Studying Oil Spills in the Ocean
8th graders have been learning about the effect humans have on the oceans. In class we studied oil spills, so we simulated one in the science lab by adding vegetable oil to a pan of water (our ocean). Students then had three methods to use to clean up their oil spill. They either used a spoon (skimming), cotton balls (absorption) or a boom (plastic straws) and a pipette. Students cleaned for 10 minutes and then let the oil and water settle in their collection cups. Overwhelmingly, the spoon was the most effective cleaning tool. Students then answered questions about the effects of an actual oil spill in the ocean.
