While the global market is still highly dependent on oil and fossil fuels, society must be aware of the dangers and repercussions of mishandling of this oil. Oil spills are too often forgotten about after the original media rush, and conversations about cleanup methods are neglected. In this case study, we have students to look into the ramifications of an important oil spill, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. We challenge students to look into possible cleanup solutions for oil spills in order to encourage critical thought around an issue that is common in today’s world.

In this case study, developed by undergraduate students of the UMass Amherst iCons program, students can choose the topic they wish to study and do original research. Students will then communicate their original conclusions outside the classroom. By creating their own research and having a product leave the classroom, students will be invested in their work and feel like they are contributing to the global conversation about oil spills.

For Teachers, we have now created a SeaVuria Oil Spill Project Curriculum Page that outlines the Big Ideas of The Oil Spill Project and provides sequential lesson plans for use in your classroom! Take a look at our project page HERE.