Human Significance of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

*Popular lesson!

Lesson Overview

A variety of different people are involved in oil spill response, clean up, and recovery of human and natural communities. People involved in and affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill have diverse perspectives on the disaster. Listening to their perspectives helps us learn about the complex impacts of oil spills on ecosystems, economies, cultures, mental and physical health, politics, and communities.

Objectives

• Students will gain a better understanding of the environmental, economic, psychological, political, and historical impacts of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
• Students will consider the diverse perspectives of people involved in and affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Subject: Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, Social Science, Writing, Oil Spill Response, History, Cultural-Native Studies, Government
Concept: Information not available
Type: Classroom, Video, Suitable for Homeschool, Uses Common household supplies
Standard: 5-ESS3-1
Duration: 90-120 Minutes, >120 Minutes