This immersive Oil Spill Cleanup Simulation Presentation & Lab takes students into the heart of one of the most pressing global issues – oil spills. It provides an opportunity for students to dive into the complexities of oil spill cleanup, fostering a holistic understanding of the impact on marine ecosystems, wildlife, and coastal communities.
$5.00
Get ready for a hands-on, real-world learning experience as students dive into the science behind oil spill cleanup! This engaging lab and presentation guides students through the environmental impact of oil spills and the challenges of cleaning them up.
✔ Immersive & Realistic – Students take on the role of environmental scientists tackling an oil spill.
✔ Hands-On Experimentation – They’ll test various cleanup materials to determine the most effective solutions.
✔ Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Encourages students to weigh the effectiveness of cleanup methods against their environmental impact.
✔ Real-World Connections – Helps students understand the complexities of oil spill response and its impact on marine ecosystems.
? Student Lab Instructions – Step-by-step guidance for setting up and conducting the simulation.
? Instructor Answer Key – A ready-to-use reference for easy grading.
? Oil Spill Cleanup Presentation – A visually engaging slideshow to introduce the topic and key concepts.
? Analysis & Reflection Questions – Thought-provoking prompts to encourage deeper discussion.
? Experiment Setup:
250 mL beaker
Large rectangular cake pan
Clock or watch
Small containers or bowls (2)
100 mL cooking oil
Feathers
Gravel or sand
Measuring spoon
Pipe cleaners
Water
? Potential Cleanup Materials:
Spoons, craft sticks, toothpicks, dip nets, drinking straws
Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, pieces of plastic foam, string
Brown paper bag pieces, cotton balls, nylon stocking pieces, sponge pieces
Paper towels, coffee filters, cloth, wood shavings, sawdust
Liquid detergent, cat litter, baking soda, flour, vinegar
? Teacher Tip: Before starting the lab, have students predict which cleanup materials will be most effective and explain their reasoning. This encourages critical thinking before they begin experimenting!
Perfect for middle and high school students, this lab brings environmental science to life, fostering curiosity, problem-solving skills, and environmental awareness. Whether you’re covering ecosystems, pollution, or human impact on the environment, this lab is an engaging and impactful addition to your curriculum!
Grade Levels: 8th – 12th
Total Pages: 36
Teaching Duration: 60 Minutes
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Jessica