We got a lab in chemistry today that none of us have a clue about. Basically the premise is that a truck carrying ground coffee, garlic powder, and mineral oil ran into a lake and it spilled in. We need to come up with a plan (using charcoal and sand as two of the things) that will separate the things and get the lake back to swimming conditions. We are trying to do these methods small-scale with beakers, the sand and charcoal, funnels, etc... but none of us really know what to do. Any help would be appreciated!!

I've been traveling and didn't see your post sooner. Your lab may be completed by now.

Activated charcoal absorbs colors and odors.
Sand is often used as a filtering media both naturally in aquafers and in water treatment factilities.

I'd add the charcoal to your 'pond'.. then pour this mixture through the sand to be drained out at the bottom. If the amount of oil isn't too great the charcoal may absorb this too.
you may need to wait for a while to let the oil separate and decant the oil from the top or use a separation funnel.

If the oil is a large amount you could skim the oil from the surface and maybe get some of the garlic flakes out that are still floating with it. The odor from the garlic may be absorbed by the charcoal.