Why is there sand at the beach?

“The best part was after learning the process of rocks to sand we read Everybody Needs a rock (one of the suggested optional extras) and went rock hunting. It was such a fun activity. My second graders were so engaged and talked about how the small rocks we were finding used to be part of huge boulders. Fun!”

· Libba · Teacher · about 5 years ago

“The wrap-up, following the activity. The visual process of the bolder breaking down over & over really provided a great picture of erosion and the purple sand was a great way to get students hooked at the beginning. We added a wonder wall where students placed curiosities & questions throughout the video, so we could go back & answer any questions at the end of the unit. Their illustrations & summarizations were totally on point.”

· Diana · Teacher · about 5 years ago

“The best part was that Mystery Science showed a magnified view of sand. This introduced students to the fact that grains of sand can be many different colors and can come from many different kinds of larger rocks. My 2nd grade science classes used magnifying lenses to make enlarged drawings of individual grains of sand. ”

· · Teacher · about 5 years ago

“This lesson allowed for every single student to be fully engaged! They passed the ripped pieces of paper to each other and placed them on the paper quickly and excitedly and then FROZE when the visual timer went off! Having the timer included in the lesson was a big help, so I didn't have to use my phone and they could see it!! They have been talking about this lesson for weeks!”

· Bethany · Teacher · over 5 years ago

“The kids really enjoyed it. It was also easy to get the supplies ready for the activity and it was meaningful to the students. ”

· Kelly · Teacher · about 6 years ago

“We LOVED this one. The hands-on component with the rain showers and decreasing boulders was such fun for the kids, and an easy demonstration of how sand is formed. Thanks!”

· Linda · Homeschooler · over 6 years ago

“My students loved this experiment,and they really understood how sand got to the beach and about the color!”

· Cheryl · Teacher · over 6 years ago

“The short videos were perfect to engage the students and get them talking. They were so excited to learn more about how large boulders became sand. Every student ws engaged!”

· Nina · Teacher · over 6 years ago

“The students were so engaged. They got the concept since they could actually see the process. Great lesson. ”

· Loretta · Teacher · over 6 years ago

“The kids loved the hands-on activity. The visual that was built, really helped them to see the process of the boulder being broken down over time. The videoed timers, along with the water sounds, helped too. Very well done presentation. ”

· Jo-Anne · Teacher · over 6 years ago

“Learning about the purple sand. The activity was engaging and purposeful. The videos were helpful reinforcements of the activity. The students enjoyed learning about the different landforms around the world. The lesson helped the students gain a better understanding of weathering, erosion, and depositioning.”

· Katrina · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The lesson was awesome as always! This is the first time in my career that I have felt like a good science teacher.”

· Tracy · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“They got it! :) YAY!! The way erosion is explained is perfect! The activity was simple and fun but more importantly they understand the concept now. Why is the sand purple? They were thinking pollution. Now they understand that sand is the color of rocks that have been eroded away. YAY! I couldn't be happier with this product! :) Thank you!”

· Joy · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“Students really enjoyed this lesson. Steps were easy to follow and material easily accessible. Prep time was quick. All level of EL's engaged.”

· Virginia · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The children loved the hands on rock erosion activity. It really helped them understand how sand is created.”

· Janae · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The students were able to retell and TEACH others about how sand is formed. They also made connections to yesterday's lesson about how rivers are different from other bodies of water because they travel all the way to the ocean. I had an administrator come in for a walkthrough while teaching this lesson and he was so impressed that the students were able to tell him every single part of how sand is formed! They were also able to answer his questions.”

· · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The students really understood the process of why there is sand at the beach. The activity of "breaking up the rocks" as you go downstream was really effective. Thanks!”

· Joe · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“Great! Experiment was very engaging and easy to prepare! Can't wait to do this again next year!”

· Jill · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“A substitute teacher was here this day. She said that the lesson was very easy to understand and follow and the students were highly engaged. ”

· Heather · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The students had many of the ideas and suggestions that where disproved in the video. It made the scenario very "real" to them. A couple made correct predictions so they were feeling very confident!”

· Patsy · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“I didn't think erosion could be fun for my students. They had a blast tearing up paper and really seemed to understand the concept.”

· Suzanne · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“Great video and hands-on activity that connected and could easily be referred to thoughout the lesson. Good visuals and language for bilingual/ESL students.”

· Janelle · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The videos and the river activity! The students loved it and learned so much about beaches and where they come from.”

· Doreen · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“Getting to hear why my students thought the sand was purple. They were very creative coming up with answers, but then really did understand why it was purple at the end of the lesson. ”

· Margaux · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“The visual activities teach the concept so well! And we love the step by step instructions! THANK YOU!”

· Beth · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“This is a fantastic lesson! The kids had some misconceptions before we began this lesson. The kids now have a great understanding and will remember this well because of the fun activities!”

· Lisa · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“I love how the explorations stop to ask students to think critically! My second graders were engaged throughout the exploration and came up with some thoughtful explanations! Wonderful job!”

· Karen · Teacher · about 7 years ago

“Ripping the paper really helped kids see/experience how the rocks change to sand. I love the videos - the timer and directions are built in. Such easy planning and prep for the teacher. ”

· Reene · Teacher · about 7 years ago

Mystery Science will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday, April 26 at 8:00pm EDT for approximately 6 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience caused during this time.

Why is there sand at the beach?

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Mystery Science will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Friday, April 26 at 8:00pm EDT for approximately 6 hours. We apologize for any inconvenience caused during this time.

Why is there sand at the beach?

Image & Video Credits

Featured Reviews

Activity Prep

22 mins

30 mins

Extend this lesson

Vocabulary

Readings

Creative Writing

Activity

Transcripts

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