When it is dry, Magic Sand is free-flowing and cannot form a structure that holds its shape. When Magic Sand is poured into water, it has a silvery sheen and doesn't become wet. It can be molded into structures that hold their shape under water. When the water is poured off, the Magic Sand is dry. When it is dry, ordinary sand is free-flowing and cannot form a structure that holds its shape.
Ordinary sand becomes wet in water.
It cannot be molded into structures that hold their shape under water. It remains wet when the water is poured off. The third video sequence contains a demonstration not performed by students during the Activity. A test tube is coated first with silicone grease and then Magic Sand. A thin layer of Magic Sand is sprinkled on the surface of the water.