Nano-CEMMS: The Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems

Magic Sand
The instructor introduces a product with unique properties called Magic Sand. Students explore its properties in a hands-on activity. They learn why it was initially developed and they learn about some of its practical applications.

Prerequisites:	Students should have an introductory knowledge of nanotechnology that can be provided by Kits 1 and 2.
Instruction Time:	Approximately 25-30 minutes
Audience:	Middle or high school students
Objective:	Students will explore and understand the properties of Magic Sand. They will know why it was first developed amd they will know some practical uses of Magic Sand.
Standards:	National Science Education Standards Content Standard A: Understandings about Scientific Inquiry. Content Standard B: Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter. Content Standard E: Understandings about Science and Technology. Illinois State Learning Standards: 11.A.3b. Conduct scientific experiments that control all but one variable. 12.C.5b. Analyze the properties of materials (e.g., mass, boiling point, melting point, hardness) in relation to their physical and/or chemical properties. 13.B.5b. Analyze and describe the processes and effects of scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Contents:	1 pound of Magic Sand 1 pound of regular sand 60 tiny plastic cups 60 plastic drinking cups 30 paper plates 60 plastic spoons 30 plastic knives 30 plastic yellow dispensers 1 sieve 1 Tupperware container 1 coffee filter "Magic Sand" Activity Guide PowerPoint presentation on CD overhead transparencies of PowerPoint slides 1 evaluation 30 assessments
Teacher Needs:	LCD or overhead projector tap water

The Magic Sand kit includes documents you can preview online.

Click on an image below to see it full sized.