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Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Resources in netTrekker

The Gulf of Mexico Oil spill has affected us all, whether we live in the area of the spill or are from a totally land-locked state up north.  Just seeing pictures of wildlife coated with oil and hearing stories about people who will forever more be changed by this disaster is heart wrenching.

The editors at netTrekker have pulled together some resources that will enable teachers and students to study the Gulf Oil spill and the long term effects of oil spills in general.

Example of State Standard: 

Identify and explain ways people have affected the physical environment of North America and analyze the positive and negative consequences.

Resources cited below are gathered here:  Science > Earth Science > Natural Resources > Water > Pollution of Surface Water > Oil Spills > Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill (unless another taxonomy is given)

Ideas for Cross Curricular study:

The New York Times, The Learning Network:  The Gulf Oil Spill in the Classroom:   Ideas for civics, history, geography, and science studies.

BBC:  What is a ‘Top Kill’?              Engineering principles

Australian Maritime Safety Authority:  Mathematics and Oil Spills (sits here:  Science > Earth Science > Natural Resources > Water > Pollution of Surface Water > Oil Spills) Keyword:  oil spill mathematics

Key Science Topics:

Bioremediation:  using microorganisms (bacteria) to clean up the spill

Science > Biology > Ecology > Land Management > Waste Management > Hazardous Waste Disposal,

(keyword:  bioremediation)

US Geological Survey:  Bioremediation, Nature’s Way to a Cleaner Environment

Science Daily:  Caution Required for Gulf Oil Spill Clean-Up

Biomagnifications:  oil gets into the food chain and becomes more concentrated the higher up the food chain:

(keyword:  biomagnifications)

Science > Biology > Ecology > Ecological Roles and Relationships > Food Chains and Food Webs Marietta College:  Ecosystems

Science > Biology > Ecology > Human Impact NOAA:  Ocean Pollution

Sorbents:  materials that are good at absorbing liquids

Science > Earth Science > Natural Resources > Water > Pollution of Surface Water > Oil Spills

(keyword:  sorbents)

Science Buddies:  Goo-Be-Gone:  Cleaning Up Oil Spills

Human impact:  humans affect the environment

Yale Environment 360: The BP Spill’s Growing Toll on the Sea Life of the Gulf

National Wildlife Federation:  How Does the BP Oil Spill Impact Wildlife and Habitat?

Chemical dispersants: what to use, what will work

Oil-Price.net:  Gulf Oil Spill:  The Aftermath

Teacher Resources

PBS Newshour:  Gulf Oil Spill Could Be Most Damaging in History

PBS Newshour:  Largest Oil Spill in U.S. History Continues

Ask an Expert

Auburn University:  Resources on the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Louisiana State University:  Resources for the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Video and photos

National Geographic Channel:  Gulf Oil Spill

21^st Century skills

Data Analysis and Problem Solving

EPA Response to BP Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

Real World Data and Activities

NOAA:  Gulf Oil Spill Educational Resources

Discussing the Oil Spill with Young Students

PBS Kids:  The Gulf Coast Oil Disaster

Ranger Rick:  How to Talk with Kids About the Gulf Oil spill

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