Environmental Science Students Celebrate Earth Day with Oil Spill

For Earth Day, students in an Environmental Science class studied how an oil spill would affect a miniature ocean ecosystem.

This class is a part of QCC’s Liberal Arts program, with an environmental science option, designed as a transfer program to a four-year program. Options for environmental science degrees include meteorology, climate science or options such as environmental law.

Students created miniature ocean ecosystems in containers, with shells and small sea creatures. Then they poured a crude oil mixture in to see the impact the oil has on the environment.

Then their task was to try to clean up the mock oil spill, removing shells and other items and cleaning them, as well as trying to clean the water and contain the oil. Students mentioned the loss of textures on shells

“Career opportunities are very broad in the sciences, you have a great shot of getting a job, a well-paying job,” said Anita Soracco, associate professor of Environmental/Physical Science.

If you have an interest in this program, more information is available at www.QCC.edu or call 508.854.4262.