How to Make a Sandstone Rock

Demonstrate how nature makes a sandstone. This is a fun, simple experiment that will demonstrate a geologic process. The activity can be modified depending on the age group. This is an excellent introduction to geology for young children or a lead-in for higher level students.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Small Saucepan
• Salt
• Spoon
• Fine Sand: about 1 quart
• Plastic or cardboard container
• Aluminum food container
• Nail
• Stove or Bunson Burner
• A few days
• Adult Supervision

1. Pour about 1 cup of water into a small saucepan and heat on the stove over medium heat. As the water heats, add the salt and mix it well. Continue to add salt and mixing it until all the salt is dissolved. Then, remove it from the heat.

2. Place the sand in a deep, plastic container that is large enough for mixing. Pour the salt solution into the sand and mix thoroughly until the sand is completely moistened.

3. Punch tiny holes into the bottom of an aluminum food container with the nail. Press the sand and salt mixture into the container and pour away any excess water. Keep this experiment in a warm, dry spot for several days. After the sand has dried out, lift the chunk of material from the container and examine it. You are holding your own sandstone!

Tips & Warnings

• What happens? The salt clings to the particles of sand and holds them together. If you find a sandstone rock in nature, you may see that it is made up of several layers. This occurs when a sandy sediment settles on top of another one. These different layers press together and form one mass.
• ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED!