Sand Exploration

Sand Exploration

The students began an exploration of sand by manipulating the sand while utilizing materials such as shovels, rakes, and funnels. Afterward, water was added to a portion of the sand and students were then able to begin working with the wet sand as well.

The next activity included placing the two types of sand into a two-sided table, with dry sand on one side and wet sand on the other. Students were given the opportunity to compare the two types of sand by handling and manipulating each. Some students described the wet sand as “squishy” and “cold” while describing the dry sand as “soft” and “warm”.

Also, students used the sand to create mountains and hills and described the wet sand as easier to work with because you can “pack it” and “pat it”. Another mentioned that the mountain “cracks” when you tap on the bottom of the container.

During a Group Time, discussion on the differences between wet and dry sand, one student provided a description of dry sand of which he said felt like “soft hands”. Another recalled that the wet sand “doesn't move” but the dry sand “did move”. Students have been fully engaged in each of the activities related to sand thus far. The objectives of the sand activities include enhancing sensory skills by comparing and describing differences in texture between of wet versus dry sand; to enhance fine motor skills by manipulating natural materials in an effort to create structures; and to enhance social skills by working together with peers and teachers to compare the two types of sand and as well to collaborate to build structures. 

The next activities related to sand include allowing students to continue testing the movement of sand through the introduction of funnels as well as also participating in a painting activity, which includes using pictures of Sand Dunes as inspiration for creating a personal representation of the sand activity.