Active Time
30-45 minutes
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
Air pressure, heat capacity, temperature
An incense stick is held between two containers filled with sand and ice water

Introduction

A hot summer day is the perfect time to go to the beach and cool down in the brisk ocean water. But it's not only the water that has a cooling effect at the beach. Have you ever noticed that there always seems to be a cool breeze blowing from the ocean to the shore? Where does the wind come from? In this activity, you will build a model of the ocean and the beach to find out—so next time you go to the beach, you will know why the sea breeze is blowing!

Credits

Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Two same-sized baking dishes, preferably glass
  • Sand, enough to fill one baking dish
  • Work space that has no wind
  • Pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Stove
  • Large cardboard box
  • Incense stick
  • Lighter or matches
  • Adult helper
  • Ice water, hot water
  • Freezer
  • Optional: Thermometer
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Next: Instructions

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Active Time
30-45 minutes
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
Air pressure, heat capacity, temperature
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