Kinetic sand is play sand that is soft and crumbly, but also holds its shape when squeezed or pressed. And with only three ingredients, this DIY activity couldn't be easier to make. Whether you need enough kinetic sand for one child or a large group, it's easy to make as much or little as you need.

Even after being submerged in water, this curious sand stays dry. To produce magic sand, companies start with standard sand, silicon dioxide, and then add a very thin layer of a chemical called trimethylhydroxysilane. This coating makes the sand hydrophobic, or water-repellent.

Store-bought Kinetic Sand is made from fine sand and polydimethylsiloxane (also called dimethicone). It's an unusual substance in that its viscosity increases under stress. You can form it into fun shapes and slice it. However, it's not the cheapest thing to buy.

Well made mostly of sand. They both have a chemical coating that makes them act in a much more interesting way than regular old sand. In fact kinetic sand acts like no other substance in nature.

Kinetic sand is an easy project that allows kids to explore their senses, build fine motor skills and strengthen their imaginative play muscles.

Store-bought Kinetic Sand is made from fine sand and polydimethylsiloxane (also called dimethicone). It's an unusual substance in that its viscosity increases under stress. You can form it into fun shapes and slice it. However, it's not the cheapest thing to buy.

Magic Sand is regular sand which has been dyed and coated with a hydrophobic substance -- a substance which repels water.

Our Smooshy Sand is an eco-friendly, coloured magic sand, made of 100% natural minerals.

Store-bought Kinetic Sand is made from fine sand and polydimethylsiloxane (also called dimethicone). It's an unusual substance in that its viscosity increases under stress. You can form it into fun shapes and slice it. However, it's not the cheapest thing to buy.

Kinetic Sand™ is sensitive to humidity and water, if it loses its great texture, it may be due to the environment being too "moist" or "dry". Kinetic Sand™ will return to its normal texture at 60% humidity. If Kinetic Sand™ gets wet, air dry it until it returns to its normal texture.

Kinetic sand is particularly beneficial in supporting physical development such as fine motor skills. Social and emotional development can be supported by engaging with the kinetic sand as children may find it calming and relaxing. Kinetic sand provides a range of sensory experiences for children.

Kinetic sand is a fun sensory toy. It is made of 98% ultra-fine grain sand combined with 2% dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). Sand is not poisonous when swallowed. Dimethicone is a silicone compound that is also used in diaper rash creams and is considered minimally toxic.

Our Smooshy Sand is an eco-friendly, coloured magic sand, made of 100% natural minerals.

Kinetic sand represents a good example of plastic material whose dynamic model is unknown. The four pictures show different shapes formed by the participants of our user study. This paper represents a step towards vision-based manipulation of plastic materials.

The Bottom Line. Kinetic sand is a fun, moldable sensory toy. It is made of ultra-fine grain sand combined with dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). While kinetic sand won't poison a person if they eat it, it does pose a choking hazard, and if large amounts are eaten it can cause constipation.

Kinetic Sand™ is sensitive to humidity and water, if it loses its great texture, it may be due to the environment being too "moist" or "dry". Kinetic Sand™ will return to its normal texture at 60% humidity. If Kinetic Sand™ gets wet, air dry it until it returns to its normal texture.