Small-Scale Modeling of Oil Spill Cleanup Methods
This hands-on experiment provides students with an understanding of the issues that surround environmental cleanup. Student teams create their own oil spills, try different methods for cleaning them up, and then discuss the merits of each method in terms of effectiveness (cleanliness) and cost. They are asked to put themselves in the place of both environmental engineers and oil company owners who are responsible for the cleanup.
Students investigate oil spill cleanups.Copyright Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/noaa_response_restoration/12685861633
Environmental engineers are called upon to assist with the cleanup of oil spills and other environmental hazards. They must be familiar with different cleanup methods and then effectively communicate these strategies with the community, the cleanup crew and the company/person responsible for the spill. Environmental engineers' contributions to environmental cleanup are important in keeping our Earth's water and land healthy for plans and animals.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify some causes and effects of oil spills on a water source and the organisms that use that water.
- Describe the different methods that environmental engineers use to clean up water pollution.
- Use volume to describe the amount of oil and water removed during the model cleanup.
- Organize their oil removal data and analyze using a bar graph.