The extraction and transport of oil from near and off shore wells has been and will continue to be an environmental risk. Frequent small oil spills, urban run-off and naturally occurring oil seeps introduce oil into the ocean every day, however the Deepwater Horizon event during 2010 released unprecedented amounts of oil and chemical dispersants into the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists are still trying to assess the magnitude and impact of the event. Below are several links to information and activities about oil, the extraction of oil, oil spills and the impact on the environment.
In collaboration with the Center for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence California (COSEE CA), scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Scripps) have worked with a group of three middle school science teachers to teach students how marine natural products research at Scripps connects and contributes to the clinical drug discovery process. The participating San Diego Unified School District 7th grade life science teachers routinely teach a unit on drug discovery to approximately 300 students each year, and enrich the instruction by providing students the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with marine scientists through an interactive videoconference.
