Geography Models for Schools

Aim: To provide detailed model resources for teachers teaching geography or science.

For teachers: Practical geography demonstration models and group projects.

For Learners: Practical model project kits. These will be custom-packed for individual schools.

To order: All demonstration models or learner kits are made to order. Please e-mail Barry Bryant with a basic order request at: info@educationsupport.co.za Or contact him directly at his preference on 082 331 8194 ( WhatsApp). Direct contact is preferable as orders are customized. See details below for available models, kits, and projects.

Teacher resources/ learner kits – Geomorphology, geology, and more.

1 – Mineral and rock sets for class activities. Three set options:

A – BOX OF ROCKS: Suggested primary or junior high-school classroom resource.

C – Advanced/ comprehensive set: Suggested high school/ teachers or amateur interest

D – Major economic minerals and ores of SA. An exciting new set in development. Details will be posted soon.  

Set A – BOX OF ROCKS(Including the book by Nick Norman)

Set of the 12 major rock types (+7 Supplementary samples) with the book describing their formation and occurrence + high-quality hand lens. Including the complimentary rocks, the set contains 19 pieces. Discounted price R295.     ( This is a subsidized price in line with our mission of making affordable geology resources available to schools).  Postage: Sets are generally sent via courier at the lowest possible cost. PUDO is currently the most effective for individual sets or small batches. Direct door deliveries are possible at a slightly higher price.  Delivery R60 to R140 per set

What's in the box?
Sample This box offers examples of the 12 rock samples outlined in the book BOX OF ROCKS. It is an indispensable classroom resource.

The set includes a 10x geological magnifier to study your samples in detail. Then:                                                                                                                                              Three principal Igneous rock samples:                           1 – Granite                                                                                2 – Dolerite                                                                                3 – Basalt                                                                                     Six primary Sedimentary rock samples:                        4 – Sandstone                                                                             5 – Shale                                                                                     6 – Limestone                                                                           7 – Tillite                                                                                     8 – Coal                                                                                       9  – Conglomerate                                                                   10- Kaolin                                                                                 Two principal Metamorphic rocks.                                    11 – Schist                                                                                   2 – Gneiss.                                                                            Supplementary samples 13 to 19.                                    Samples 13 to 16 have been included to reference the mineral makeup of the rocks themselves. A packet of mixed samples has also been added to promote study and research.

Set C –  Comprehensive classroom student/ teacher/amateur geology sets.

This is a 40+ piece set laid out in two boxes (Additional samples are added as complementary or related samples. The added samples add depth to the variations in samples). The first box contains examples of the main rock-forming minerals, followed by principal igneous rock samples. Individual minerals can be studied in the minerals section and then seen in combination in the igneous rock sample section, for example. The second box contains the primary sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The set also includes an elemental crystal growing kit using copper sulfate and alum, sediment samples for study, a 10 x magnifier, detailed descriptions of each sample, and an explanatory booklet with color-by-number diagrams to complete as you study the samples. Also included is a copy of the book BOX OF ROCKS. The Discounted price for this set is R1145. Add a budget for courier delivery, which will be based on the most cost-effective method. Currently, PUDO is used for single sets. Delivery ranges between R60 and R140 per set.

What's in the box?
comprehensive 2-box set that aims to take you on a journey starting with the formation and identification of the major rock-forming minerals and how these eventually combine to form the major igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks of the earth’s crust.

The set contains a 10 x geological magnifier, the book,” Box of Rocks” as well as comprehensive descriptions of each sample. An added booklet covers the theory of mineral and rock formation and is supported by a  set of diagrams and exercises to help you build your knowledge as you progress through the set.   

The following mineral and rock samples are included.

Rock-forming minerals:

  • Quartz – 7 common variants
  • Orthoclase feldspar – K – feldspar – varying shades of pink to red.
  • Plagioclase feldspar – Na rich
  • Plagioclase feldspar – Ca rich
  • Sheet silicates – Muscovite and Biotite
  • Pyroxene
  • Amphibole – Hornblende
  • Olivine – In the form of Kimberlite.

