Each group needs:

• Cardboard box, ~ 12 in x 12 in x 12 in (30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm)
• Small pebbles or rocks (enough to create a layer 1in [2.5 cm] deep; about 10 cups)
• Potting soil or top soil dirt (enough to create a layer 4 in [10 cm] deep; about 2 gallons)
• Sand (enough to create a layer 2.5 in [6.35 cm] deep; about 1.25 gallons)
• Wood block, ~ 2 in x 2 in x 1 in deep (5 cm x 5 cm x 2.5 cm), cut from a 2 x 4 wood scrap
• ½-in (1.27 cm) wooden dowel, at least 12.5 in (32 cm) long
• Wood glue, to secure the dowel in a hole drilled in the wood block
• Foundations Worksheet, one per team
• Several books to balance on the foundation, totaling ~ 10 lbs (~4.5 kg)
• (optional) Foundations Math Worksheet, one per team

For the teacher to use (or the entire class to share):

• Access to woodworking tools: drill, drill bits and a saw
• Scale, to weigh books