Free STEM Event Thurs. April 17th

The Dahlgren Heritage Museum, in partnership with the prestigious NSWCDD STEM Group, will conduct its next free STEM session for local 3rd to 6th graders on April 17th. Guided by STEM Champion and instructor Ms. Erica Borgers, who serves as a Senior Scientist at NSWC Dahlgren and is a Doctrinal Candidate in Chemistry at George Mason University, the students will participate in an environmental science activity titled "Oil Spills and Containment." They will participate in a hands-on activity that simulates an oil spill, learning about humans' impact on the environment, and clean up this simulated disaster, inspiring them to be a part of the solution that is vital to the future of our planet.

Background:

An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially the marine ecosystem, due to human activity, and is a form of pollution. The term is usually given to marine oil spills, where oil is released into the ocean or coastal waters, but spills may also occur on land. Oil spills can result from the release of crude oil from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, and wells. They may also involve spills of refined petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel fuel, as well as their by-products. Additionally, heavier fuels used by large ships, such as bunker fuel, or spills of any oily refuse or waste oil, contribute to such incidents. These spills can have severe environmental and economic consequences.

Oil spills penetrate into the structure of the plumage of birds and the fur of mammals, reducing its insulating ability and making them more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and much less buoyant in the water. Cleanup and recovery from an oil spill is difficult and depends upon many factors, including the type of oil spilled, the temperature of the water (affecting evaporation and biodegradation), and the types of shorelines and beaches involved. Spills may take weeks, months, or even years to clean up.

Parents/guardians are welcome to wait at the museum or to return for pickup by 7:30 p.m. Adults are asked to sign a consent form for photos to be used by the museum. The event is free, but donations to the museum are appreciated.

For more information and to register, visit: https://www.dahlgrenmuseum.org/events-calendar