Other colourful and interesting minerals:

  • Pyrite versus Chalcopyrite
  • Haematite
  • Malachite, Corundum and Tourmaline
  • Calcite – Two varieties.

Igneous Rocks:

  • Granite –  3 Variable samples.
  • Red Bushveld granite versus Nebo – Granite
  • Gabbro – Rustenberg
  • White Foyaite versus Spotted Anorthite
  • Dolerite – Classic Karoo
  • Diabase
  • Basalt , Obsidian ,Ventersdorp lava , and Komatite.
  • Rhyolite, Pumice, and Synite

Sedimentary Rocks

  • Sediment samples: Beach, wind, river, and black sand.
  • Conglomerate
  • Tillite
  • Layered sandstone with an added sample to illustrate cross-bedding features.
  • Red Shale in contrast to Gray Shale
  • Banded Ironstone – Wits Contorted beds
  • Kaoline and Attapulgite – Weathering derivatives of feldspar.
  • Limestone and Dolomitic Limestone
  • Dolomite, Gypsum, and Chert
  • Coal and Carbonatious Shale.

Metamorphic Rocks:

  • Slate
  • Hornfels
  • Schist: Unweahtered and weathered.
  • Gneiss
  • Fine West Rand Group Quartzite versus Magaliesberg Felspathic Quartzite.
  • Layered Quartzite – Green Fuchsite layers
  • Marble
  • Greenstone – Barberton, Murchison, Johannesburg.
  • Amphibolite ( Green and Black Hornblende)
  • Stichtite in Serpentinite.
Set D – Major economic minerals of South Africa – Project in development.
This exciting new resource is intended to support the grade 11 economic geography section. The set will not only contain the major mineral and ore samples but also include sections on geology, mining, mining methods, economic value, world ranking, beneficiation, and contribution to the economy.

 2 – Fold mountain and rift valley simulation model ( Teacher resource). Price R950

This model uses the colored sand provided to enable teachers to create stunning simulations of the complex processes involved in the formation of fold mountain belts or rift valley structures. The kit contains the sand, mixing containers, all parts, and instructions needed for the demonstrations. Additional oxides can be supplied to make more colored sand if required.

Watch a complex fold mountain structure form in front of you. Cut away to simulate erosion and give you a three dimensional geological view of the eroded fold structure

All hand mad

Watch how tensile stretching creates a stunning rift valley feature

3 – Structure of the earth model: New model 30cm diameter ( Teacher resource) – R1450

Amaze students with this realistic , layer by layer model earth. Focus points include: Layered structure, emphasis on mantle structure and mantle plumes. Diameter size around 300mm.

New model will contain a lote of cross section detail on type of plate boundaries and cut the earth West to East and not North to  South.

All hand made

4 – Deep level mine model ( Teacher resource) – R1650

Use this detailed, easy to assemble and disassemble, 3D model to help your students understand the amazing structure of a deep level mining operation. This aid is perfect for the grade 11 section on economic geography and will be supported by a small booklet containing all the facts , figures and interesting extras on the South African deep level mining industry;

Deep level mine structure

Some of the surface features associated.

Watch how tensile stretching creates a stunning rift valley feature

5- Geological timeline – R1450
This 4 meter long time line divides geological history into the 12 months of the year. Major SA geological highlights are noted as a stark reality check on the immensity of time. This chart will be accompanied by a booklet with many interesting facts and alternative ways of seeing geological time and putting mans existence into perspective.

6 – Plaster model landscape kits (learner projects) – R135 per individual kit  as part of a group kit ( 4 kits in a box to share)

These kits offer unparalleled opportunities for learners to build detailed landscapes. Can be used to illustrate land forms and for mapping projects. Kits contain all materials to build and then paint a detailed landscape. This project would need to be packed specifically accordingg to individual school requirements.

