-by Daniella McCahey and Jean de Pomereu, authors of Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects
The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center in the United States operates a science outreach program. Teachers can, for free, request a box of rocks from Antarctica to use temporarily in their classes. They fill out a form and within weeks, a box of Antarctic specimens arrive. In general, these rocks are not special or valuable. It is filled with different types of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, along with some fossils and minerals, which are handy in a basic geology lesson. But to be honest, many of these samples are no different than sandstone or granite that they can find in their own yards. What makes these special is that they came from Antarctica. Children can hold a piece of Antarctica in their hands.
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