How Does Fracking Work?
Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences, Health
Authors: Mia Nacamulli
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This TED-Ed animated video explains how hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, works to extract natural gas from the Earth and why fracking is such a source of controversy.
- Students will learn about the many risks associated with fracking, such as water contamination, human health hazards, threats of earthquakes and infrastructure damage, methane emissions, and the expenditure of energy, money, and research that many believe should be directed toward environmentally sustainable processes.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This animated video is engaging and explains the fracking process, using helpful visuals and graphics.
- This resource could serve as an introduction to fracking before classes dive into a more in-depth exploration of fracking's implications.
Additional Prerequisites
- It may be helpful for students to have a brief overview of the controversy over fracking, including countries that have banned fracking and where it still takes place.
- Students and teachers will need a free account to access the interactive features of this site.
Differentiation
- In language arts classes, students could be asked to create a written piece that explains the benefits and risks associated with fracking.
- In art classes, students could create diagrams or other art pieces that illustrate the fracking process and display its associated threats to humans and our planet.
- Teachers could ask students to view this video about a young climate activist's experience living with fracking-induced earthquakes and participate in a group discussion about how vulnerable populations can be impacted by climate change.
- Other resources on this topic include this video which also explains how fracking works, this short video which provides aerial footage of a fracking site, and this activity and lesson plan that explores the pros and cons of hydraulic fracturing.
This video presents, in detail, the process of natural gas fracking and its impact on environmental and human health. There is no contradiction in the video and this is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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