Oil Spill Lab Activity

Follow the instructions to complete the lab activity

Step 1- Obtain the materials: Water, eye dropper, cotton balls, cotton swabs, dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, Borax, mineral oil, sponge, paper towel, TWO feathers and TWO fur pieces.

Step 2- Examine and sketch a feather

Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness.

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Step 3- Use an eyedropper and drop water onto the feather observe what happens.






Step 4- Oil is now spilled in your ecosystem.  Use an eyedropper and drop oil on to the feather.
Observe what happens then draw the feather and describe it.





Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness.    
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After using the water and the motor oil, what is different about the feather?

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How might you clean up the feathers?

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Step 5 - Examine and sketch the fur.





Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness. 
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Step 6- Use an eyedropper and drop water onto the fur and observe what happens.



Use an eyedropper and place a few drops of motor oil onto your other fur.
Observe what happens then draw the fur and describe.





Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness.   
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After using the water and the motor oil, what is different about the fur?
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How might you clean the fur?
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Step 7- Predict which clean up material might be the best to use to clean up the feather and fur.
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Step 8- Select one of the cleaning materials. Use water, or a cotton ball or swab and a cleaning solution to clean the feather coated with the Motor oil.
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Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness.

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Select a different cleaning material and follow the above procedure to clean the fur.

Record your observations below.
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Which cleaning material worked best to clean the feathers coated
with motor oil_______________________________________.

Step 9- Select one of the cleaning materials. Use water, or a cotton ball or swab and a cleaning solution to clean the fur coated with the Motor oil.


Record your observations of shape, color, texture and cleanliness.   
____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________ 

Select a different cleaning material and follow the above procedure to clean the fur.

Record your observations below.

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Which cleaning material worked best to clean the fur coated
with motor oil _______________________________________.

Answer the following questions:

1. How might the use of cleaning materials affect the wildlife of an area?
   
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2. Who should be responsible for the clean up of oil spills in a habitat area?
   
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3. Who should pay for oil spill clean up?
   
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4. Other than feathers and fur, what other types of animal anatomy could be effected by oil spills.
   
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