Embedded Files
"Treat the Earth well:"
"Treat the Earth well:"
"It is not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors. We borrow it from our children." -Ancient Native American Proverb
Oil Spill Clean Up Project
Oil Spill Clean Up Project
Oil Spill Clean up project: Our girls created shore lines in paint trays that included sand, rocks, animals, plants, and salt water to mimic a natural shore. Then, they planted a leaky oil container to "spill" for 48 hours. Their next task is to "clean up" the shore line as best as they can with materials that are provided (paper towels, sponges, styrofoam peanuts, cotton balls, rags, and string). They will also have access to a wildlife rehabilitation center to assist with the cleaning of wildlife. This station will have dish detergent, but the detergent can not be used on the shoreline.
Attempting Clean Up
Attempting Clean Up
Students used a variety of materials to attempt to clean up their environments after the oil spill. Sand was particularly a challenge.
Meticulous Attention
Meticulous Attention
Liz W. gives each individual rock, animal, leaf attention in her attempt to clean them of oil. Students had access to rags, cotton, styrofoam, cotton string, sponges, etc. to clean the items of oil.
Making a Mess to Clean a Mess
Making a Mess to Clean a Mess
When all materials were exhausted, students quickly realized that an oil spill is forever, especially if it reaches land. All materials could help get most of the oil, but none of them could get all of the oil.
Dr. Emily Garner and Graduate Students
Dr. Emily Garner and Graduate Students
Dr. Garner and her Graduate Assistants, Kara, Eva, and Vinila, presents the girls with a model that showed how our drinking water arrives to our homes and how waste water is treated and recirculated.
WVU assists with career influence
WVU assists with career influence
Students listen to a presentation of how each of the Graduate Assistants came to enroll and follow the career paths of Environmental Sciences.
Lesson Plan: Oil Spill
Lesson Plan: Oil Spill
Lesson Plan: Introduction to Oil Spills and Cleanup Methods
Objective: Students will understand the environmental impact of oil spills and the various methods used to clean them up.
Materials Needed:
- Supplies needed for each group:
-Clear plastic container
-Salt water
-Sand and small rocks, to make a small beach area
-Flora and fauna–shrub clippings, fur scraps, feathers, pom-poms, etc.
-50 ml vegetable oil (corn, olive, sunflower, sesame, soy)
-Paper bathroom cup
-Cleanup supplies: tweezers, cotton balls, biodegradable packaging peanuts, string, cloth rags, paper towel strips, sponges, medicine dropper, various nontoxic soaps, detergents, cleaners, and plastic cup
-Large plastic zip-top bag
- Classroom whiteboard and markers
- Pictures/videos of oil spills and cleanup efforts
Procedure:
1. Introduction
- Begin by showing pictures or videos of oil spills and the impact they have on the environment.
- Discuss with the students the potential effects of oil spills on marine life, ecosystems, and local communities.
- Oil Spill Cleanup article/response questions.
2. Activity Demonstration
- Demonstrate the various tools and materials included in the Oil Spill Cleanup activity kit.
- Explain how each tool is used to clean up oil spills, and the benefits and limitations of each method.
3. Hands-on Activity
- Divide students into small groups and distribute the Oil Spill Cleanup activity kits.
- Instruct each group to simulate an oil spill using a container of water and vegetable oil.
- Have students use the tools provided in the kit to clean up the simulated oil spill, taking note of the effectiveness of each method.
4. Group Discussion
- Reconvene as a whole class and discuss the results of the hands-on activity.
- Have students share their observations and thoughts on the cleanup methods used.
- Encourage students to brainstorm additional ideas for improving oil spill cleanup techniques.
5. Conclusion
- Review key points from the lesson and emphasize the importance of protecting the environment from oil spills.
- Discuss ways in which individuals and communities can prevent oil spills and respond effectively in the event of one.
Extension:
- Research and present a case study of a major oil spill and the cleanup efforts that were implemented.
- Invite a guest speaker from a local environmental organization or government agency to discuss oil spill prevention and response strategies.
Assessment:
- Evaluate students based on their participation in the hands-on activity, contributions to group discussions, and understanding of the environmental impact of oil spills and cleanup methods.
Dr. Emily Garner (Photo Credit West Virginia University)
This week's Speaker: Dr. Emily Garner
This week's Speaker: Dr. Emily Garner
Dr. Garner is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University.
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