Center Focus

Sand Separation

  1. Although sand looks like it is brown, it is actually made up of different minerals that are pink, black, and white.
  2. In order for your students to experience this, have them use magnifying lenses to separate the components of sand into separate piles using toothpicks.
  3. Have them examine each of the different particles closely, writing down observations about each.
  4. Usually sand consists of calcite, mica, feldspar, and quartz. Have books available for students to do further research on the different components of sand.
  5. Also have students rub the individual grains against a glass jar to see which ones scratch it. They should add this to their data.