Lava Lamp
A fun and engaging science experiment that allows you to create a mesmerizing lava lamp using simple household materials while exploring principles of density and immiscibility.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 unit Clear plastic bottle or jar with a lid Ensure it is clean and dry.
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (or any light oil) Oil creates a layer on top of water.
- 1 cup Water Fill the bottle until about one-quarter full.
- several drops Food coloring (any colors you like) To create colorful blobs.
- 1-2 tablets Alka-Seltzer tablets (or similar effervescent tablets) Break into smaller pieces if necessary.
- optional unit Glitter or small decorative items For extra visual appeal.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cleaning your plastic bottle or jar thoroughly to ensure there are no residues.
- Pour water into the bottle until it is about one-quarter full.
- Next, slowly pour vegetable oil into the bottle until there’s a bit of space at the top.
- Using food coloring, drop a few drops into the bottle and watch as they sink through the oil.
- Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces and drop one into the bottle.
- Enjoy the sight of colorful bubbles rising to the top and then falling back down.
- Repeat the last step with more Alka-Seltzer as needed. Your lava lamp is now ready to mesmerize!
Notes
Experiment with different oils like coconut oil or olive oil for unique effects. Try using different containers for varied aesthetics. Add glitter or small items for extra visuals.