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The following web pages and articles provide objective information appropriate for K-12 educators and students. If you have a resource you would like to see included here, please share it with us by emailing EEWeek@neefusa.org.
Looking for lesson plans and classroom activities on oil spills? Visit our Oil Spill Curricula page.
American
Bird Conservancy: Information on Bird Impacts from the Deepwater Horizon
Oil Spill
The American Bird Conservancy (ABC), an organization dedicated to conserving native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas, has created a webpage dedicated to providing the public with information on the impacts of the Gulf Oil Spill on birds. In addition to general information, ABC provides the latest updates on how birds and bird habitat are affected as well as suggestions for how the public can become involved in the clean-up and wildlife rescue operations.
The American Bird Conservancy (ABC), an organization dedicated to conserving native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas, has created a webpage dedicated to providing the public with information on the impacts of the Gulf Oil Spill on birds. In addition to general information, ABC provides the latest updates on how birds and bird habitat are affected as well as suggestions for how the public can become involved in the clean-up and wildlife rescue operations.
Audubon Gulf Coast Oil Disaster
Audubon has created a webpage dedicated to the Gulf oil spill. The webapge includes information on clean-up efforts, information on the threat to birds and other wildlife, interviews with experts, what kids can do to help, how parents can talk to their kids about the disaster and what Audubon is doing to address the threats of the oil spill.
Audubon has created a webpage dedicated to the Gulf oil spill. The webapge includes information on clean-up efforts, information on the threat to birds and other wildlife, interviews with experts, what kids can do to help, how parents can talk to their kids about the disaster and what Audubon is doing to address the threats of the oil spill.
Audubon:
How Oil-Covered Birds Are Cleaned
In this article from Audubon magazine, frequently asked questions about how birds affected by oil spills are answered in-depth by experts from the International Bird Rescue Research Center.
In this article from Audubon magazine, frequently asked questions about how birds affected by oil spills are answered in-depth by experts from the International Bird Rescue Research Center.
The Bridge Ocean Science Education Blog was created by the Bridge, a website providing free marine education resources, and the National Marine Educators Association. The blog provides a forum for educators to discuss topics related to ocean science and ocean science education and includes a special section dedicated to the Gulf Oil Spill.
Earth Gauge Gulf Oil Spill Resources
Earth Gauge, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, provides environmental and climate knowledge to broadcast meteorologists in order to increase the public's knowledge to make environmentally informed decisions. Earth Gauge provides a webpage of resources and visuals about the Gulf Oil Spill, covering everything from health impacts to ocean current forecasts. The page provides links to educational resources and Earth Gauge's Gulf Oil Spill Fact Sheets, which focus on unique topics related to the Gulf of Mexico and the effects of the 2010 oil spill. A webinar, in which scientists adress the impacts of the lingering oil, is also archived online. Earth Gauge Kids, a program that provides information to students in grades 5-8 related to a monthly theme, explored the Gulf of Mexico in June 2010.
Earth Gauge, a program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, provides environmental and climate knowledge to broadcast meteorologists in order to increase the public's knowledge to make environmentally informed decisions. Earth Gauge provides a webpage of resources and visuals about the Gulf Oil Spill, covering everything from health impacts to ocean current forecasts. The page provides links to educational resources and Earth Gauge's Gulf Oil Spill Fact Sheets, which focus on unique topics related to the Gulf of Mexico and the effects of the 2010 oil spill. A webinar, in which scientists adress the impacts of the lingering oil, is also archived online. Earth Gauge Kids, a program that provides information to students in grades 5-8 related to a monthly theme, explored the Gulf of Mexico in June 2010.
Eco-Schools
USA Special
Report: Oil Spill
EcoExxon Valdez Oil Spill: Resources for Teachers and Students-Schools USA, a program of the National Wildlife Federation, provides a special report on the Gulf Oil Spill designed to give teachers and students information and resources to help them better understand the spill and its ramifications. The report includes answers to questions asked by young people, information on helping wildlife and facts on the importance of protecting wetlands.
EcoExxon Valdez Oil Spill: Resources for Teachers and Students-Schools USA, a program of the National Wildlife Federation, provides a special report on the Gulf Oil Spill designed to give teachers and students information and resources to help them better understand the spill and its ramifications. The report includes answers to questions asked by young people, information on helping wildlife and facts on the importance of protecting wetlands.
Encyclopedia of Earth: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
The Encyclopedia of Earth (EoE) is a free, searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators and experts on the Earth, its environments and their interaction with society. The EoE's extensive article on the Gulf Oil Spill includes information on the magnitude and extent of the spill, clean up efforts and ecological impacts as well as a review of past disasters.
