DIY Lava Lamp

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Introduce kids to concepts of density and chemical reactions by creating a fun and colorful lava lamp.

Material List

  • A clean, clear plastic or glass bottle with a lid
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil
  • Food coloring (variety of colors)
  • Alka-Seltzer tablets (or other effervescent tablets)
  • Funnel (optional, for easy pouring)

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    Step by Step Instructions

    1. Prepare the Bottle (5–10 minutes):
      • Fill the bottle about one-third full with water.
    2. Add Oil (5 minutes):
      • Using a funnel, pour vegetable oil into the bottle until it is almost full. Let it settle; the oil will float above the water.
    3. Add Color (5 minutes):
      • Drop a few drops of food coloring into the bottle. The color will pass through the oil and mix with the water.
    4. Create the Lava Effect (5–10 minutes):
      • Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces and drop one into the bottle. Watch as bubbles form and carry the colored water upward in a mesmerizing "lava lamp" effect.
    5. Experiment and Explore (10 minutes):
      • Kids can try different amounts of Alka-Seltzer or mix colors for different effects.

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    Skills Developed

    • Teaches basic scientific concepts like density and chemical reactions.
    • Encourages curiosity and experimentation.
    • Provides a fun and visually exciting result to take home.

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