Grade 8 · Science · Unit 8 of 13
Fluids, Spills & Society
Technologies, spills and who is affected
What your child practises
The benefits and risks of technologies that use fluids, such as pipelines and hydroelectric dams, how spills affect wildlife, the economy and communities (including Indigenous communities who rely on the land and water), and why cleanup is costly and difficult.
Ontario Curriculum expectation: C1.1, C1.2 · environmental, social and economic impacts of fluid technologies and of fluid spills, including impacts on First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
Which tool is used to keep a floating oil spill from spreading?
- a floating boom
- a sponge mop
- a fan
- a fishing net
Show answer
a floating boom
Hint: A boom is a floating barrier.
Question 2
A spill happens in a river used by a First Nation for drinking water and fishing. What is a likely impact?
- Safe water and traditional foods may be put at risk.
- No community is affected.
- Fishing is not affected at all.
- The river becomes cleaner.
Show answer
Safe water and traditional foods may be put at risk.
Hint: People who depend on the land and water can be affected first.
Question 3
A pipeline moves liquids over long distances. Which action best helps prevent leaks?
- making the pipe thinner
- ignoring small cracks
- removing all valves
- regular inspections and maintenance
Show answer
regular inspections and maintenance
Hint: Prevention is usually easier and cheaper than cleanup.
Question 4
Hydroelectric dams use which fluid to make electricity?
- mercury
- natural gas only
- flowing water
- compressed air
Show answer
flowing water
Hint: Moving water turns turbines.
Question 5
Why do communities near a spill often need clean drinking water brought in?
- Water does not matter.
- Spills make water taste sweeter.
- The usual water source may be unsafe until it is cleaned.
- They are not thirsty.
Show answer
The usual water source may be unsafe until it is cleaned.
Hint: Safe water is a basic need.
Question 6
How can a fuel spill in a lake affect plants and animals?
- It feeds all the fish.
- It has no effect.
- It makes the water cleaner.
- It can poison fish, plants and the animals that eat them.
Show answer
It can poison fish, plants and the animals that eat them.
Hint: Chemicals can pass through the food web.