At Nerd Academy, we believe that children are capable of learning far more than we often give them credit for. When given the right tools, hands-on experiences, and engaging instruction, young students can develop a deep understanding of real-world industries that shape their communities.
That’s why our students—some as young as second grade—can already explain how sucker rod pumping units work. They don’t just memorize parts; they understand the mechanics, the purpose, and the bigger picture of how these pumps contribute to the oil and gas industry, a sector that generates billions in annual revenue and fuels the economy of West Texas and beyond.
What Our Students Know About Sucker Rod Pumps
Most adults who grew up in West Texas drive past pump jacks every day, but few actually understand how they work. Our students, on the other hand, can explain:
- Why sucker rod pumps are used – These pumps are a form of artificial lift used when reservoir pressure is too low to bring oil to the surface naturally. They allow wells that are no longer free-flowing to continue producing small but steady amounts of oil per day.
- How the traveling and standing valves function – These valves act as one-way flow controllers inside the downhole pump. One of our second graders can already explain how the standing valve opens during the upstroke while the traveling valve closes, allowing fluid to enter the pump barrel—and how the roles reverse on the downstroke to push oil toward the surface.
- How sucker rod pumps fit into the larger extraction process – Our students don’t just learn the names of parts; they understand how they work together. They know that pump jacks do, in fact, “suck” oil out of the ground—but not in the way most people assume. The up-and-down motion of the sucker rod string drives the downhole pump, where the coordinated opening and closing of valves creates suction that lifts oil to the surface.
- How pump jacks fit into the life cycle of an oil well – Our students understand that pump jacks are typically used near the end of a well’s productive life—when natural reservoir pressure has declined—and that this extends the well’s ability to produce oil economically.
At an age when many kids are still learning basic sentence structure, our students are already developing real-world industry knowledge that most people never learn in their lifetime. And they’re not just learning for the sake of memorization—they’re learning why it matters.
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Why Should Students Learn This at a Young Age?
Some of our students will become the leaders of tomorrow—city officials, lawmakers, business owners, engineers, and innovators. Whether they directly enter the energy sector or take on roles in community leadership, the decisions they make will impact the industry, the economy, and the future of our region.
By introducing industry knowledge early, we are ensuring that:
- Future policymakers understand the economic impact of their decisions. Some of these students may one day draft legislation that affects the oil and gas industry. An early education gives them the perspective to make informed decisions that balance economic growth, environmental concerns, and energy needs.
- Students recognize career opportunities that align with their skills and interests. Not every student will work directly in oil and gas, but many may find their talents applied in technology, automation, logistics, or environmental management—fields that directly support the energy sector.
- They develop pride in their local economy and community. It’s hard to take pride in something you don’t understand. When children learn how critical industries function, they develop a deeper appreciation for the region they call home. That sense of pride can influence whether they choose to stay and contribute to their community or take their talents elsewhere.
Beyond Standardized Tests: Preparing Students for the Real World
We can’t expect students to spend their entire school experience preparing for standardized tests and then suddenly be ready to make informed decisions about their future, their careers, or their community.
We don’t administer STAAR tests or design our curriculum around teaching students how to pass an exam. Instead, we ensure they develop the foundational skills that will serve them in life—literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking—while giving them early exposure to STEM, AI, and industry knowledge that connects learning to real-world applications.
We know that early exposure to real-world industries matters. Research confirms that high-quality childhood education is directly linked to success in higher education and career pathways. Yet, at the rate the traditional school system is declining, with students falling further behind in reading and writing, the likelihood of many students even reaching college is shrinking.
If we want our students to succeed—whether they pursue higher education, enter the workforce, or take on leadership roles—we have to start early.
Understanding Their World, Shaping Their Future
A child’s immediate environment is their entire world. The community they grow up in, the industries that sustain that community, and the opportunities available to them all play a role in shaping who they become.
In West Texas, so much of that world revolves around the oil and gas industry—directly or indirectly. Whether through engineering, automation, logistics, policy-making, or business development, understanding how their community functions will allow students to make better, more informed choices about their future.
At Nerd Academy, we’re unlocking the world around them, ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence, and skills to become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Want to learn more about how Nerd Academy is shaping future leaders? Reach out to us at (432) 257-3030 or click here to explore our PetroSTEAM program.