CHESAPEAKE CREATURES AND OIL SPILLS Mathematics & Science Center PRESENTS Photo: NOAA

What are some ways that humans have changed the natural environment? Largest spill in U.S. history Exxon Valdez March 24, million gallons of oil spilled = enough to fill 9 school gyms!! Photo: NOAA

DENSITY OF OIL Where does it go? Float or sink? Clumps or spreads out?

OIL ON THE MOVE Photo: NOAA

IMPACTS OF OIL SPILLS What living organisms are affected by oil spills? What are the basic needs of these organisms? Photo: EPA

Those most affected… Photo: Office of Response and Restoration / NOAA Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Photo: NOAA Photo:

Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI)

Let’s Practice… Group Type of Organism Number of different species Active Seasons

ALERT!!!!  An oil spill occurred on January 15!  The oil spread quickly and reached land within 24 hours.  You must act quickly to save the organisms living in the area!!!

Report from the Wildlife Oil Recovery Team Which organisms will be needing assistance from the recovery team? Photo: NOAA

CLEANING THE RECOVERED WILDLIFE How can birds from oil spill accidents be helped? Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

How do water and oil affect bird feathers?

YOUR TURN! What is the best way to clean birds after an oil spill? Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife

CLEANING METHODS Water Paper Towels Dish Washing Detergent Your hypothesis…

FEATHER CLEANLINESS SCALE Rank 1 Oil felt Feather translucent Clumps together Rank 2 Oil felt Not translucent Clumps together Rank 3 No oil felt Not translucent Down clumps together Rank 4 No oil felt Not translucent Entire feather is fluffy OILY FEATHER WET FEATHER

RESULTS Which method would you recommend that the wildlife recovery team use?

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Photos courtesy of: U.S Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Fish and Wildlife Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration