Fire boats try to battle the blaze caused by the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven people were killed during this catastrophe at sea on April 20, 2010. The explosion and later sinking of the Deepwater Horizon caused the Macondo well to leak for 86 days, making it the world’s largest accidental release of oil into the ocean.
Photograph courtesy United States Food and Drug Administration
OIL SPILL EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is a tragedy of enormous proportions that will impact communities and be studied by scientists for many years. Use the resources on this page to help your students better understand oil drilling and the impacts of the spill.
Each activity below features film clips, maps, and photography from National Geographic’s collection of online articles and visuals about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The Activity pages listed here contain the full text of each activity, along with related content and links. Or, choose the a la carte options from this page to put together your own curriculum.
Materials created with the generous support of Oracle.
Activities for Grades preK-3
Activities for Grades 9-12
Photo Gallery
Diagram
More Educator Resources
Find classroom materials for additional National Geographic content. Get activities, worksheets, photos, videos, related links, and more.
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Gulf Oil Spill
Find photos and articles on the worst oil spill in U.S. history.
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Pictures of Disaster
View photos from the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
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Learn What You Can Do To Help Save the Ocean
Take action!
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Seafood Crisis
Will there be any fish left in the future?
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