Materials List: A Slippery Situation:
Oil Spill Cleanup and Polarity

Each group needs:

  • 1 plastic tub (18.9 L or similar)
  • cup or beaker (see through)
  • 1 ruler 
  • Oil Spill Cleanup Worksheet
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp oil-based dye or cocoa powder

For the entire class to share:

  • food scale or similar (optional)
  • microwave
  • water
  • remediation materials
    • kitchen salt
    • dish soap
    • plastic spoons
    • twine / string (6.35 m ball or similar)
    • cotton balls
    • craft sticks
    • ice

A close-up image of a plastic spoon, two rubber bands, and five popsicle sticks on a table.
Oil Spill Cleanup Materials 1
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Copyright © https://stlmotherhood.com/popsicle-spoons-catapult-challenge/

A close-up image of five cotton balls.
Oil Spill Cleanup Materials 2
copyright
Copyright © https://www.shutterstock.com/search/cotton-balls

An image of a container of dish soap.
Oil Spill Cleanup Materials 3
copyright
Copyright © https://www.seventhgeneration.com/dish-liquid-free-clear-19-fl-oz

https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/cub-2767-oil-spill-cleanup-polarity-activity