On May 3, 2025, the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association (NMOGA) proudly participated in the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails’ Mad Science Extravaganza — a free, hands-on STEM event held at the Berna Facio Professional Development Center in Albuquerque. The event brought together Girl Scouts from across the state to explore science, spark curiosity, and build confidence through interactive learning. 

NMOGA led three engaging, age-appropriate science experiments that connected energy concepts to real-world oil and gas applications — all while promoting creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness.

Build Your Own Basin – Oil & Gas Extraction Simulation 

Scouts created their own geologic basins using sand, gravel, and clay layered inside clear plastic cups. By modeling oil traps and sedimentary layers, they learned how oil and gas are found underground — and how geologists and engineers in New Mexico work to extract resources safely and responsibly. 

Petroleum Product Detective Lab 

Through a mystery bag investigation, scouts identified common household items — like lip balm, crayons, and food packaging — that are made from petroleum. The activity helped participants see how oil and gas power not just transportation, but everyday life. 

Pressure in Action – How Oil Moves Underground 

Using a chemical reaction of baking soda and vinegar, scouts simulated how underground pressure builds and moves oil and gas through rock layers. To contain the reaction, they engineered custom seals using clay — demonstrating hands-on problem-solving and mimicking how pressure is managed in real-world drilling and production. The activity introduced key principles of reservoir science and engineering design in a safe, fun way. 

These hands-on activities gave scouts a new perspective on the science behind energy and highlighted the innovation and responsibility at the heart of New Mexico’s oil and gas industry. 

NMOGA is proud to support STEM education and is committed to empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and energy leaders across New Mexico.