How does magic sand work?

Resources:
http://www.ehow.com/info_8431587_dangers-scotchgard.html
http://chemistry.about.com/od/homeexperiments/fl/How-To-Make-HomemadeMagic-Sand.htm
http://pagingfunmums.com/2014/04/13/make-magic-aqua-sand/
Materials:

Sand
Scotchgard
Gloves
Water
2 Bowls
Food Coloring

Procedure:
1. Place the sand in a small bowl.
2. Evenly spray the surface of the sand with the waterproofing chemical. You may need to
shake the container of sand to expose untreated surfaces. Put enough scotchgard to give the
sand a wet to dry appearance. Do not drench it.
1. Allow the sand to dry.
2. Pour the sand in water and record what happens..

Safety:
Some of Scotchgard hazards include:
Extreme flammability
Can cause drowsiness or dizziness
May shift the oxygen in a room and cause suffocation
Keep Scotchgard away from hot surfaces, heat or sparks
Do not smoke when applying it

Do not spray it onto flames or other source of ignition

Do not breathe its dust, fumes, mist, vapors, gas or spray
Always use in a well-ventilated area or outdoors
Dispose of containers safely; do not throw them into a fire or pierce the container

Clean Up:
Any left over magic sand will be thrown in the trash, and the bowls will be wiped clean. We will also
make sure that the scotchgard didnt get on anything.

Documentation:
We will be taking pictures throughout the entire process. We will also take notes on what is
happening and why we think its happening.

Science:
Magic sand is a
toy
made from
sand
coated with a h
ydrophobic
compound (scotchgard). The
presence of this hydrophobic compound causes the grains of sand to cling to one another and form
cylinders
(to minimize
surface area
) when exposed to water. When the sand is removed from water,
it is completely dry and free flowing.
Hydrophobic compound: "A 'water-fearing' compound, such as oil, that has low solubility in water
and tends to form a separate phase."