Not all sand is created equal. Depending on the location of the beach or dessert, it can be made from a wide variety of materials and in as many different processes. Sand can be made of quartz, basalt, garnet, silica, olivine, glass, coral, and more. It can be made from wind or water currents eroding... Continue Reading →
The (Un)usual Suspects of Coral Disease
To build on my last post about corals, a lot of recent research has attempted to study coral diseases. The fact is, there is just not that much known about what causes these diseases, how many diseases there are, and how they spread. What is known however, is that cases of diseases have been increasing... Continue Reading →
Melting Sand
This quick and simple activity can be utilized in a variety of lesson plans. I have personally used it to demonstrate both acid rain and ocean acidification. It can be used at the beginning of a lesson to surprise and hook their interests (my recommendation), or after the lesson as a hands-on wrap up. When... Continue Reading →
Coral – Plant? Animal? Mineral?
In honor of the recent buzz about coral reefs with Netlix’s newest documentary, Chasing Coral and various awareness weeks going around social media, I thought it would be the perfect topic for my first post! I really love corals, and I know I am not alone. Corals are some of the most popular marine organisms... Continue Reading →