Any ideas how we can collect sand samples from beaches without actually going there? This is for a 3rd grade science fair project. Anyone have any contact names at resorts or on islands that may be up for collecting a sample and mailing it to Oklahoma, USA?

When is the Science Fair?
What are you going to do with the sand once it is collected?
I didn't know science fairs started in 3rd grade.
I'm not sure you can get sand through customs in Australia. What do the other Fodors think? Can it be declared and gotten through customs?

This is the first year she can do a project. We have traveled and have sand from various caribbean locations. She was interested in how different each one looked, hence the idea for the project. It is March 11th. We are only needing a small amount(1/4 cup or less) we will be gluing it to black paper and listing it's origen.

I think I read somewhere that neither sand nor shells can be removed from Australia.

Let's see what Aussies on this board say about it.
What about New Zealand and other islands?

Folks, could I get sand through customs if I declared it and explained what it was for?

If I can declare it at customs and get it through, I will help you out.
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On a related note:
I also have some sand from somewhere (I forget) stored somewhere (I'll see if I can find it). It probably was the Caribbean.

Does she have any from Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico?

Thanks for your help. Our sand is from Aruba, Antigua, Belize and Hawaii. Sand from anywhere else would be great. If you would like to email us at [email protected], we could see about sending you a self addressed bubble envelope and baggie. It should be able to mail easily, we only need a small amount (1/4 cup or so.)

Have you thought about having people email your daughter photos of beaches and a close-up photo of the sand?

This might be both easier and would not only yield photos of the sand but also the beach and you'd probably get more response.

Just a thought.

If you still want the sand from a lot of places, you might do a web search for hotels on beaches where you'd like sand. Then email the hotel directly to ask for sand. They would probably also know the law in their specific area regarding whether sand can be sent out of their country.

Thanks!