Choose Learning Type ▼

Microscopic Rocks

Activity

A Closer Look at Sand and Soil

As you explore, can you find different colors of sand and soil? Look closely with a magnifying glass or the zoom lens on a phone– are the grains round or pointy? What do you think made the different layers in the soil?

Science Seed

While exploring Memorial Park you might see grains of sand and soil that vary in size and shape. Smaller, rounded grains are common and likely shaped by water over time, as Houston’s landscape is influenced by rivers and the nearby Gulf Coast. Larger, jagged grains can sometimes be found as well; these might come from nearby rocks or sediments that haven’t traveled far or haven’t been exposed to as much erosion. Houston’s soil layers can include fine clay particles from river deposits, larger sand grains from ancient shorelines, and bits of organic matter. Each grain type and size shows how water, wind, and time shape the ground beneath us, creating unique soils and sands in different layers!

move to the next activity

earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore the Memorial Park Conservancy

The mission of Memorial Park Conservancy is to preserve, restore, and enhance Memorial Park for the enjoyment of all Houstonians, today and tomorrow.

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by