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Micro Wave: Build Your Own Sandcastle Dreamhouse : Short Wave It's summer, which for some means spare time at the beach, splashing in the waves and...building sandcastles. On today's episode, Emily Kwong asks: Scientifically, what is the best way to make a sandcastle? What's the right mix of water and sand to create grand staircases and towers? Sedimentologist Matthew Bennett shares his research — and personal — insights. Happy building!

Wondering what science and engineering are behind other summertime activities? Or just want to share your greatest sandcastle creations? Shoot us an email at shortwave@npr.org.

Short Wave

Micro Wave: Build Your Own Sandcastle Dreamhouse

Micro Wave: Build Your Own Sandcastle Dreamhouse

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Children build sandcastles on Blackpool Beach in England. Anthony Devlin/Getty Images hide caption

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Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

Children build sandcastles on Blackpool Beach in England.

Anthony Devlin/Getty Images

It's summer, which for some means spare time at the beach, splashing in the waves and...building sandcastles. On today's episode, Emily Kwong asks: Scientifically, what is the best way to make a sandcastle? What's the right mix of water and sand to create grand staircases and towers? Sedimentologist Matthew Bennett shares his research — and personal — insights. Happy building!

Wondering what science and engineering are behind other summertime activities? Or just want to share your greatest sandcastle creations? Shoot us an email at shortwave@npr.org.

This episode was edited by Viet Le, produced by Rebecca Ramirez and fact-checked by Indi Khera. Gilly Moon and James Willetts were the audio engineers.