Workshop with Dr. Sabina Thomas

Santa Barbara City College campus

Have you been curious about rocks? Do you realize that rocks can tell a story? How does one distinguish one rock from another, and what is the difference between rocks and minerals? Sabina Thomas, PhD, and a faculty member at local community colleges, will conduct an Introduction to Rocks class at Santa Barbara City College’s earth science labs. You will be learning about the different rock families, conduct some simple but helpful tests to identify rocks and minerals, and find out why geologists think that rocks are interesting—they really DO tell a story! The workshop may include a short walk to the La Playa stadium and Maxwell Overlook to briefly explore the local geology. No hammer, hard hats or hiking boots required.

Sabina Thomas grew up in Germany where she received her PhD in Geology. She left Berlin for the U.S. in 1989 and taught at colleges and universities in Texas and Ohio until she moved to Santa Barbara. She worked as a Backcountry Ranger at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and as a Nature Educator. Sabina teaches earth-science courses at Santa Barbara City College and Ventura College and has led five-day field trips for students as well as adult learners in the Eastern Sierra, White Mountains, and Death Valley. She earned the California Naturalist Certificate and the Climate Stewardship Certificate, and she loves going on field trips.

How to Register

Event date: Saturday, November 8, 2025, 9:30 a.m. to Noon
Participation is limited to 20.
Advance registration is required and will open at 9:00 a.m. on October 11 for members and on October 25 for nonmembers at syvnhs@syvnature.org or 805-693-5683.
Members $15 / Nonmembers $30 / Children $5
Directions and meet-up location will be emailed to registered participants.