KiwiCo Environmental Science Oil Cleanup Kit

KiwiCo's Environmental Science: Oil Cleanup kit lets kids learn how oil affects the ocean, then stage their own small oil spill in a tub, rescue wooden animals dressed in fabric fur and feathers, and test different ways to clean it up.

What's inside

• Tub, beaker, boat, sponge, spoon, strainer spoon and squeeze bulb
• 3 wooden animals and 3 dress-up furs
• Vegetable oil (3 fl oz), blue coloring and cleaning gel
• 18 foam shapes and 10 connector clips for building booms
• Cotton balls, a lab notebook and an illustrated instruction booklet

How it works

Kids color the water blue, add oil, then try scooping, soaking up and trapping it with booms they build from foam shapes. The booklet follows real wildlife rescuers and environmental engineers. The materials can be reused with more vegetable oil and soap.

What kids learn

• Chemistry: why oil and water don't mix
• Engineering: build, test and improve a clean-up solution
• Ocean health: how spills affect animals
• Problem solving: comparing which method works best

Good to know before you buy

• Age: KiwiCo lists ages 5 and up and places it in its 3 to 6 years store. One parent found it too simple for an 8-year-old.
• Messy: it involves oil and water, so set up at the kitchen table or outside.
• Small parts: not for children under 3.
• Price: $19.95 at KiwiCo at the time of writing.

Who it's for

Animal lovers, kids who care about the ocean, and families or teachers looking for an Earth Day or environmental science activity.