools, and the advancements in technology