DIY Lava Lamp
Create a mesmerizing DIY lava lamp using basic materials while learning about density and chemical reactions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bottle or jar A clear bottle or jar with a lid Ensure it's clean and dry.
- ¼ full Water Fill the bottle approximately one-quarter full.
- 1 bottle Vegetable oil Slowly pour until the bottle is nearly full.
- few drops Food coloring Choose your favorite colors.
- 1-2 tablets Alka-Seltzer tablets Or use baking soda and vinegar for a variation.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 pinch Glitter or small decorative items For added visual effect.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by ensuring your bottle or jar is clean and dry.
- Fill it approximately one-quarter full with water.
Assembly
- Slowly pour vegetable oil into the bottle until it’s nearly full, leaving some space at the top.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the water.
Activation
- Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces and drop them in one at a time.
- Watch how the reaction creates bubbles that push the colored water upwards through the oil.
Finishing Touches
- If you desire, sprinkle in some glitter or small decorative items before sealing the bottle with the lid.
Notes
Experiment with different food coloring combinations and try using a taller or wider container for different visual effects. Place your lava lamp on a light source for enhanced glow.