Students will be introduced to the effects of oil spills on marine and wildlife as well as techniques used in the rescue and cleaning of such. Our focus will be directed toward the marine and wildlife indigenous to the Newark Bay Complex. Through a variety of activities, students will enhance their knowledge of the effects of oil on the environment.

The classroom will be divided into the following four centers:

• Internet Center (Students will work cooperatively to download and research information from
  the Internet using the following sites: Audubon Society, Environmental Protection Agency on Habitats, Environmental Protection Agency on Birds, Environmental Protection Agency on Rescues.)
• Experimentation Center (Bring in a few stuffed animals, ones that won't shrink. Put some salad oil on them to simulate what happens when wildlife gets covered with oil from a spill. Try different ways of cleaning the animals using the scientific method . Use dish detergent, laundry soap, carpet cleaner, water, hair dryers, towels, and other devices to assist in the cleanup. Devise the most efficient way to clean them.)
• Poetry Center (Using a variety of poetic forms, students will create images depicting their conceptions of oil spill effects upon the environment. Students will edit and illustrate their poetic endeavors using a variety of software. Several sites will be provided for clip art. Upon completion of the project, students will identify and compose questions to be E-mailed to the experts.)
• Art Center (Students will take a kinesthetic approach to developing an awareness and concern of their local environment through the process of creating a collage.)

Expert Links

• Whale Times
• Plug into Resources
• Gravity Q&A
• Weather Questions
• Navigation and Mapping Questions
• Ask Jack Responses
• National Wetlands Inventory