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Page 2
4. An oil tanker has run aground, and gallons of oil have spilled into the water around the island. Pour 4-8 mL of oil into the water.
6. Discuss the different methods of cleaning the oil and formulate a plan to test the various kinds of cleaning materials. 7. Use a variety of the cleaning materials to "clean up" the island. 8. Examine the fur and feathers after you have done the clean up. Compare them to the your observations from before the oil spill, and after the oil spill. Questions: 1. Which clean-up method worked the best? When scientists work to clean up an oil spill, they must also consider the effects that the chemicals in the clean up materials may have on the environment. Look at the detergents and soaps you use - what kind of chemicals are contained in these products? Do you think these chemicals are safe for animals? 2. What can you do to prevent oil spills? We can't all go on an oil tanker and make sure everything goes smoothly. But there are things we can do to prevent oil spills. The main use for oil is to produce energy. If we try and save energy, less oil will need to be shipped. We can use alternative sources of energy. What will do you to help save energy? Extension: Visit a local wildlife rescue center. If you don't have one nearby, visit a lake or a pond or a river near your home, and observe the interactions between the living things in the environment. How do you think aquatic plants would be affected by an oil spill? Scientists are doing research into other ways of cleaning up oil spills - such as super-absorbent materials and oil-eating bacteria. Research some of these new ways and make up a list of pros and cons for each method. Check out the websites under Ecology/Environmental Issues for some interesting links. Copyright 2001 A.Plumb Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Oil Spills - A Water Pollution Investigation - Page 2 in Science for Students is owned by . Permission to republish Oil Spills - A Water Pollution Investigation - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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