Sand Experiment

Sand comes in many shapes, sizes and colors.  Try this experiment to learn more about your sand.

Continue reading "Sand Experiment"

Materials (sand, black paper, magnifying glass or microscope, vinegar )

1. Sprinkle some sand on the black paper.  Try to spread it thin enough that you can see individual grains of sand.
2. Look at it through the magnifying glass.
3. Try it again with different types of sand.  Use dry sand from the top of the beach, wet sand from near the water, or even sand from your sand box.  Notice the different shapes, sizes and colors of the sand.
4. Put a bit of vinegar on the sand and watch what happens.

What Should Happen

At first glance, sand may look like it is all one color.  When you start to look at individual grains of sand, you will see the many colors, shapes and sizes of the different grains.

Sand found in North America is mostly quartz.

Pink beaches usually get their color from tiny bits of coral and other animals.

Small, jewel like colored grains are usually bits of broken glass that has been smoothed by the sand and waves.

If some of the sand grains give off tiny bubbles when you add the vinegar, that means they were once part of a living being.  They could be bits of coral, shells, or bone.

Notes to Parents:

1. Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Science Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home.
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