Why can a deep hole in the sand cave in?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can a deep hole in the sand cave in?

The Big Idea

Digging in the sand is lots of fun. But a deep hole can suddenly cave in! Let's learn why, and how to dig safely.

No Glue

Step one: No Glue. Dry or wet sand has no glue to hold the grains together. So the walls of a hole can slump.

Heavy Sand

Step two: Heavy Sand. Sand is also very heavy. A collapse can trap a person.

Dig Smart

Step three: Dig Smart. Keep holes at the beach or sandbox small, no deeper than your knees, and never dig tunnels. Always fill your hole in before you leave, so people and animals cannot trip.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Keep holes knee-deep. Never dig tunnels. Have a grown-up nearby. Fill holes before you leave.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The steeper a pile of sand, the more likely it is to slide. Building sandcastles is a safe and fun choice. Open holes on beaches can trip people and trap baby turtles. Even wet sand can cave in.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Build a small pile of dry sand on a tray. Slowly add more sand to the top. Watch the sides. At what angle does it start sliding? Draw your pile.

Outro

A deep hole in sand can cave in because sand has no glue to hold its grains and is very heavy. Keep holes knee-deep or less, never dig tunnels, and fill holes in when you leave. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!