Mixtures are created by combining materials together. Solids, liquids, and gasses can be mixed together. Sugar dissolves in water. It is a solute and water is the solvent.  The mix of water and sugar is called a solution. Some other materials, like sand for example, do not dissolve in water.  Instead the particles are spread out when you shake the mixture.  This is called a suspension.  The particles in a suspension will eventually settle to the bottom.