Ever wonder why shells are colored differently? Or where sand comes from? Featuring more than 40 fun hands-on activities for families with children, “Lessons from the Sand” reveals the science behind the amazing natural wonders found on North Carolina and South Carolina beaches. The easy-to-do experiments in this new book help parents and kids discover the ways water, wind, sand, plants, animals and people interact to shape constantly changing beaches.

Featuring colorful illustrations and instructions, most activities require nothing more than an observant eye and simple tools found at local stores. You’ll learn about geology, weather, waves and currents, and critters and environmental issues that threaten them. There’s also indoor activities for rainy days and nighttime discovery activities. Co-authors Charles O. Pilkey is an artist and writer living in Mint Hill, and his father, Orrin H. Pilkey, is James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Earth Sciences at Duke University. 240 pages, 212 color illustrations, 39 figures, six maps, 14 tables. Softcover, $19; e-book $18.99. 800-848-6224 or uncpress.unc.edu.