4 Beach Science Activities
The beach is an endless treasure trove of scientific opportunity. If you are headed to the beach this summer with any adventurous young minds, plan a few experiments that will keep them engaged and curious about their surroundings. In this article, we discuss five beach activities that are certain to inspire future scientists and are just plain fun for explorers of all ages.
EXPLORE NATURE
If you have a child who is interested in wildlife, the beach provides no shortage of exploratory activities. Our best suggestions for aspiring biologists include:
Exploring jetties and tidal pools during low tide
Visiting a nature center to learn about local wildlife
Hiking in a nature preserve
Going to the regional zoo
Provide your youngster with a notebook or field guide that allows them to record their observations. When they get home, encourage them to research each of their specimens further and perhaps create a fun presentation for friends and family.
Create a
Sand Volcano
After you’ve conquered sand castles, why not create an explosive sand volcano as a grand finale for your day at the beach. Everyone loves a good explosion! To set up this simple experiment, you will need sand, a container (like a cup or bucket), baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring (if you’d like to give the lava a special tint).
After placing the container in the sand and packing sand around it in the shape of a volcano, add 1-2 cups of baking soda, a generous pour of vinegar, and BOOM! Your sand volcano is activated. Check out this experiment for more details.
Study Shells
Many shores all over the world are replete with interesting shells, sea glass, and other nautical goodies that are certain to inspire young scientists. Spend time collecting the most interesting beachy treasures you can find, and lay them all out on a specimen board (a poster board works well). Spend time researching each of the items you find – look up the Latin binomial for any shells, identify any creature that may have lived inside, find out what shells or sea glass pieces are made of, determine any effect the salt water may have had on the item’s physical properties, etc.
INVESTIGATE WATER
To engage any junior scientists you may have in tow with you at the beach, try this fun salt water density experiment to learn why things float. All you’ll need are two clear cups, some bottled water, some ocean water, and items to drop in each glass – we recommend grapes, eggs, or craft jewels.
Fill one glass with ocean water and one glass with fresh water, and see which type of water allows the items to float. You can also do this experiment on a rainy day by making your own salt water – check out this experiment for instructions and an explanation you can provide to your scientists about the density of salt water.
Investigate Water
To engage any junior scientists you may have in tow with you at the beach, try this fun salt water density experiment to learn why things float. All you’ll need are two clear cups, some bottled water, some ocean water, and items to drop in each glass – we recommend grapes, eggs, or craft jewels.
Fill one glass with ocean water and one glass with fresh water, and see which type of water allows the items to float. You can also do this experiment on a rainy day by making your own salt water – check out this experiment for instructions and an explanation you can provide to your scientists about the density of salt water.
an extra fun vacation
While playing in the surf is a primary objective for most young beachgoers, throwing in a bit of science can make a beach vacation extra fun. Try one of these activities and let us know how it goes! If you are looking for memorable ways to celebrate your future scientist’s enthusiasm for experimentation, browse our collection of STEM-inspired keepsake jewelry today!