Characterization and Classification of a Global Sand Collection to Develop an Educational Tool for Classroom and Public Use
Mentor 1
Robert Graziano
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee maintains a global sand collection, collected by UWM researchers, educators, and their colleagues over a period of more than 30 years. The collection of more than 300 sand samples was intended to support future research and education initiatives. Through this work, the samples will be used to develop an interactive and educational display for use in the Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum and in classrooms. Small vials and petri dishes are filled with various sand samples that students and the public can interact with and examine under a microscope. A unique identification code is assigned to each sample and the sample location is plotted on Google Earth to allow users to ‘travel’ to the sample’s origin. A text box appears next to each ‘pinned’ location on Google Earth explaining the sand’s characteristics, and high-resolution microphotographs of each sample, at multiple magnifications, are provided to highlight the variations among sand grains. Each sample is classified according to its sorting, roundness and grain size, and interpretations of its mineral composition and origin may also be provided. Sorting, roundness, and grain size determinations are based on visual observations compared to standard clastic sedimentology estimation charts. Grain size determinations and mineral composition analyses of select samples were also completed through Malvern particle size analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses to compare grain size in relation to mineral composition. These additional analyses, combined with location-specific research of these sample locations, are intended to aid in interpretation of these select samples' origin. By providing a hands-on experience with the sand samples, combined with the Google Earth sample location and characterization tool, it is anticipated that students and public users will not only learn about clastic sedimentology, but will also appreciate and learn about the unique geologic settings of these global locations.
Characterization and Classification of a Global Sand Collection to Develop an Educational Tool for Classroom and Public Use
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee maintains a global sand collection, collected by UWM researchers, educators, and their colleagues over a period of more than 30 years. The collection of more than 300 sand samples was intended to support future research and education initiatives. Through this work, the samples will be used to develop an interactive and educational display for use in the Thomas A. Greene Geological Museum and in classrooms. Small vials and petri dishes are filled with various sand samples that students and the public can interact with and examine under a microscope. A unique identification code is assigned to each sample and the sample location is plotted on Google Earth to allow users to ‘travel’ to the sample’s origin. A text box appears next to each ‘pinned’ location on Google Earth explaining the sand’s characteristics, and high-resolution microphotographs of each sample, at multiple magnifications, are provided to highlight the variations among sand grains. Each sample is classified according to its sorting, roundness and grain size, and interpretations of its mineral composition and origin may also be provided. Sorting, roundness, and grain size determinations are based on visual observations compared to standard clastic sedimentology estimation charts. Grain size determinations and mineral composition analyses of select samples were also completed through Malvern particle size analyses and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses to compare grain size in relation to mineral composition. These additional analyses, combined with location-specific research of these sample locations, are intended to aid in interpretation of these select samples' origin. By providing a hands-on experience with the sand samples, combined with the Google Earth sample location and characterization tool, it is anticipated that students and public users will not only learn about clastic sedimentology, but will also appreciate and learn about the unique geologic settings of these global locations.
