Magic Sand

(a.k.a Mars sand or Space sand)

Author(s): Arleni Lopez
Discrepant Event - Teacher's Guide
SED 695B
 
Detailed Explanation of Discrepant Event

Principles ilustrated

  • phospholipid bilayer - cell membrane
  • hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions of molecules
  • polar and nonpolar molecules
  • lipid molecules
  • properties of water molecules
  • how water repellent products work

Magic sand is hydrophobic sand. It is regular sand that has been dyed and coated with particles of pure silica and exposing them to vapors of trimethylsilanol (CH3)3SiOH, an organosilicon. The exterior of the sand grains are coated with hydrophobic groups (non-polar-CH3) root), that is more or less similar to oil suface. This coating keeps the sand dry even after it has been dumped into a container of water.


How does it work?

Macroscopic Explanation

Ordinary sand is free flowing and cannot form a structure that holds its shape. Because of its water-repellent properties, when Magic Sand is poured into water, it holds its shape and can even be molded into structures under water. The grains of sand adhere to each other in the presence of water. When sprinkling grains onto the surface of the water, they will at first form a "sand raft", until the weight of the agglomerate is dense enough to sink to the bottom of the ocean as a single object. When immersed, the sand forms columns in order to reduce the surface area in contact with water. These columns appear silvery because of a layer of air that forms around the sand. As soon as the sand is removed from the water, it is completely dry and flows freely.

 

Molecular explanation.

 

Everyday use and applicability

  • Originally developed to clean oil spills. This would be done by sprinkling Magic Sand on floating petroleum, which would then mix with the oil and make it heavy enough to sink. Due to the expense of production, it is not being used for this purpose.
  • It has also been tested by utility companies in the Arctic areas as a foundation for junction boxes, as it never freezes.
  • Aerating medium for potted plants.

 

Procedures for presenting magic sand to students

Student Handout

Standards

  • Cell Biology

1. The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism's cells. As a basis for understanding this concept:
1. Students know cells are enclosed within semi permeable membranes that regulate their interaction with their surroundings.

 

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

Students know how regular sand reacts with water. This conception comes from their experiences with sand and ocean water at the beach.

Root question:

How will magic sand react to water? How will this differ from your experience with regular sand and water.

Target response:

Students will expect the magic sand to mix with the water. They may say that it will clump like cat litter and fall to the bottom due to its density.

Common Misconceptions:

All substances are soluble in water. The substance will either disolve or be evenly distributed in water. Or like sand it will fall to the bottom because it is called sand.

 

How to Make Your Own Magic Sand

 

 

 

References & Links:

Magic sand wikipedia