Have you ever noticed what happens to the coast line when a big storm rolls through? Where did the beach go? What you are noticing is the effect of coastal erosion, and now you can set up a beach erosion demonstration to show your kids what’s happening. This fun and easy ocean science activity is sure to be a hit with your kids, with hands-on learning!
Explore Erosion For Earth Science
Break out the sensory play as you prepare to add this beach erosion activity to your ocean-theme lesson plans. If you want to learn about what’s happening between the sand and the waves, let’s dig in (literally!). While you’re at it, check out more fun ocean activities, experiments, and ocean crafts.
Our earth science activities are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind! They are easy to set up and quick to do. Most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home!
Let’s explore beach erosion by building a model! This is a great hands-on ocean STEM activity that is sure to get kids thinking!
What Is Beach Erosion?
Beach erosion is the loss of beach sand, usually from a combination of wind and water movement such as waves and currents. Sand is moved off the beach or shore by these things and is transferred to deeper water.
This process makes beaches appear shorter and lower. You can see severe beach erosion after a strong storm like a hurricane.
TRY: Learn more about erosion with an edible soil layer model and this fun soil erosion activity.
Erosion Experiment
Dive into Earth Science and explore what happens to our beaches due to coastal erosion.
Watch the Video
Supplies:
- White paint pan
- Rocks
- Sand
- Water
- Blue food coloring
- Plastic bottle
- Large pan or tray.
How To Set Up A Beach Erosion Model
STEP 1: Add about 5 cups of sand to one side of your pan. You will want to build it up on a slope so that when water is added some of the sand is higher.
STEP 2: Place some rocks or shells in the sand for a beach theme!
STEP 3: Fill a small bottle with water, add a drop of blue food coloring, shake and pour into the deep part of your pan.
STEP 4: Add 4 more cups of water.
STEP 5: Use the empty bottle to press up and down in the water to make waves.
STEP 6: Pay attention to how the water affects the sand. What happens if the waves move faster or slower?
How Can We Stop Coastal Erosion?
Coastal erosion is the loss of coastal land due to the removal of sand or rock from the shoreline. Sadly, building along the coast can damage sand dunes.
Dunes are mounds of sand that separate the beach you walk on and higher ground. The roots of dune grasses help keep the sand in place. Try not to walk on the dune grasses, so they are not destroyed!
People sometimes build walls called jetties that stick out into the ocean and change the movement of the sand.
Seawalls can also help with erosion. They are structures that separate land and water and generally help prevent erosion from large waves. Seawalls are more significant structures where flooding is more common. Please don’t remove rocks from the seawall!
Classroom Tips
This beach erosion activity asks a few questions!
- What is coastal erosion?
- What causes beach erosion?
- How can we stop erosion?
Let’s explore the answers together!
Be prepared! Kids are going to loving play with this, and it could get a bit messy!
Further Extension: Have kids develop ideas for something they can make that will help prevent beach erosion during a storm!
More Ocean Experiments For Kids
- Oil Spill Cleanup Experiment
- Layers of the Ocean
- How Do Whales Stay Warm?
- Ocean Waves In A Bottle
- Ocean Acidification: Seashells In Vinegar Experiment
- Fun Facts About Narwhals
- Ocean Currents Activity
Printable Ocean Activities Pack
If you want to have all of your printable ocean activities in one convenient place, plus exclusive worksheets with an ocean theme, our 100+ page Ocean STEM Project Pack is what you need!
Check out The Complete Ocean Science and STEM Pack in our SHOP!
