Educational Module: Shale Gas Development
2016
This module has been developed around the topic of the extraction of natural gas from shale. This practice, commonly referred to as fracking, involves several practices that have complex and uncertain consequences. In the module, three scientific concepts are explored in order to elucidate how science is applied toward addressing real-world problems. The scientific concepts are: (1) correlation is not the same as causation, (2) hazard is not the same as risk, and (3) risk assessment includes the evaluation of probability of occurrence and severity of negative consequences.
Each of these concepts is explored with a case study that uses a problem-based learning approach to address the challenges surrounding the concept. The cases each include background materials from various sources, a student’s guide, and complementary instructor’s guide.
This module is one of 9 modules developed by the Committee on Preparing the Next Generation of Policy Makers for Science-Based Decisions, an ad hoc committee under the auspices of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Science, Technology, and Law. The modules were developed for students of law, public policy, medicine, journalism and business, and are intended to provide early exposure to materials that elucidate the role that scientific information and scientific processes play in decision-making across diverse venues. Access all modules.
Educational Module: Shale Gas Development
Source:
Graham JD, Rupp JA, Maltese AV. Shale Gas Development. An Educational Module. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine 2016. https://www.nationalacademies.org/documents/embed/link/LF2255DA3DD1C41C0A42D3BEF0989ACAECE3053A6A9B/file/DB58CF28E7B279AF8439373036561F2E02A1A155BCFF?noSaveAs=1