Print this pageSeeing the World in a Grain of Sand
FRAZIER, JANE J.
William Blake's vision of a grain of sand as a microcosm is the substance of a Toyota TAPESTRY Project funded in 1993. Sand is fascinating through a microscope, like a treasure trove of gems, interesting rocks, patterned fragments of sea shells, fossils, or bits of plant matter, like clues in many scientific mysteries. A sand collection and activities based on sand were developed for my classroom.
Students develop science process skills observing, comparing, ordering, and categorizing sand samples with sieves, magnets, or low power microscopes. Samples are related and inferences are made. Students apply their skills in solving crimes, determining the origin or age of sand samples, or locating sources of World War II Japanese balloon bombs. In each activity, the work of a soil scientist, biologist, geologist, historical researcher, or fictional detective is featured and recreated for students to experience. Students find kimberlite pipes, locate oil bearing sediments based on conodont color, or infer past sea temperatures from foraminifera in ancient sediments.
Connections between the fields of science as well as between science and other disciplines are emphasized. Communication skills, related reading, map skills, and math processes are reinforced, and other activities are suggested.