August Blog—Oil Spill Disasters and Fossil Fuel Dependency

[Greg Timmons]

The recent oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has raised many questions about the oil exploration industry—how petroleum is created in the ground, where it’s found, how it’s extracted and transported, how it’s used, and what to do when an accident occurs. One great Interact simulation that addresses all these concerns is BLACK GOLD, written by Jay Farnsworth of Waunakee Intermediate School in Waunakee, Wisconsin. In the first few days of the simulation students explore the geological and geographical characteristics of petroleum. Activities include students constructing world maps, exploring oil reserves throughout the world and the Middle East, understanding the process of refining crude oil into petroleum products and examining some of the problems using fossil fuels. Students also explore current events issues surrounding the Middle East and how these events affect oil production. In this one activity, science, geography and current events are covered.

In another of the more applicable activities to current events, students read a “news flash” on an oil spill. The news flash provides information on the type of spill, its location, and any danger to wildlife. But this information could also come from real news headlines on the Gulf of Mexico oil well rupture or the recent spilling of oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan. Students experience the problems of clean up in a simulated oil spill right on their desks! Using corn oil and water in containers simulating natural water bodies, students compete in teams to devise and execute oil recovery plans. From this, students can gain an understanding of the difficulty involved in recovering spilt oil and compare different methods for recovery. Student can also follow up exploring the damage to the environment and the possible obligation private businesses and the government have to prevent further oil spill disasters and what efforts can be made to provide relief to communities and natural environments affected by such disasters.

I invite anyone who has used Black Gold to comment on these ideas or share any of your own you’ve applied in the classroom. Questions are also welcome.

[jay farnsworth]

Each year that goes by since I put together Black Gold, the ways I've used it in the classroom have evolved. I knew the unit was relevant when I did it in the late 90's, but I'm dismayed to see how many current issue tie-ins have actually surfaced since it was written. We will certainly be discussing oil spills and oil spill clean-up technology in great detail this year. We always have cleaned a small corn oil spill, but this year will bring new meaning to the process I'm certain.
In addition to the wars in the Middle East, this unit has become a central tie in to what's happening now and into the future of my sixth grade students. I encourage you to use it and modify it to your place and time.