Oil and Bird Populations

Display a stunning drawing of the Gulf of Mexico's ecosystems. Learners examine the picture to determine what birds live there and what foods they rely on. Then show a poignant five-minute film that examines the impact of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (BP) oil spill on specific species of birds in the gulf. Hold classroom discussions about how scientists are working to help the affected bird populations. Though the lesson is simple, it can fuel a relevant discussion of how human activities affect the environment. You could follow or precede the lesson with the classic activity of dipping bird feathers in oil and showing how difficult it is to remove. Other related resource links provide the opportunity to extend this lesson as well.