Lava Lamp
Create a mesmerizing lava lamp at home with simple materials while learning about density and chemical reactions.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 clear bottle or jar Clear bottle or jar (with a tight-fitting lid) Can vary in size
- 1/3 bottle Vegetable oil Add until almost full
- a few drops Food coloring Choose any color
- 1 tablet Alka-Seltzer tablets (or baking soda and vinegar) Break into quarters to use
- optional Glitter or small beads For added flair
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by filling the clear bottle or jar about one-third full with water.
- Carefully pour vegetable oil into the bottle until it is almost full, leaving some space at the top.
Add Color
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and watch as the color sinks through the oil.
Create the Lava Effect
- Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into quarters.
- Drop one piece into the bottle and observe as colorful blobs rise and fall.
- For continuous fun, add more pieces of the tablet one at a time as the reaction slows.
Final Touches
- Optional: Sprinkle in glitter or small beads for added visual interest.
Notes
Experiment with different food colors and container shapes for varied effects. For a longer-lasting effect, mix baking soda and vinegar instead of using Alka-Seltzer.