This single-lesson course in ecology and oil spills for the secondary/postsecondary level comprises one of a number of military-developed curriculum packages selected for adaptation to vocational instruction and curriculum development in a civilian setting. The purpose stated for the 2-hour course is to provide students with an understanding of the effects of oil spills on the environment. The individualized, self-paced course may be used as a sub-unit in petroleum, ecology, marine sciences, or public service courses. Introductory materials include administrative instructions and a lesson assignment detailing the scope and objectives. Three sections contain informative materials on (1) oil spills and their effect on ecology (oil spill classification, estimated volume of spills, cause of spills, ecological effects, and preventive measures), (2) federal organization for oil pollution control (the national response center, the national response team, regional response centers, on-scene commanders, contingency plans, and response phases), and (3) cleanup and disposal (cleanup methods, recovery and disposal of waste oil, and after-action reports). Appendixes contain references, information on the federal water quality administration regional offices, a model oil spill contingency plan, and an extract from the Golden Gate Oil Spill report of January 1971. (YLB)