Monday, December 8 LT: I can use an ACES response to explain the impact of an oil spill on the environment.

Causes Oil spills are caused by companies drilling for oil, typically when an accident causes a malfunction in the equipment.

Why drill for oil? Crude oil is a naturally-occurring substance found in certain rock formations in the earth. Crude oil is highly flammable and can be burned to create energy and electricity.

The Deepwater Horizon Accident

It Spread So Far…

Effects Based on what you read in the article, what are some of the effects of oil spills?

Effects Pollution Kills sea animals (hypothermia, suffocation, etc) Contamination of seafood Kills sea plants

Dirty Oysters!

Oil spills may kill or injure sea birds. Oil destroys the birds’ protective layer of feathers. Birds may swallow or breathe in the oil. This can poison the bird or cause it to suffocate. Baby birds can be born with lots of problems if their egg came in contact with oil. Sea Birds

Whales, porpoises and dolphins – all come up to the surface to breathe Sharks – sharks feed on plankton at the surface of the water Birds – oil coats feathers and fur making birds unable to fly Fish – oil can block their gills and cause suffocation Who Else Does Oil Hurt?

What do scientists do? Use skimmers to scoop up the oil from the surface of the ocean. How is that helpful? Do you think that skimming gets all of the oil?

What do scientists do? Use chemicals called “dispersants” to break down oil quickly. Use decomposers, like bacteria, to digest oil into harmless substances.

What do scientists do? Sometimes, scientists may use fire to burn up hard-to-clean oil in a fire boom or “controlled burn.” This does cause a problem though- where does the smoke go? Why is that bad?

How Can We Help? Reduce oil consumption by using less electricity and gasoline. – Turn out the lights!!! – Carpool; walk instead of driving – Use less air conditioning or heat

Tuesday, December 9 LT: I can use a lab simulation to explain the impact of an oil spill on the environment. Homework: Finish Lab

4 pictures and 4 story descriptions You may want to start before the oil spill You must include how the oil spill affects your animal(s) Requirements for your story…

Whales, porpoises and dolphins – all come up to the surface to breathe Sharks – sharks feed on plankton at the surface of the water Birds – oil coats feathers and fur making birds unable to fly Fish – oil can block their gills and cause suffocation Characters for Your Story…