Page 20 - English Class 06

3 3 3 Oil

Warm Up
Warm Up
Warm Up

The Danger of Oil Spills
This interesting science activity demonstrates its harmful effects on birds; try it and see for
yourself.

You will need:

h Liquid soap h Corn oil

h Vegetable oil h Water

h Feather h Toothbrush

Instructions:

h Create a chart with three columns and three rows. Columns should be labeled as
“Absorbed”, “Repelled” and “Changes” at the top. Rows should be labeled as “Oil”,
“Water” and “Liquid Soap” on the left. Create a grid.

h Look closely at the structure of the feather. Take a photograph if you like.

h Now, dip the feather into water and see if it absorbs or repels the water. Note your
observations on the chart.

h Next, dip the feather into oil and see if it absorbs or repels the oil. Note your observations
on the chart. What does the feather look like now?

h Sprinkle water on the oily feather and see if it absorbs or repels the water.

h Now, mix some soap and water in a bowl.

h Use this mixture to remove the oil from the feather. What results do you see?
Does the feather return to its original pristine condition?

What’s happening?

Feathers consist of hair and tiny hooks that keep the feathers close to the bird’s body and
retain body heat and dryness. Oil damages this hair and thus puts the bird’s life at risk.

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