Skeleton  to covered landscape

7 – Glass overlay set with black and blue pens ( Teacher classroom resource) – R250 per set.

This is a must for any map work and understanding of contours. It is also ideal to prepare learners for the plaster landscape project. The squares are 200mm x 200mm x 4mm thick and edged with tape to protect the glass.

Astronomy Demonstration Models

8 – Seasons and phases of the moon model ( Teacher resource). R1650

This kit will include a custom made rotating earth earth, to demonstrate angle of tilt and seasons. It will also include a one directional light to represent the sun as well as a set of moons to demonstrate the moon phases. In low light conditions this model provides very realistic results.

9 – Solar system model build – Learner activity project – R175 per individual kit

Learners will love this highly detailed scale model solar system. It offers a unique opportunity for learners to undertake a highly practical exercise to produce a precise scale model of the sun and planets of the solar system. Can be combined with the outside scale walk through the solar system. Also allows for kids to take home a finished project to be proud of.

10 – Comparing the sizes of stars ( Teacher resource). R525

This model offers a unique perspective on just how small our sun really is when compared to some of the larger stars in our galaxy. This model is ideal as a demonstration model to be shown after the completion of the learner solar system models which emphasize the size of our sun compared to the planets of the solar system.

Other Teacher Resource and Learner Projects

11 – Cloud model. Learner build kit. R120 per individual kit

This practical project offers an paralleled opportunity to combine highly practical work while learning to , not only identify clouds, understand their unique differences. Once again the packing of the individual packs can be custom made for individual schools. Individual projects or group projects.

12 – Portable furnace ( Teacher resource) R2575

This resource, although not for the fainthearted, will certainly make your learners sit up. For the section on economic geography dealing with the iron and steel industry as well as links to science, this demonstration model is wonderful. The working furnace will include: The furnace, lid, air tube, fan, stand for the fan, crucible, some charcoal, scrap aluminium,a pair of thick gloves and long handled grip for the crucible, all instructions and experience needed to run it.                                    

13 – Stages of landscape evolution: All models are custom made: Hand painted ( Teacher resource)   – R1675

These models resources can take take many different forms. Example: The 3 models displayed here illustrate the uncovering and emergence of the Magaliesberg ridges. These models contain examples of: superimposed drainage, river capture, headward erosion, differential erosion, inclined strata and erosional  processes.

All hand made and painted. Produced from a mould     

More projects will be added as they are brought up to a production level. 

14 – Specialized geography outings for schools – See detailed layout under outings and camps.

Having an advanced knowledge of geography we are well equipped to also offer some amazing educational outings for your learners. All outings are fully academic in nature with notes, exercises and practical work combined with the usual fun side as well. Day trips as well as camps can be arranged and will be tailored to your school requirements: Following is a list of some of the outings: Transport would be organised by the school.

  • Day outing – Cross JHB geology/ rock and landscape identification. 2 Routes possible
  • Day outing – JHB dome to the Magaliesberg cable way – Rock and landform identification.
  • Day outing – Pretoria Salt Pan – Meteorite impact study
  • Day outing – River study: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve
  • Day outing – Power Station and Water purification plant. Talk at school before visit
  • Camp – 2 nights Parys – Map work, orienteering, Asteroid impact story, astronomy, mineral and rock identification, science experiments, the story of rockets ( rocket launch) ++++. This camp can also be multidisciplinary, including the overlap between geography, biology, and science.

Day outings will be charged at R135 to R165 per student ( Group size dependent). Notes are included for schools to print—entrances are additional, if any. There must be a minimum of 15 learners.

Parys 2 night 3 day camp, based on 30 learners, R1280 includes camping, meals, notes etc

If you wish to order or enquire about any service, please email Barry Bryant directly at info@educationsupport.co.za for a quotation or invoice or to have projects custom-tailored for your school.