Sand Attraction

Materials

Magnets

Beach sand

Plastic trays with sides

Instructions

1. Pour the beach sand into the trays and encourage the children to dip the magnets into the sand. Observe what happens.

2. If the magnets have black grains clinging to them, then the sand contains magnetite. Beach sand varies in magnetite content. Magnetite is a mineral called iron oxide (Fe2O4). It is an important iron ore that in another form we call rust.More to doArt: Create sand paintings using glue and sand on cardboard. Let the sand dry, then blow the loose sand away.More science: Collect sand from different beaches as well as sand piles. Compare similarities and differences. Use see-through containers to compare the sand.