One minute you’ll be digging around in the sand. You’ll be using your hands to make mountains, ditches, and moats. The next minute you’ll be saying, “Oh, that’s how topographic maps work!” Ready to get started?

A political map shows the names of countries, states, and capitals. A topographic map is different. It shows lines close together where land is steep. It shows lines spread far apart where land is shallow. The idea is a little hard to understand when you’re looking at a flat map. That’s where the Augmented Reality Sand Table can help you.

The sand table is just that—a table full of sand. But a motion-sensing camera hangs above the table. Go ahead, change the shape of the “land.” The camera will show you how a topographic map would change. It forms contour lines. It makes deep holes a certain color, and mountains another color. Hold up your hands to make it “rain.” Then the landscape will fill with a blue water color. It will show where new rivers and lakes will form. What a great way to learn about how powerful God is! Imagine His big hands forming the mountains and valleys!

The Augmented Reality Sand Table is used in museums as a teaching tool. Is there one near you?