Sand is defined as unconsolidated, granular material with grains between 0.0625 mm and 2.0 mm in diameter. Smaller particles are clay; larger are gravel. Most sand is formed by the weathering of quartz and granite rocks, but chemical reactions and the actions of living organisms can also create sand. Depending on the source material, sands vary in color, magnetic properties, density, and grain shape.

Sand lends itself to many areas of scientific study including geology, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and ecology. Today we will examine different types of sand, considering provenance, physical appearance, microscopic properties, sedimentary capability, capillarity, acoustic ability, and practical aspects. Of course, the aesthetic value of sand must never be ignored!

Bio Sketch
Frances Vandervoort holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in zoology from the University of Chicago, taught science in the Chicago Public Schools from 1974 until 1994, and has given presentations and published articles in science education journals on environmental studies, scientific misconduct, and inquiry-based teaching. In 1988 she spoke at a meeting of the National Research Council in Washington, DC, about science teaching techniques. She has been involved with the science of sand since 1986.

Andrew M. Bowen has a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and an M.S. in Forensic Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He worked as a research microscopist and instructor at the McCrone Research Institute from 2001 until 2004, and is currently employed as a forensic microscopist for Stoney Forensic, Inc. He continues to teach at the McCrone Research Institute as an adjunct instructor.

Contact Information for Murray Peshkin’s website regarding Jan 11, 2008 SMSI meeting: http://mp.sci.rel.googlepages.com