Clean Beaches Week: Sand, Science & Saving Our Shores

Next week is the Fourth of July…and also the dirtiest beach day of the year.

That’s why it’s also been designated Clean Beaches Week—a time not just for cookouts and sandcastles but also for reflecting on how we care for our coastlines. As families head to the beach, it’s the perfect time to explore the science behind sand, waves, and water while learning about the growing issue of ocean pollution, especially microplastics.

This blog is packed with hands-on activities from our friends at Science Buddies and community-led events to help keep our beaches clean to turn your holiday into a learning adventure—whether you’re digging in the sand or exploring sustainability from home.

🌊 Beachfront Science: Fun in the Sand for Clean Beaches Week

1. Build a Super Sandcastle

Can your sandcastle hold up under pressure—literally? Have your kids experiment with different techniques and materials (like shells, seaweed, or grass layers) to build the strongest possible sandcastle. Then, gently place a weight on top (a brick, shoe, or water bottle) and test its strength!

Can a sand castle support a brick?

2. The Wet Sand Effect

Why do your footprints near the shore look dry even when the sand is wet?

Next time you’re at the water’s edge, observe what happens and then explore the science behind this phenomenon (hint: capillary action!) when we share our video later this week.

3. Where Does Sand Come From?

Bring a magnifying glass and take a closer look at sand grains—then ask your kids to guess where the sand came from. Later, model “weathering” at home by rubbing sugar cubes together over black paper and seeing how they break down into tiny particles, just like rock erosion over time.

4. Build Your Own Beach

Using a baking tray, sand, and water, recreate your own coastline! Try adding small rocks for coral reefs (natures speed bumps for waves) or pipe cleaners for mangrove roots and watch how these natural features reduce erosion.

🐟 Pollution & Protection: Be an Ocean Hero

5. Beach Trash Detective

Head to the beach and turn clean-up into a challenge. Record types of trash you find and where they’re located. Later, use a local map or make your own 3D model showing where trash accumulates—and brainstorm ways to prevent it. Consider joining a local beach clean up happening at many of our local beaches on July 5th. If you live in Miami, you can join our friends at Surfrider Foundation.

6. Storm Drain Investigators

“All drains lead to the ocean,” right? Explore your neighborhood storm drains. Are they covered or open? Do they trap trash? Then, design a better storm drain cover or collaborate on a community art project to raise awareness.

🌡️ Ocean in Motion & Climate Science

7. Model Ocean Currents

Use cups of warm and cold, salt and fresh water to model ocean currents. Fill a shallow container 1/3 of the way with room temperature waters. Add some small plastic sea creatures for fun. Now, add red food coloring to a cup of hot water. Add blue food coloring to a cup of iceywater. Pour each cups on opposite sides of the shallow container and watch how the layers mix—or don’t! Learn how the global conveyor belt moves water around the world and affects climate.

🌿 Life Below the Surface: Marine Biology

8. Is Coral a Plant or Animal?

Spoiler: It’s an animal! Use string liquorice, fruit leather, sprinkles and marshmallows to build an edible coral polyp and explore coral anatomy and ocean acidification's impact on reefs.

Consider checking out the new snorkeling reef off Hollywood beach by our friends at 1,000 Mermaids and Ocean Rescue Alliance to see how local scientists are trying to save our local coral reefs.

or head to our newest local snorkeling education lab Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach.

🌎 Sustainability Meets STEM

9. Design a Seawall

lUsing a pan of sand and small paper houses, simulate coastal flooding. Build a seawall with cardboard or rocks and test which design best protects your beach village from storm surges. Then check out our friend at Kind Design in our episode with them on The Visioneers with Zay Harding.

🧠 Make it a Mission

This Clean Beaches Week, challenge your family to do one activity and experiment this week to learn more about our ocean. Then keep digging deeper with other activities all summer long!

Learning doesn’t stop when school’s out—and there’s no better classroom than the coast.

👉 Tag us @SurfSkateScience with your Clean Beaches Week adventures. Show us your sandcastles, water cycle bags, beach clean-ups, or coral candy creations. Let’s celebrate the fun side of science—and our beautiful oceans.