Oil Spill Simulation

STEP 1: Gather a bucket of water, a rock with a plant on top, and a feather.

STEP 2: In the bucket of water, add a tablespoon of oil to the center of the bucket.  This simulates the oil leakage.

STEP 3: Observe what happens for one minute.  Record observations below.

Observations:



STEP 4: Gently blow on the water for a few seconds.  This simulates the wind.

STEP 5: Observe what happens for one minute.  Record observations below.

Observations:



STEP 6: Place the rock with the plant on top and the feather in the water.  Add a tablespoon of oil to each.

STEP 7: Observe what happens for one minute.  Record observations below.

Observations:




STEP 8: Using the items listed in the table, you will have 20 minutes to clean up the spill.  Each item will cost you money.  You have $100,000 to spend.  Keep track of your spending in the chart below.


Type of Material

Cost

Quantity

Cost x Quantity

How effective was the item?

Spoon

$3000




Q-tip

$6000




Cotton Ball

$8000




Dish Soap (1 tbsp)

$15000




Coffee Filter

$2000




Pipet

$4000




Total Cost of Expenses = 

Remaining Budget = 


STEP 9: Design a proposal to recommend which materials and procedures work best for cleaning up an oil spill.  You can choose to use sentence stems below.

I propose _____________ works best for cleaning up oil spills because _________.

The material that was the most effective in cleaning up oil spills was __________.  I know this because ____________.

The most cost effective way to clean up the oil spill is __________________.  The amount spent on this method was _______________.

STEP 10: Create a presentation using any form of media you choose.  You will present your proposal to an oil spill cleanup service.


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