Each group needs:

• 1 plastic bin (shoebox size or similar)
• 2 cups (473 ml) sand
• duct tape, 4 feet (1.2 m)
• 6 cotton balls
• 8 plastic drinking straws
• 1 feather
• half a standard-sized sponge (rectangular, palm-sized)
• 1/4 cup (~60 ml) toasted sesame or other dark-colored oil (see the Troubleshooting Tips section)
• scissors
• (optional) stopwatch, to time the testing

To share with the entire class:

• access to a sink or water source
• paper towels for cleanup
• liquid dishwashing detergent, for use as a dispersant
• computer and projector, to show the Oil Spills Presentation