Anything that is added to the water of our aquatic ecosystems that is not a normal part of the systems, and that should not be there, is a type of water pollution.

There are many sources of water pollution. Some types of pollution can be traced directly to a particular spot, such as a factory or industrial plant. These sources of water pollution are easier to control, because the actual point where the pollution is being added to the water can be identified. However, oil spills are difficult to contend with. They quickly effect the aquatic ecosystem inclusive of animal life surrounding the affected body of water and that depends on this ecosystem for survival.

It's now your job to clean up an oil slick! Find out which materials are more effective in eliminating the oil from water.

1. Add water to the pan until it is about three-fourth full. Add one-half cup motor oil. Watch how oil spreads across the surface.

2. Try to remove oil with the spoon.

3. Try to remove oil using aluminum foil.

4. Try to remove oil using cotton balls.

5. Try to remove oil using paper towels.

6. Try to remove oil using liquid detergent by using several drops of detergent on the oil on the surface of the water.

In the role of a scientist faced with the task of organizing the clean up of an oil spill, write a two page paper telling how you would have it done. Your solution must take into consideration, not only the aquatic ecosystem, but also the surrounding environment inclusive of animal life dependent on the water for survival. This is now a "real world" problem and you must associate the materials you used in this activity to those that could be used in a real situation.