Second Graders Examine the Impact of Oil Spills

Second graders rolled up their sleeves and got messy last week during an experiment examining the impact of oil spills. After learning about the Exxon-Valdez spill, students conducted a simulation to test the effects of an oil spill on sea birds and other wildlife.

Students submerged feathers in oil and then tried to rinse the oil using clean water and again using soap. As the students performed the experiment, they observed feathers becoming sticky and deteriorating. Science Teacher Max Firke says that when students see “the impact of the oil spill on the animals,” they gain an “understanding of the importance of taking action.”

Next, students will explore strategies scientists use to contain and remove oil spills and then compare the challenges of cleaning individual animals versus entire habitats, which require different methods.

Because these clean-up methods have not changed significantly since the Exxon-Valdez spill, and pollution from a variety of sources continues to be a problem, the class is discussing what is required to answer today’s challenges. Continuing to rely on old strategies, conserving water, and reusing materials might not be enough. Second graders have said that if we still have the same problems, then we need to take more action like becoming more knowledgeable and raising awareness, writing to government officials to voice concerns, and participating in rallies such as the climate march to keep the issues visible.