Pass out sand samples, magnifying glasses and a paper plate to each group. Have students place the sand on the plate and observe the samples under magnification. Have each group separate out the large grains by using the screen as a sift. Then have the groups examine the large grains and separate them by color. Make a small pile of each type.
Students can also record their observations in table format if they so choose.
The process of breaking something like a rock down into smaller bits is called erosion. Erosion can be accomplished by running water, waves, glaciers, moving ice, and weathering. The breaking down of rocks on the Earth's surface due to weather effects such as rain, heat, ice, and wind is called weathering. Physical weathering breaks the rock into smaller pieces. Chemical weathering attacks and alters the rock's minerals.