Newspaper Narratives
Texas Oil Boom
Background
Oil prospecting in Texas goes back as early as 1840. In 1901, natural gas erupted followed by a stream of crude oil reaching 60 metres (200ft.). The eruption lasted nine days. The "Lucas Gusher" at Spindletop Hill, Beaumont, Texas is known to have produced 100,000 barrels of crude oil a day. It transformed the economy of southeast Texas and the region..
Texas drilling produces about 400 million barrels of crude oil each year. That is nearly 20% of the gross domestic product.
In this lesson, students will view online newspapers and follow the permalinks embedded in the PowerPoint to learn about the Texas Oil Boom. They will use the Texas Oil worksheet, T-chart, Facts and Opinion, Short Story, and Big Bucks, among others.
