Science Scoop

SEAL Geology – Special guest

On Thursday 2nd September Science students in the Year 8 SEAL class had the privilege of viewing geological specimens from the impressive collection of one of our class parents, Peta McDonald (Abbey in 8E).

Working remotely, Peta showed the class samples of sand collected from around the world.  She used her impressive microscopy skills to share specimens, giving students the opportunity to compare properties of different types of sand and draw conclusions about the environments from which they came.

This aligned brilliantly with the Rocks topic the class are currently studying.

The microscope images were both fascinating and beautiful, and students enjoyed asking and answering questions about their sources and characteristics. 

We were very grateful to have Peta act as a special guest, sharing her fascinating hobby, her beautiful specimens, and her impressive knowledge.

Ms Angela Reid

Science Learning Group Leader 

Echuca sand

Grains in river sand are jagged and pointy

New Zealand river sand 

Contains basalt from volcanic eruptions

Beach sand

Merimbula very smooth and rounded grains, weathered by wave action

Squeaky beach sand

Lots of silica

Red desert sand

Central Australia

Purple sand

Contains rose quartz. Students said it was like a lot of tiny gems

Sand containing volcanic olivine

Beach sand 

From Normandy in France (beach that was stormed on D-Day).  Sand is iron rich from military debris and shrapnel; has weathered so that the sand is 4% iron. 

Whale beach Sydney

Fossiliferous / rich in fossils

Bali sand

Fossiliferous; contains exquisite Protists

Rottnest Island sand

White coral sand contains shells, sea urchin spines, coral, protists