Ask students to predict the effect of wind and wave action on oil and water. They can stimulate the ocean's behavior by blowing and on and moving the water in the pie pan. Have each pair determine the effectiveness of each of the cleanup materials provided. They should identify the amount of oil cleaned up by each material and how quickly it worked. Let students dip a feather in the oil.
Students can try the procedure using fresh water and then salt water.
This activity was prepared by Jane Howard and appeared in October 1989 issue of Science and Children. Begin a discussion on how an animal's fur acts as insulation. Ask students if they have ever been caught in the rain in a wool sweater.