How does it Feel?

Source:

Adapted from 'Schools Out - Fieldwork made easy': A teacher's pack for 5-14 Environmental Studies produced by Highland Environmental Network School Group

Time

20 minutes

You will need

• a variety of different textures to feel, for example, sand, rocks, pebbles and seaweed

Did you know?

Forvie, St Cyrus and Tentsmuir National Nature Reserves are great places to do this activity.  See the 'Where to go' section to find a sandy beach near you.

Before the activity

Check the area you are going to explore for sharp or dangerous objects, such as broken glass, and other man-made litter. Ensure that the area you choose contains only safe, natural, objects.

The activity

Ask the children to take off their socks and shoes and walk on dry sand and then wet sand with bare feet. Ask them to describe how it feels and how wet and dry sand feels different. Also get them to scoop up the sand and compare the feel of wet and dry sand trickling between their fingers Do the same comparison with walking on wet and dry seaweed with bare feet and touching the seaweed.  Then get them to climb small rocks, using hands and feet and describe the feel of the rocks, to walk on pebbles and to paddle in the water. Older children could use the worksheets in Schools Out (see downloads), For younger children, the leaders could note down the words and phrases the children use to describe how each activity feels. Also encourage the children to describe the smell of the sea, the sand and the seaweed.

Suggested Follow up

The activity  Sand Sculptures

Downloads

Schools Out - seashore section: Two worksheets: On a rocky beach - how does it feel? ; On a sandy beach - how does it feel?

Curriculum Links

• Languages - main
• Health & well-being - associated

Age Range

1,2