The document describes two classroom activities about how beaches change. In the first activity, students measured how sand depth changed after gently creating waves in a tub of sand and water for different time periods. They found that waves can change the beach by moving sand. The second activity used cold water to simulate ocean currents, showing that currents can also affect beaches by changing the distribution of sand. The document suggests that both waves and currents influence beaches over time, with waves and currents being similar in moving sand but different mechanisms.

1. Our Beach Vacation Waves and Currents Jessica Wheeler 5 th Grade

2. Do Beaches Change or Stay the Same? Predications Findings Same Change Group 3 Group 2 Group 1 Same Change

18. Activity 1 Materials Medium Water Tub Water pitcher 3 cups sand Stop watch Ruler Water Pencil Activity Sheet

19. Steps: Put sand in bucket at one end, sloping downward Add water two-thirds of the way up sand Measure sand depth Using your hand GENTLY create waves for 30 seconds per person (1:30 per group) Record sand depth Repeat steps 3 and 4, three more times Create a graph to present your data

20. Does a beach change Or Does it stay the same?

21. Are waves the only thing that can change a beach? Group 3 Group 2 Group 1 NO YES

22. Activity 2 Materials Water tub – XL 5 cups sand 2 liter bottle filler with water (refrigerated overnight) Food coloring Room temperature water 1 activity paper Pencil Water pitcher White construction paper

23. Procedure Create a sand slope at one end of the extra large tub Full with water two-thirds of the way up the sand Add food coloring to bottle of cold water Recap and shake Uncap carefully Lower bottle into water near sand OBSERVE what happens with the colder water Draw a picture of what you observe

24. What did you observe? Discuss with your group what you saw. Could the current affect a beach? How are waves and currents similar? How are waves and currents different?

25. Your Story Write a story about your voyage out to sea. Using precise language and vivid details of what the beach is like when you left on your voyage and what the beach is like when you returned from their voyage. Remember your story must have a beginning, middle, and end. Include a detailed plot.