Big Bang Science - Magic Water Elf - Ocean Toys

Big Bang Science combines the science of chemistry, physic, astronomy, geography, etc. into the educational toy, it makes children have more fun with science in the budding age.

How can something submerged in water stay dry?
How can something submerged in water stay dry? When ordinary sand gets wet, the result is a clumpy mess. However, “Magic Sand” begins as normal looking sand, until it’s coated with a substance that repels water. This special coating keeps the sand dry even after it has been dumped into a container of water. Build castles and other structures under the water, then simply pour the water off when you’re finished and the sand is still dry!

How Does It Work?
This is a great demonstration to introduce students to the properties of substances that are hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic substances do not mix with water. The term “water-fearing” is often used to describe the word hydrophobic. Hydrophilic substances, on the other hand, are “water-loving.” Notice how the drops of food coloring color only the water and not the oil. Since oil is hydrophobic, the oil did not mix with the food coloring or the water. What are other examples of oil and water not mixing? A newly waxed car will make water form beads on its surface. Oil from cars will float on top of puddles. Oil and vinegar salad dressings need to be shaken up before using. So, how does Magic Sand work? The surface of sand grains is made wet by water, which means that water molecules are attracted to sand grains. Remember, this water-loving property of sand is called a hydrophilic property. Magic Sand is regular sand that has been coated with an oil-like substance that is water-hating or hydrophobic.