Hooked on Science: Make hydrophobic sand at home

Hydrophobic sand -- sand that is "afraid" of water -- can be found in department stores, but can also be made at home.

Materials

* Colored sand

* Water-proofing spray

* Cookie sheet

Instructions

STEP 1: Spread the colored sand onto the cookie sheet.

STEP 2: Have an adult spray the sand evenly with the water-proofing spray. Mix the sand with the water-proofing spray by shaking the cookie sheet. Do this several times.

STEP 3: Allow the sand to completely dry by placing the sand into the sun. Once the sand is dry, pour it into a transparent cup filled with water and observe.

Explanation

When you covered the sand with the hydrophobic substance -- the water-proofing spray -- it repels the water and stays dry. A hydrophobic substance repels water.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website www.hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments.