The Art & Science of Sandcastles

Imagine the feeling of dry sand pouring through your fingers, or packing sand into a bucket. Sand play delights the senses, but it's also important for child development. This type of sensory play gives young children a chance to explore basic science concepts such as wet and dry, volume, pouring, and sifting.

Sand play helps children develop in three key areas

Physical Development

• Improves fine motor skills
• Improves eye-hand coordination

Cognitive Development

• Lets children explore changes, like how sand is different when it is wet or dry.
• Increases vocabulary - children learn words like molding, pouring, and sifting.
• Allows children to discover that the same amount of sand in different containers looks different.

Social-emotional Development

• Gives children a chance to imitate the play of others - children learn new ways to explore and build.
• Lets children explore what adults do through dramatic play.

The Museum's Art and Science of Sandcastles exhibit offers packable sand which can be sculpted into works of art--just like the masters do at our annual Sand in the City event in August. So bring the kids in this summer for some practice sessions and let them have a great experience while they develop so many important early learning skills! Then join us on the Port Plaza the 4th weekend in August!