Description
Create your own lava lamp using simple materials and explore the principles of density and immiscibility in a fun science experiment.
Ingredients
- Clear plastic bottle or glass jar (new, clean)
- Water
- Vegetable oil (or baby oil)
- Food coloring (various colors)
- Alka-Seltzer tablets or baking soda
- Optional: glitter or small beads for decoration
- Funnel (optional, for pouring)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bottle: Start with a clean, dry clear bottle or jar. Place a funnel (if available) on the opening to prevent spills.
- Add Water: Fill the bottle about one-third full with water. Observe how the water settles at the bottom.
- Add Oil: Slowly pour vegetable or baby oil into the bottle until it is nearly full, leaving some space at the top. Watch as the oil floats above the water.
- Add Color: Add a few drops of food coloring. Notice how the color sinks through the oil and mixes with the water!
- Create Your Lava Effect: Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces and drop one in. Observe the chemical reaction as bubbles form and rise through the liquid.
- Enjoy: Once the bubbles settle, add more Alka-Seltzer for additional movement! Optional: sprinkle in glitter or beads.
Notes
Experiment with color combinations and lighting for enhanced effects. Consider different oil types, but avoid strongly scented oils.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Craft
- Method: Experimenting
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 0
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg