lava lamp experiment science fair

Science Fun

• A clean plastic bottle, try to use one with smooth sides
• Vegetable Oil (or you could use Mineral or Baby Oil instead)
• Fizzing tablets (such as Alka Seltzer)
• Food Coloring

Watch Scientist Joe as he makes the Lava Lamp Experiment here!

Instructions:

• Fill the bottle up about 1/4th (1 quarter) with water.
• Pour the vegetable oil in the bottle until is almost full. You may want to use a measuring cup with a spout or a funnel. You may have to wait a couple of minutes for the oil and water to separate.
• Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring. Watch as the color sinks through the oil. Did your drops of color mix with the water immediately or float in between for a few minutes?
• Break your fizzy tablet in half and drop part of it into the bottle. Get ready … here come the bubbly blobs!
• You can even get a flashlight, turn off the lights and drop in another half tablet. This time shine the flashlight through the lava lamp while the blobs are bubbling!

WATCH THE QUICK AND EASY VIDEO TUTORIAL!

How it Works:

The oil floats on top of the water because it is less dense or lighter than water. The food coloring has the same density as the water so it sink through the oil and mixes with the water. When you add the tablet it sinks to the bottom then starts to dissolve. As it dissolves it makes gas, carbon dioxide. Gas or air, is lighter than water so it floats to the top. The air bubbles bring some colored water with them to the top. When the air comes out of the colored water blob, the water gets heavy again and sinks. It does this over and over again until the tablet is completely dissolved.

Extra Experiments:

What happens if you put the cap on after dropping the fizzy tablet in? What if you drop a whole tablet in? When it stops bubbling, try sprinkling some salt into your lava lamp. What happens?

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Chemistry project

Make a Lava Lamp

• Flask  or empty water bottle (a clear plastic bottle works well)
• Vegetable oil, cooking oil, or baby oil
• Food coloring
• Alka-Seltzer
• Fill the flask most of the way with your choice of oil.
• Fill the rest of the flask with water. The oil floats and the water sinks to the bottom of the jar under the oil and looks like little, clear blobs.
• Add a few drops of food coloring; your choice of color. The food coloring is water-based, so it will also sink and color the water that is now at the bottom of the flask.
• Break an Alka-seltzer tablet into a few small pieces, and drop them in the flask one at a time.
• Watch your lava lamp erupt into activity! As the chemical reaction slows down, simply add more Alka-seltzer.

A lava lamp works because of two different scientific principles: density, and polarity.

Concept 1: Density

Density  is the measurement of how compact a substance is - how much of it fits in a certain amount of space.

(The scientific equation is  density = mass/volume .)

If you measure an equal volume of oil and water, you'll find that the water is heavier than the same amount of oil. This is because water molecules are packed more tightly; a cup of water actually has more mass than a cup of oil.

Because water is more dense than oil, it will sink to the bottom when the two are put in the same container. Density is affected by temperature—the hotter a liquid is, the less dense it will be.

Concept 2: Polarity

Polarity is the quality of having two oppositely charged poles.

Water molecules are "polar" because they have a lopsided electrical charge that attracts other atoms. The end of the molecule with the two hydrogen atoms is positively charged. The other end, with the oxygen, is negatively charged.

Just like in a magnet, where north poles are attracted to south poles ("opposites attract"), the positive end of the water molecule will connect with the negative end of other molecules.

Oil molecules, however, are non-polar— they don't have a positive or negative charge, so they are not attracted to the water molecules at all. This is why oil and water don't mix!

What Happened:

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Lava Lamp variation

Snowstorm in a Boiling Flask

• Boiling (or Florence) Flask ; or any clear glassware
• White Paint
• Glitter (white or blue)
• Alka-seltzer
• Mix about 1tsp of white paint with about 100 ml of water
• Add a generous amount of glitter to the mixture
• Pour the white, glittered water into the  boiling flask  (or any  clear glassware) . This should fill your  glassware  about 1/5th full
• Fill the rest of the  glassware  with baby oil. The clear baby oil is less dense than the water mixture and will stay on top
• Break an  alka-seltzer tablet  into a few small pieces
• Drop the  alka-selzer pieces  in the flask one at a time.
• Watch as the snowstorm appears!
• As the reaction slows down, simply add more  alka-seltzer.

Just like in the lava lamp project our homemade snowstorm was created when we used  alka-seltzer  to react with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These stick to the water droplets. The water / gas combo is less dense than the oil, so they rise to the top of the flask. At the top, the gas bubbles pop and escape into the air, allowing the dense water to sink back to the bottom again. Refer to the science lesson from the lava lamp project above or print this free lesson. 

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How To Make A Lava Lamp

Have you ever made a DIY lava lamp? We love to explore science with common household items. A homemade lava lamp (or density experiment) is one of our favorite science experiments for kids .

Lava Lamp Experiment

You can also experiment with salt with this lava lamp instead of using Alka Seltzer tablets!

• Valentine’s Day Lava Lamp
• Earth Day Lava Lamp
• Halloween Lava Lamp
• Water Bottles, Mason Jars, or Plastic Cups
• Food Coloring
• Baby Oil or Cooking Oil
• Alka Seltzer Tablets (generic is fine)

💡 Lava Lamp Tip: Set up this experiment on a plastic tray or dollar store cookie sheet to minimize the mess. Dollar stores also have nice little mason jar-like jars you can use too. Science in a jar is quite fun, so we picked up six of them the last time we were there!

LAVA LAMP INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Gather your ingredients! We started with one cup and then made a rainbow of lava lamps.

