Our Beach VacationOur Beach Vacation

Waves and CurrentsWaves and CurrentsJessica WheelerJessica Wheeler

55thth Grade Grade

Do Beaches Change or Stay the Do Beaches Change or Stay the Same?Same?

Predications FindingsPredications Findings

ChangeChange SameSame ChangeChange SameSame

Group Group 11

Group Group 22

Group Group 33

Activity 1Activity 1MaterialsMaterials

Medium Water TubMedium Water Tub Water pitcherWater pitcher3 cups sand3 cups sand Stop watchStop watchRuler Ruler WaterWaterPencilPencil Activity SheetActivity Sheet  

Steps: Steps: 1.1. Put sand in bucket at one end, sloping Put sand in bucket at one end, sloping

downwarddownward2.2. Add water two-thirds of the way up sandAdd water two-thirds of the way up sand3.3. Measure sand depthMeasure sand depth4.4. Using your hand GENTLY create waves for Using your hand GENTLY create waves for

30 seconds per person (1:30 per group)30 seconds per person (1:30 per group)5.5. Record sand depthRecord sand depth6.6. Repeat steps 3 and 4, three more timesRepeat steps 3 and 4, three more times7.7. Create a graph to present your dataCreate a graph to present your data

Does a beach changeDoes a beach changeOrOr

Does it stay the same? Does it stay the same?   

Are waves the only thing that Are waves the only thing that can change a beach?can change a beach?

YESYES NONO

Group 1Group 1

Group 2Group 2

Group 3Group 3

Activity 2Activity 2MaterialsMaterials

Water tub – XLWater tub – XL5 cups sand5 cups sand2 liter bottle filler with water (refrigerated 2 liter bottle filler with water (refrigerated

overnight)overnight)Food coloringFood coloringRoom temperature waterRoom temperature water1 activity paper1 activity paperPencilPencilWater pitcherWater pitcherWhite construction paperWhite construction paper

ProcedureProcedure1.1. Create a sand slope at one end of the extra Create a sand slope at one end of the extra

large tublarge tub2.2. Full with water two-thirds of the way up the Full with water two-thirds of the way up the

sandsand3.3. Add food coloring to bottle of cold waterAdd food coloring to bottle of cold water4.4. Recap and shakeRecap and shake5.5. Uncap carefullyUncap carefully6.6. Lower bottle into water near sandLower bottle into water near sand7.7. OBSERVE what happens with the colder waterOBSERVE what happens with the colder water8.8. Draw a picture of what you observeDraw a picture of what you observe

What did you observe?What did you observe?Discuss with your group what you Discuss with your group what you

saw.saw.

Could the Could the current current affect a beach?affect a beach?

How are waves and currents similar?How are waves and currents similar?

How are waves and currents different?How are waves and currents different?

Your StoryYour StoryWrite a story about your voyage out to sea. Write a story about your voyage out to sea. Using precise language and vivid details of Using precise language and vivid details of

what the beach is like when you left on your what the beach is like when you left on your voyage and what the beach is like when voyage and what the beach is like when you returned from their voyage. you returned from their voyage.

Remember your story must have a beginning, Remember your story must have a beginning, middle, and end. Include a detailed plot. middle, and end. Include a detailed plot.