Save the Water
Description
Students asked to work in teams to clean up water from a simulated oil spill. Experientially understanding the difficulty of the undertaking, they discuss the consequences for the people and the natural environment.
Learning objectives
Problem-solving.
Develop team thinking and working.
They are questioning the effect of human activity on the environment.
Suggested age group
2nd Grade
Time
50 minutes
Fields in S.T.E.A.M.
Sciences
Technology
Materials
For “oil”
A glass of sunflower oil.
Cocoa.
Spoon.
Bowl with water.
For water purification:
Glasses.
Cotton.
Spoons.
Steps
1
Students learn about oil and its transportation in giant tankers.Unfortunately, the tankers often get damaged, releasing large quantities of oil into the sea.
Then the students discuss the consequences for the environment.
2
Mix sunflower oil with cocoa and create a thick liquid. The texture is like petroleum. Mixing it with water (in a bowl), you notice that the water and the “oil” do not mix. The “oil” forms spots, which can be removed.
3
The class works into groups of 4 or 5 people. Each team must clean up the oil spill.
4
What happens when we use glasses to remove the “oil”?
Are we removing too much water at the same time?
How much time do we need to remove the “oil” in greater detail (with a spoon or cotton)?
5
The teacher asked each team to decide how to act and start this difficult task.
