Making Footprints in the Sand
[30 Minutes]
Sand is the product of the breakdown of rocks due to weathering and to the exposure to running water from rivers, oceans, glaciers, waves, and wind. Sand is found on the shores of lakes, rivers, and oceans. Sand is also a very important ingredient in glassmaking and is used in foundries to make ceramics, plaster, and cement. Together, with your child, experience the feel and textures of sand on bare feet.
You'll need:
• bare feet • wet sand • measuring tape or ruler
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through with your child before you begin.
- With your child, gather everything you'll need.
- Take a walk with your child to an area where wet sand is available (beach, lake, river bank, sandbox, yard sand pile, etc.)
- Invite your child to remove his shoes and socks. Experiment walking on the wet sand and then on grass and cement. Discuss the differences.
- Both you and your child can make footprints, toe prints, and heel prints in the sand. Compare the sizes.
- Together make left footprints and right footprints in the sand. Try walking in each other's footprints.
- Challenge your child to jump into the sand. How deep are the prints? How far is it between footprints? Help your child make a calculation using a tape measure or ruler.
Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.
- How does the sand feel on your feet?
- How does the grass feel on your feet?
- How does the cement pavement feel on your feet?
- Which feeling do you like best? Why?
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