ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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For exhibits we have used several alternates to sand from walnut shells to
micro beads.  We have also used some finely ground rubber mulch.

To keep things from tracking off we have used industrial mats from C and H.
These heavy duty mats removed most of the material or contained it to an
area.

I will try to look up some sources for the alternate sand materials tomorrow
at work.

David 

-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of SUBSCRIBE ISEN-ASTC-L
R Klein
Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 3:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: sand table alternative

ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*

I've searched the archive and couldn't find any first hand account from a 
centre that uses an alternative to sand.

We'd like to create a discovery table where kids (5-10) can play with
flowing 
properties, measuring and volume but water is not an option.  

Has anyone used plastic pellets or other sand alternative with toys like
sand 
mills, and clear acrylic measuring cups?  What sanitizing/cleaning methods
do 
you use? Is scratching a problem? What's the trackability like from the play

area? Do you use catch mats or just regular vaccumming?

Sources for the pellets would be appreciated too. The only one I have is
from 
Spectrum; 4.5kg for $36

Thanks.

R.Klein
Science World 
Vancouver, B.C.

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