Talking Oil Spills with Kids - Some Quick Resources

With the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in the news constantly, it's a good time to get the information right when talking about oil spills with your children. Here is a brief round-up of some sites that we thought might help you, in no particular order:

• Geekdad: A Parent's Guide to the Oil Spill


• National Wildlife Federation: The Big Oil Spill, Ranger Rick answers your questions - good for elementary/primary aged children


• Earth Scouts: Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill - recently created, has a neat round up of resources


• Global Marine Oil Pollution Information Gateway: Kids' pages on oil in the sea


• WSRE, PBS on the Gulf Coast: Oil Spill Response Resources for Teachers, Parents, & Kids


• Australian Maritime & Safety Authority: Oil Spill Information and Educational Material - good range of home and classroom materials, elementary/primary upward


• The Wildlife Society: Oil spill coverage - even though not strictly for children, the depth and breadth of the oil spill coverage on this site makes it worth using


• TLC: Oil Spill Lesson - this is an actual activity to try with your children to demonstrate how oil spills affect animals and their habitat

Jeff Kart of Treehugger has great advice: "Be age appropriate. Follow your child's lead. Invite participation and empower action."

Feel free to leave suggestions for other parents and educators in the comments.