A Slick Solution: Cleaning an Oil Spill
Science Topic: Ecosystems
Engineering Field: Environmental Engineering
Country: United States (Pacific Northwest)
Storybook: Tehya’s Pollution Solution
In this unit, students are introduced to a girl named Tehya who is a member of the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe. While walking by the Elwha River near her home in Washington state, Tehya and her friend Sam are horrified to find an oil spill. With the help of Thomas, a neighbor and environmental engineer, Tehya and Sam play an active role in the clean up efforts. Students learn about the interconnectedness of components of an ecosystem, methods for cleaning oil spills, and the severe impact oil spills can have on an ecosystem.
Throughout this unit, students will act as environmental engineers using their knowledge of ecosystems, environments, and properties of materials to design solutions to environmental problems. Students will investigate the pH of soil and water samples to gather clues to identify potential sources of pollution in a fictional town. This exercise points out that pollution is rarely an isolated problem—pollution in one area often spreads through soil, water, and air to other areas. Students will also be challenged to design their own process for cleaning an oil spill. They will have the opportunity to test and think carefully about properties of various materials that might be used to help clean an oil spill. Finally, students will be able to design, test, and improve their own process for cleaning an oil spill.
GEMS Connections: Environmental Detectives, Terrarium Habitats
FOSS Connection: Environments
STC Connection: Ecosystems
Insights Connection: Habitats
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