Sand and Gravel

Student Objectives: Students will be able to identify at least six uses for sand and gravel where they are produced. 

Tips for the Teachers: Bring in jars containing samples of different types of sand and gravel. Discuss their uses. Some examples might be “clean” or sandbox sand, coarse sand, crushed gravel, and pea gravel (smooth, rounded edges).

Suggested Activities:

1. Have students draw a picture on heavy paper, then apply glue to all or part of it. Let them sprinkle sand over the glue and gently shake of excess.

2. Purchase colored sand or make colored sand (shake in jars with food coloring and let dry). Use small jars with stoppers and layer the different colors of sand to make a picture bottle.

3. Plant flowers using gravel for drainage in bottom of the pots.

4. Use sandpaper and soft wood to demonstrate the effects of erosion on rocks and pebbles. Invite a hobby rock collector to demonstrate rock polishing.

Measurements/Evaluation:

1. List three uses for sand and two uses for gravel.

2. Sand and Gravel are produced in how many U.S. states?

3. What kind of mineral gives sand its light color?

Sand and Gravel

Each year, more tons of sand and gravel are used than any other non-metallic mineral. It is the only group of mineral products that is mined in all 50 states and almost all of these products contain silica (crushed limestone does not). You can probably see ways that gravel has been used near your home or school. Many sidewalks and playgrounds contain gravel, and it can often be found at the sides of roads. Special kinds of gravel are used in the bottom of fish tanks and in the bottom of flowerpots to let the water drain through. 

Sand is made up of tiny particles of rocks and minerals. The most common mineral in sand is quartz because it is hard and breaks down more slowly than other minerals. Quartz is what gives most sand its light color. Sand starts out like other minerals in large rock deposits. Erosion by the sun, wind and water breaks the rock into pieces. The rocks break down more while rolling and bouncing in streams and rivers. When they get to the sea, the waves and seawater polish the tiny pieces.

Sand is an important part of our everyday lives. Some of the things that contain sand are cement, concrete, glass, abrasives (sandpaper and polishing compounds) and scouring powder. Many filters for purifying water also contain sand. Swimming pools often use sand filters. And, of course, there is sand just for playing in on playgrounds.

Directions: Draw a picture in the frame below showing at least six things that contain sand or gravel. Label the six things.