The Encyclopedia of Earth (EoE) is a free, searchable collection of articles written by scholars, professionals, educators and experts on the Earth, its environments and their interaction with society. The EoE's extensive article on the Gulf Oil Spill includes information on the magnitude and extent of the spill, clean up efforts and ecological impacts as well as a review of past disasters.
Encyclopedia of Earth: OCEAN OIL
The Online Clearinghouse for Education and Networking - Oil Interdisciplinary Learning (OCEAN-OIL) is a free, peer-reviewed collection of scientific information and educational resources about the Deepwater Horizon disaster and its broader energy and environmental implications. OCEAN-OIL is a collaborative, community-driven effort by scientists, teachers and concerned citizens.
The Online Clearinghouse for Education and Networking - Oil Interdisciplinary Learning (OCEAN-OIL) is a free, peer-reviewed collection of scientific information and educational resources about the Deepwater Horizon disaster and its broader energy and environmental implications. OCEAN-OIL is a collaborative, community-driven effort by scientists, teachers and concerned citizens.
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Resources for Teachers and Students
Compiled by the Alaska Resources Library and Information Services, this document provides a list of books, videos and DVDs, websites and articles pertaining to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and related topics. The resources were all selected for their appeal to teachers, students and the general public.
Compiled by the Alaska Resources Library and Information Services, this document provides a list of books, videos and DVDs, websites and articles pertaining to the Exxon Valdez oil spill and related topics. The resources were all selected for their appeal to teachers, students and the general public.
The
Exxon Valdez: What Happens When an Oil Spill Occurs?
What Happens When an Oil Spill Occurs is an interactive, online overview of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989. Along with images and animation depicting the extent of the spill and resultant clean-up efforts, the presentation creates a simulation using models that project the impacts of an oil spill off the coast of Connecticut. The presentation concludes with information about other past oil spills.
What Happens When an Oil Spill Occurs is an interactive, online overview of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989. Along with images and animation depicting the extent of the spill and resultant clean-up efforts, the presentation creates a simulation using models that project the impacts of an oil spill off the coast of Connecticut. The presentation concludes with information about other past oil spills.
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network (GOMAEEN) provides resources for educators on environmental topics relevant to the Gulf of Mexico. The GOMAEEN website provides links to relevant news stories about the Gulf Oil Spill and several lesson plans about oil spills in the Educator Resources section.
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network (GOMAEEN) provides resources for educators on environmental topics relevant to the Gulf of Mexico. The GOMAEEN website provides links to relevant news stories about the Gulf Oil Spill and several lesson plans about oil spills in the Educator Resources section.
Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Public Lands
This webpage from National Public Lands Day provides facts and information on the ways the Gulf Oil Spill has affected our National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks and other public lands in the United States, as well as ways to help.
This webpage from National Public Lands Day provides facts and information on the ways the Gulf Oil Spill has affected our National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks and other public lands in the United States, as well as ways to help.
MSNBC:
The Physics of Oil Spills
Oil on the Water: The Physics of Oil Spills is an interactive feature providing an overview of the physics behind an oil spill. The feature illustrates the physical and chemical processes, known as weathering, that change the oil's properties and behavior after it is spilled into the ocean. This feature was developed by MSNBC.
Oil on the Water: The Physics of Oil Spills is an interactive feature providing an overview of the physics behind an oil spill. The feature illustrates the physical and chemical processes, known as weathering, that change the oil's properties and behavior after it is spilled into the ocean. This feature was developed by MSNBC.
Each activity listed on National Geographic's webpage on oil spill resources feature film clips, maps and photography from National Geographic's collection of online articles and visuals about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The activity pages contain the full text of each activity, along with related content and links. Educators also have the option to use the resources to put together their own curriculum.
The
New York Times: Spill's Effects Underwater
Spill's Effects Underwater is a webpage of visuals from the New York Times that illustrate the effects of oil underwater.
Spill's Effects Underwater is a webpage of visuals from the New York Times that illustrate the effects of oil underwater.
NOAA Education Resources: Gulf Oil Spill
The NOAA Education page is a portal designed to assist educators in accessing educational materials from NOAA programs and partner websites. The content is organized into topics, including ocean and coasts, climate, weather and atmostphere, marine life and freshwaer. Education resources on the Gulf oil spill include videos, imagery and other multimedia; lessons and activities; real world data, including interactive maps and models; background information, including fat sheets and finally, career profiles.
The NOAA Education page is a portal designed to assist educators in accessing educational materials from NOAA programs and partner websites. The content is organized into topics, including ocean and coasts, climate, weather and atmostphere, marine life and freshwaer. Education resources on the Gulf oil spill include videos, imagery and other multimedia; lessons and activities; real world data, including interactive maps and models; background information, including fat sheets and finally, career profiles.
NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration
NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration is a website with comprehensive information about NOAA cleanup efforts in the Gulf. The website provides information on damage assessment, the Deepwater Horizon spill, opportunities for citizens to become involved in cleanup efforts and a host of multimedia, including photos, videos, maps and publications.
NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration is a website with comprehensive information about NOAA cleanup efforts in the Gulf. The website provides information on damage assessment, the Deepwater Horizon spill, opportunities for citizens to become involved in cleanup efforts and a host of multimedia, including photos, videos, maps and publications.
NOAA Office of Response and Restoration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Response and Restoration provides scientific support for oil and chemical spill responses as well as damage assessments in coastal waters. In addition, NOAA is currently providing the latest news relating to the Gulf Oil Spill as well as fact sheets, publications and visuals. A special page for students and teachers provides information and activities on oil spills and hazardous chemical accidents.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Response and Restoration provides scientific support for oil and chemical spill responses as well as damage assessments in coastal waters. In addition, NOAA is currently providing the latest news relating to the Gulf Oil Spill as well as fact sheets, publications and visuals. A special page for students and teachers provides information and activities on oil spills and hazardous chemical accidents.
Oil Spill Educational Resources
This series of PowerPoints and hands-on activities from COSEE-NOW is designed for teachers to use in their classrooms to help discuss the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Teaches can decide which activities and topics to include, download the appropriate PowerPoint and then modify the PowerPoint according to thier grade level and the time available. Information for teachers is included in the notes section of each PowerPoint. The website also includes a link to sample unit plans.
This series of PowerPoints and hands-on activities from COSEE-NOW is designed for teachers to use in their classrooms to help discuss the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Teaches can decide which activities and topics to include, download the appropriate PowerPoint and then modify the PowerPoint according to thier grade level and the time available. Information for teachers is included in the notes section of each PowerPoint. The website also includes a link to sample unit plans.
Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico
Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexcio is a blog created by the staff of the Pelican's Nest Science Lab in Fairhope, Ala. The blog provides links to resources, information and activities for students and teachers.
Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexcio is a blog created by the staff of the Pelican's Nest Science Lab in Fairhope, Ala. The blog provides links to resources, information and activities for students and teachers.
The Online Clearinghouse for Education and Networking - Oil Interdisciplinary Learning (OCEAN-OIL) is a free, peer-reviewed collection of scientific information and educational resources about the Deepwater Horizon disaster and its broader energy and environmental implications. OCEAN-OIL is a collaborative, community-driven effort by scientists, teachers and concerned citizens presented by The Encyclopedia of Earth with support from the National Science Foundation.
The Smithsonian Institution: The Ocean Portal
The Ocean Portal, developed by the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, is an interactive website that inspires awareness, understanding and stewardship of the world's oceans. The Ocean Portal includes a blog that highlights the unseen impacts of the Gulf Oil Spill, as well as a Spotlight on Science feature, ocean news and resources for educators.
The Ocean Portal, developed by the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History, is an interactive website that inspires awareness, understanding and stewardship of the world's oceans. The Ocean Portal includes a blog that highlights the unseen impacts of the Gulf Oil Spill, as well as a Spotlight on Science feature, ocean news and resources for educators.
Tracking the Oil Spill in the Gulf
This interactive feature from the New York Times contrasts the estimated and surveyed extent of the oil spill on a map of the Gulf of Mexico. It also indicates ocean currents, marshes, urban areas, points where the oil has made landfall and the extent of the fishing ban in the Gulf.
This interactive feature from the New York Times contrasts the estimated and surveyed extent of the oil spill on a map of the Gulf of Mexico. It also indicates ocean currents, marshes, urban areas, points where the oil has made landfall and the extent of the fishing ban in the Gulf.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Resources
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has prepared webpage on the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The webpage includes updates on FWS's response efforts as well as maps, fact sheets, photos, videos and information on the oil spill. Visitors to the site will also learn how FWS is mitigating the spill's effects on local habitat and wildlife and what citizens can do to help. Links to the websites of other federal agencies are also available, which provide further information on response efforts.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has prepared webpage on the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The webpage includes updates on FWS's response efforts as well as maps, fact sheets, photos, videos and information on the oil spill. Visitors to the site will also learn how FWS is mitigating the spill's effects on local habitat and wildlife and what citizens can do to help. Links to the websites of other federal agencies are also available, which provide further information on response efforts.
The Washington Post: What Oil Does to a Salt Marsh
What Oil Does to a Salt Marsh is a visual from the Washington Post illustrating how different creatures in a salt marsh are affected by the presence of oil.
What Oil Does to a Salt Marsh is a visual from the Washington Post illustrating how different creatures in a salt marsh are affected by the presence of oil.