Let’s get sandy and learn how to make quick sand! This fun kids science project is the perfect summer activity to keep little hands and big brains busy. Plus, who can resist an excuse to get a little messy?
What Is Quick Sand?
Before we dive in (pun intended), what exactly is quick sand? It’s a mixture of water and fine particles (like cornflour) that behaves like both a solid and a liquid.
When left undisturbed, it appears solid – but apply pressure, and things get slippery! This simple experiment demonstrates the science of non-Newtonian fluids in action.
QUICKSAND Science Project: What You’ll Need
Making quick sand at home is easy, with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Supplies:
- Vial of food dye (any color will do — the brighter, the better!)
- Box of cornflour (aka cornstarch)
- Water
- Mixing bowl
- Optional: small figurine or toy (to simulate sinking)
How to Make Quick Sand
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of kid-friendly quick sand:
- Color the water:
Fill a small cup or bowl with water and add a few drops of food dye. Stir until the color is even. - Add cornflour:
In a larger mixing bowl, pour in about 1 cup of cornflour. - Mix:
Slowly add the colored water to the cornflour while stirring with your hands or a spoon. Keep adding water until the mixture has the consistency of thick honey or pancake batter. - Play and explore:
Now for the fun part, experiment with your quick sand! Try poking it quickly versus slowly moving your fingers through it. Place a small figurine on the surface and watch what happens.
Our Quick Sand Science Fun
Here are our kids giving it a try. We forgot to grab a figurine and by the time we remembered, we were all covered in quick sand goo. Next time!
The kids loved getting messy. This quick sand project was great for involving all four of our kids, ages four to twelve. It was simple, required only a few ingredients, and led to lots of laughter.
Pro tip: Next time we will either lay down a tablecloth or take this project outdoors to make cleanup easier.
The Science Behind Quick Sand
This project is more than just fun. It is a mini science lesson. Quick sand is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means its viscosity, or thickness, changes depending on how much force is applied.
Push hard and it resists. Move gently and it flows like a liquid. This is the same concept behind oobleck and other fun kitchen science projects.
FAQs About Making Sand
What age is this activity best for?
This project is great for kids ages three and up. Supervise younger kids, as the mixture can get slippery.
Is quick sand safe?
Yes. Our version of quick sand is completely safe and uses non-toxic kitchen ingredients.
How do I clean up quick sand?
Do not pour it down the drain. It can clog pipes. Instead, scrape the mixture into the trash and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth.
Can I store leftover quick sand?
You can store it in an airtight container for a day or two, but it will eventually dry out. It is best to make a fresh batch each time.
More Fun Science Projects for Kids
If you love our quick sand project, then you will love our 50 Science Projects for Kids post, packed with fun, hands-on learning ideas for the whole family.
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Ready to give this project a try? Snap a picture of your kids getting messy and tag us on Pinterest or Instagram. We would love to see your quick sand creations.
