Examine the consequences of an oil spill for a bird though a hands-on experiment. This lesson is part of a series. Select this text to learn more about the series and how to extend its usefulness.
Oil spills are just one of the ways that humans can have a harmful affect on bird populations.
When oil mixes with water it floats on top of it because it is less dense. This is particularly harmful in the oceans because the ocean surface is where the majority of wildlife is, especially birds. Oil from spills coats birds' feathers, destroying their ability to repel water. Birds can become waterlogged and drown or may be poisoned while trying to clean their feathers of oil. Divide the students by how many tables you have set up.