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Department of Chemistry

Magic Sand

The Magic Sand experiment will demonstrate the waterproofing ability of commerically avaliable products. When normal sand is coated with this water proofing spray, it behaves very different to uncoated sand and forms structures under water. Additionally, upon removal of the Magic Sand from the water, it will turn back into a free flowing solid powder! It's magic!

Suggested teaching points

  • Hydrophoic materials
  • Commercial application of chemistry
  • Interactions between different states of matter

This file contains a set of detailed instructions, suggested questions, suggested improvements and disposal procedures for this experiment.

(PDF Document) Magic Sand experiment instructions
Before attempting this experiment, please ensure that you have read the safety section in the document above and performed a complete risk assessment. If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please use these forms.