Materials
Small amount of sand Small bowl
Magnifying glass Small shells
Soft rocks Resealabe plastic bag
Towel Chart paper
Small hammer or rubber mallet
Instructions
1. Use this activity in the course of doing a unit on the ocean. Bring a bowl of sand to circle time. Slowly pass it around allowing the children to examine the sand with all their senses. Include a magnifying glass in the bowl.
2. Begin a discussion about the sand. Ask questions like, What color is it? How does it feel? What does it smell like? Lead the discussion to the question, "Where does it come from?" Write the children's answers on chart paper for all to see.
3. Lead the answers to shells, rocks and the force of water.
4. Put the rocks and shells into the resealable plastic bag and fold the towel around the bag.
5. One by one, let the children pound the towel with the hammer.
6. After all the children have had a turn, examine the contents. Tada: sand!7. Use the sand with glue for an art project, or put it in a tub with spoons, cups, magnifying lens, etc., for exploration.
