Small groups complete a science project involving cleaning up an oil spill. In this experiment, pupils use 4 different sorbents to discover which one absorbs the most oil.  Afterward, they make a data table.

Students explore how an oil spill is contained and cleaned up. They investigate an oil absorbing polymer that is hydrophobic, absorbs up to 19 times its own weight in nonpolar liquids, floats on water, and can be reused or disposed of by...

Third graders use oil, feathers, eggs, rubber bands, and more to create a simulated oil spill and then clean it up. In this oil spill lesson plan, 3rd graders discuss what their cleaning process is like and how the oceans are effected...

When oil spills happen, how is the oil cleaned up? Pupils of polymer science discover an amazing substance that turns oil into a solid during a microscale experiment. Individuals observe oil or paraffin before and after addition of the...

In this Gulf oil spill worksheet, students examine a 4-page article regarding basic facts about the oil spill as well as photographs of clean-up efforts.

Students explore the concept of environmental stewardship. In this science activity, students discover how scientists assess damages to the environment following oil spills. Students conduct a simulation of a public meeting in order to...

Students participate in an oil spill simulation and how to clean it up. In this oil spill lesson plan, students also calculate the cost of the clean up of an oil spill.

Students experiment by creating an oil spill and trying a number of clean up methods. They determine which methods are the least costly and most effective. They role play as an environmental engineer and as an oil company owner who must...

There's no doubt that one of the most consistent dangers to our environment is the risks associated with the extraction and shipment of oil. This instructional activity focuses on oil spills - how they happen, the effects they have on...

Model an oil spill cleanup. An engaging engineering lesson has groups using aerogels to simulate an oil spill cleanup (vegetable oil in water). Along the way, they learn about nanotechnology and hydrophilia/hydrophobia.

Young scholars explore an important role of environmental engineers by studying the Exxon Valdez oil spill. They experiment with different strategies in order to clean up their own manufactured oil spill.

Learners explore how oil pollutes the oceans. In this science lesson, students investigate various materials that could be used to clean up an oil spill. Learners discuss which materials worked best and how humans can reduce oil spills.

How do scientists determine the best method for removing pollutants from our water sources? Environmental scholars experiment with pollution clean-up options to discover which are the most cost-effective, fastest, and most thorough....

Students explore the concept of environmental stewardship. In this science lesson plan, students investigate the effects of oil spills and brainstorm ideas to help companies avoid them as they create models to demonstrate their...

Mass and density — aren't they the same thing? This activity has groups use balance beams and water displacement to measure several objects. The pupils use the measurements to calculate the density of the objects. 

Young scholars make an island that has a construction site on it. They spill siulated pollution and trash on top of the island and then water it to simulate rain. They will observe how the rain washes dirt, sand, and pollution off the...

Young scholars explore the oceans from their origin. In this oceans lesson, students read and discuss excerpts from the Book of Genesis regarding the creation of the ocean. Young scholars then clean up a mock oil spill, measure the...

Do you separate your trail mix before eating it? Then you've been separating mixtures your whole life! Scholars model a contaminated soil sample using trail mix and estimate the percentage of each component. They consider how to clean up...

Students create advertising with the intent of protecting wildlife. In this service learning activity, students craft advertisements and write persuasive essays regarding the protection of wildlife.

Zero in on an interesting resource involving radar technology. Groups construct a radar sensing unit and learn to calibrate the system. Using the radar system and the Pythagorean Theorem, they calculate distances between objects.

In this crossword puzzle about Earth Day learning exercise, students read the descriptive sentences, use the word bank, and complete the puzzle. Students write 12 words.

In a instructional activity to teach students about the field of environmental engineering, they examine an oil spill, then design a system to contain the oil and extract it from the water.

This lab is designed so that learners will understand the effects of oil spills on plants, animals, and the environment and investigate clean up methods through a simulated oil spill. They will understand the risks associated with...