Last updated: March 8, 2019
Lesson Plan
"What's that Slippery Mess?" Water: 4-6 Grade
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- FLORIDA SUNSHINE STATE STANDARDS
MA.4.A.6.6
SC.4.L.17
MA.5.A.1
SC.5.L.15
MA.5.A.6
Essential Question
How do oil spills affect wildlife?
Objective
The student will be able to: a) show ways oil spills can affect wildlife adversely, and b) point out possible negative consequences to wildlife, people, and the environment from human-caused pollutants and/or industry.
Background
Oil drilling has been proposed for Florida's Gulf Coast and in the Dry Tortugas. Oil spills in Big Cypress Preserve, which is adjacent to the western border of Everglades National Park, have occured. The Big Cypress Oil Spills Rrport documents that oil spills have occurred in Big Cypress. The Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 has severely impacted the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico and the livelihoods of many who live on the Gulf Coast. The potential for environmental damage from oil drilling in the Dry Tortugas, Florida's Gulf Coast, and the Big Cypress Preserve is a real and ever-present danger.
Preparation
Incorporate the Everglades into your lesson planning. In partnership with teachers, we are proud to offer multidisciplinary, curriculum-based activities that bring relevant lessons from the field into the classroom. These materials can be used as pre-site lessons for any in-park field trip. Please click here to view a list of Everglades Curriculum Materials.
Procedure
To request hard copies or digital copies of the following activity guides, please email the Everglades Education Department or call (305) 242-7753.
Vocabulary
Pollutant, Oil Spill, Resource Management
Additional Resources
https://www.nps.gov/bicy/oil-spill-response.htm
https://www.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Incidents&id=5058