Track 1: Ecosystems and Oil Pollution
This track develops an understanding of coastal ecosystems and builds upon this to explore the effects of disturbances on these environments, with a special emphasis on oil pollution. It has a a focus in the biological sciences, but includes a multidisciplinary, inquiry-based approach.
Oil Spill Case Studies (different ecosystems)
Efforts to Prevent & Clean Up Spills & Leaks
Ocean Literacy Principles: The Earth has one big ocean with many features. The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected. The ocean is largely unexplored.
- Oil Spill in A Pan
- Popcorn Spill
- Oil’s Wandering Paths: ROV Ocean Surface Challenge
- Oil’s Wandering Paths: ROV Challenge Stations
- Download all four Track 1 lessons
Track 2: Oil Resources and Energy Cycles
This track focuses on petroleum and other energy resources, with a special emphasis on energy conservation and the safer and effective extraction, transportation, and distillation of oil. It has a focus in the physical sciences and engineering, but includes a multidisciplinary, inquiry-based approach.
Transportation and Distillation of Oil
- Chemicals In Oil
- Oil Distillation
- Build an Oil Tanker
- Model Oil Pipeline
- Download all three Track 2 lessons
More information:
If you have questions about this curriculum, or if you would like a copy of any of these lessons in Word Document format please contact Betsi Oliver, outreach coordinator for the council.
For more lessons for this age group, see The Science of Oil Spills, created in 2010 by Alice Dou-Wang of the Prince William Sound Science Center, developed for grades 6-12.