Magic Sand

Magic sand is ordinary sand coated with a hydrophobic substance that prevents it from mixing with water. When placed in water, it clumps together and forms shapes like towers or cakes, while remaining perfectly dry when removed.

Making a Sand Tower:

1. Roll a small piece of paper into a tube and place it upright in an empty plastic bowl.
2. Pour magic sand into the paper tube.
3. Carefully pour water into the bowl until it nearly reaches the top of the paper tube.
4. Remove the paper tube to reveal a standing tower of sand.

Making Magic Sand Cakes:

1. Roll a piece of paper into a funnel.
2. Use the funnel to make a mound of magic sand in a bowl.
3. Slowly pour water down the side of the bowl until it almost reaches the top of the sand mound.
4. Add another mound on top and repeat the process, building a layered “cake.”

Magic Sand | Science & STEAM for Kids - Cary Area Public Library:

HYDROPHOBIC SAND aka Magic Sand Experiment (Sand that won't get wet) - Kids Fun Science:

📄 Magic Sand - American Chemical Society: https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/k-8/science-activities/characteristicsofmaterials/polymers/magic-sand-science-for-kids.pdf

• Compare how regular sand and magic sand behave in water.
• Build different shapes or sculptures with magic sand underwater.
• Test whether magic sand floats or sinks in different liquids (like oil).

• Adult supervision required.
• Do not eat magic sand or place it near your eyes.
• Wear safety goggles during the activity.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Keep all materials away from mouth, nose, and eyes.

• Why does magic sand stay dry after being taken out of water? (Because it is coated with a hydrophobic substance that repels water.)
• How does magic sand differ from regular sand in water? (Regular sand mixes with water and sinks loosely, while magic sand clumps together and resists wetting.)
• What other substances are hydrophobic? (Examples include oil, wax, and some plastics.)
• How might hydrophobic materials be useful in everyday life? (They can be used for waterproof coatings, rain gear, and oil spill cleanups.)