ABSTRACT
USEFUL PRIOR WORK: The children do not need to have any particular prior knowledge before completing this investigation.
BACKGROUND SCIENCE: A beach is a natural formation that occurs alongside a body of water. The beach itself can be made up of rock particles, sand, pebbles, gravel and shell fragments. This will depend on the natural geology of the area. The part of the beach that is mostly above water is called the berm. The part of the beach that slopes towards the water is called the face. Some beaches have a trough at the end of the face. The shape, structure and materials the beach is made from is influenced by the action of the waves moving over the beach. Particles can be moved and deposited, and surrounding cliffs can be eroded. The wind will also affect the beach further inland, for example blowing the sand and forming sand dunes.
