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In this well-rounded activity for third-graders studying earth science, students build three different sand castles and test them for strength and resistance to weathering. This activity takes students beyond the study of rocks, soils and minerals into the world of material properties, making them aware of the engineering evaluation that goes into choosing the best building materials (and combinations!) for construction projects.

This activity builds on Dr. Seuss’ much-loved “The Lorax” book, asking fourth-grade student teams to serve as natural resources and city planning engineers. In an excellent math component, students calculate how long it would take to re-build the forest (nearly wiped out, in the story). Then, student engineering teams individually and collaboratively plan (and sketch) a city, coming together to balance the needs and desires of multiple groups while protecting the natural environment.