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Hi Katherine,

Black sand is a variable natural product.  Iron filling are typically not.  The black sand magnetite crystals have typically been rounded a tad and I don't know about the filings.  One would have to use a microscope to check the fine structure.

Initially, we had an exhibit called Sand Sorter which took a mixture of low grade sand magnetite mixture and separated it into two components.  Visitors powered the exhibit, and Richard Gangon, local to your area, built it when he was local to our area many moons ago.  Visitors loved it.

There will always be issues for young and old with respect to getting small particles in the eyes.  I know from first hand experience that removing the magnetite sand is not such a big deal, but it will happen.  The magnetite because it has been tumbled by the sea is likely rounded irregular shapes, not likely to stick and penetrate flesh, the filings could be a whole other deal.
C


On Mar 17, 2011, at 4:58 PM, Catherine Olmer wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Emily and others:
> 
> While I love the interactivity of the exhibit shown in the Exploratorium
> video, I am wondering about the safety aspects. I have always been told that
> children should never come in contact with loose iron filings because the
> filings could easily enter eyes. (Yes, the filings could be removed from the
> eyes with a magnet, but we really don't want be in that predicament!)
> 
> For those of you who use black sand: does black sand pose the same hazards
> as would be encountered with iron filings? Anything to worry about with
> regard to safety and other concerns?
> 
> Many thanks in advance for the information!
> 
> Catherine Olmer
> 
> Executive Director, WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
> Street Address:
>    308 West 4th Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
> Mailing Address:
>    P. O. Box 996, Bloomington, IN 47402-0996
> (812)337-1337, X16
> (812)330-1337 fax
> [log in to unmask]
> 
> 
> 
> On 3/17/11 11:29 AM, "emily williams" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> Hello,
>> I am part of an emerging children's museum and we are creating our
>> first traveling exhibit called "Amazing Magnets" at a University
>> Multicultural Faire in early April.  I have acquired some black sand/
>> magnetite and was trying to replicate an exhibit like the one at the
>> Exploratorium on Black Sand.
>> http://exs.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/black-sand/
>> 
>>  I have been unable to find the "radar magnets" that they use, so I
>> was wondering if anyone else had other suggestions for a large/tall
>> magnet that would work.  Something eye catching, or if anyone knows
>> where to purchase a radar magnet please let me know.  If you have any
>> other ideas for a Black Sand exhibit I would love to hear them.
>> Thank you
>> 
>> Emily Williams
>> 
>> Cobblestone Children's Museum
>>            of Frederickburg
>> 
>> www.cobblestonechildrensmuseum.org
> 
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The opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own and should in no way be construed or attributed to the Exploratorium or related organization, and do not represent an institutional position.

Charles Carlson
Senior Scientist
exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
[log in to unmask]
Tel:   415-561-0319
Fax:  415-561-0370





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