Birds are especially threatened by oil spills.
When oil rushes into a body of water, birds and other animals can be caught in the dangerous liquid. A simple experiment can illustrate to students just how big of an impact oil can have on birds. With a handful of materials, students not only will learn about the function of feathers, but also how rescuers help clean birds that are victims of oil spills.
What You'll Need
For this experiment, you will need a feather, vegetable oil or motor oil, soap, a spray bottle and water. Oil will stain, so this experiment is best done outside or in a garage.
The Experiment
Start by spraying a feather with water. Healthy feathers, those not contaminated with with oil, will repel water. Then, dip the feather in oil. Spray the feather again. This time the water should not roll off so readily. Another important point to note is that the feather will be droopy, weighed down by oil. Clean the feather with soapy water, either with a washcloth or a toothbrush. The oil should wash away. Once the oil is gone, the feather once again will repel water.
The Problems Oil Causes
Feathers help keep birds insulated. When oil is coating the feathers, birds are more susceptible to the effects of temperature variations. When their feathers are weighed down by oil , birds cannot fly. Not only does that mean they cannot seek shelter during a storm, or fly to find a better source of food, but they are also in danger of attack from predators. Oil can also enter the animals' intestinal tracts when they try to clean themselves. Oil is, of course, toxic.
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