This rap is fun to do and points out that each generation of humans has had to deal with garbage, it has been around as long as humans have, and that humans have not always been successful at dealing with pollution and what some of the consequences have been. I will ask students to record in their journals after every chapter who or what they think is happening to the birds and other living things in the novel. This is one of three ecological mysteries that Ms. George has written - they are excellent stories incorporating good scientific principles involving the environment, ecosystems, and how humans adversely affect it. Use disposable gloves when handling the oil. Motor oil can be dangerous when taken internally - keep it and fingers, pens, pencils and all other equipment out of your mouth.
Oily water is to be collected in the large buckets for proper disposal.
Put about 2-3 inches of salt water in your basin. With sand, create a mini-beach in one area in the basin. Measure and record the pH of the salt water. Using water, determine the volume of the disposable pipette. You may wish to calibrate and make marks on the pipette.