STEP 2:   Fill your cup or jar(s) about 2/3 of the way with oil. You can experiment with more and less and see which one gives the best results. Make sure to keep track of your results. See below for more tips on experimentation and using the scientific method .

STEP 3:   Next, you want to fill your jar(s) the rest of the way with water. These steps are great for helping your kids practice fine motor skills and learn about approximate measurements.

💡 Make sure to observe what happens to the oil and water in your jars as you add each ingredient.

STEP 4:   Add drops of food coloring to your oil and water and watch what happens. However, you don’t want to mix the colors into the liquids. It’s ok if you do, but I love how the coming chemical reaction looks if you don’t mix them!

STEP 5:   Now it’s time for the grand finale of this lava lamp experiment! Drop an Alka Seltzer tablet or its generic equivalent into each cup or jar. Make sure to watch closely as the magic happens!

When the lava lamp chemical reaction slows down, add another tablet. What do you think will happen? How is the colored water moving up through the oil? Ask plenty of questions to get your kids thinking!

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Lava Lamp Science Information

Quite a few things are going on here with both physics and chemistry! First, remember liquid is one of three states of matter . It flows, pours, and takes the shape of the container you put it in.

However, liquids have different viscosity or thicknesses. Does the oil pour differently than the water? What do you notice about the food coloring drops you added to the oil/water? Think about the viscosity of other liquids you use.

Why don’t all liquids mix? Did you notice the oil and water separated? That’s because water is heavier than oil.

💡 Making a density tower is another great way to observe how not all liquids share the same density.

Liquids are made up of different numbers of atoms and molecules. In some liquids, these atoms and molecules are packed together more tightly, resulting in a denser liquid. Learn more about density here.

Now for the chemical reaction ! When the two substances combine (Alka seltzer tablet and water), they create carbon dioxide, all the bubbling you see. These bubbles carry the colored water to the top of the oil, where they pop, and the water then falls back down.

How To Set Up A Lava Lamp Science Fair Project

Want to turn this lava lamp into a cool lava lamp science project? Check out these helpful resources below.

💡 By changing the water’s temperature, you can observe and measure how it affects the behavior of the bubbles of carbon dioxide.

Sample Hypothesis: “If the temperature of the water used in a homemade lava lamp increases, then the movement of the colored gas bubbles will become faster and more vigorous because heat affects the density and buoyancy of the liquids involved.”

• Independent Variable: The temperature of the water used in the lava lamp.
• Dependent Variable: The speed and movement pattern of the colored gas bubbles in the lava lamp.
• Controlled Variables are…

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14 Comments

Amazing. I’m a counselor for children and adolescents of all different functional levels and I love incorporating art into therapy. Thank you for this idea. It is so cool!

Your welcome! So glad that this can be useful to you. My son loves anything that will erupt too!

Baby oil works the best for this experiment. It is clear, so it allows for the food coloring to really stand out.

Baby oil is great for this experiment but regular oil works well too in case you don’t have any on hand.

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Thank you for the idea , I might use it for an extra credit project

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This science experiment, this is what I’m going to to do for a science fair project!!!

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How can I download instructions for the experiments? I’d rather have a print out to check with during experiments than my phone.

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Science Projects > Chemistry Projects > How To Make A Homemade Lava Lamp + Video  

How To Make A Homemade Lava Lamp + Video

You know the mesmerizing feel of watching a lava lamp, with its large colored bubbles sinking and rising and morphing. With this project, you can make your own (temporary) lava lamp with household materials! It’s easy and safe, and it looks very cool.

Check out our project video to see the homemade lava lamp in action!

What You Need:

• Flask or bottle
• Vegetable oil
• Food coloring
• Alka-seltzer

What You Do:

1. Fill the flask most of the way with vegetable oil.

2. Fill the rest of the flask with water. The water will sink to the bottom under the oil.

3. Add a few drops of food coloring; your choice of color. The food coloring is water-based, so it will also sink and color the water that is now at the bottom of the flask.

4. Break an alka-seltzer tablet into a few small pieces, and drop them in the flask one at a time.

5. Watch your lava lamp erupt into activity! As the reaction slows down, simply add more alka-seltzer.

What Happened:

A lava lamp works because of two different scientific principles, density and polarity.

• Density is the measurement of how compact a substance is – how much of it fits in a certain amount of space. (The scientific equation is density = mass/volume .) If you measure an equal volume of oil and water, you’ll find that the water is heavier than the same amount of oil. This is because water molecules are packed more tightly and a cup of water actually has more mass than a cup of oil. Because water is more dense than oil, it will sink to the bottom when the two are put in the same container. Density is affected by temperature—the hotter a liquid is, the less dense it will be.

Real lava lamps use a polar and non-polar liquid just like our homemade one did. In a real one, however, the densities of the liquids are much closer together than vegetable oil and water. The denser liquid sinks to the bottom, but the lava lamp light heats it up until it expands and becomes less dense, causing it to rise upward. As it gets farther from the light, it cools down, becoming more dense again until it sinks; then the cycle starts all over.

Instead of using a light, in our homemade lava lamp we used alka-seltzer to power the lamp. The alka-seltzer reacts with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These stick to the water droplets. The water/gas combo is less dense than the oil, so they rise to the top of the flask. At the top, the gas bubbles pop and escape into the air, allowing the dense water to sink back to the bottom again.

Lava lamps powered by heat are trickier to make and can use more hazardous materials. You can experiment fairly safely with things like rubbing alcohol and mineral oil or lamp oil. See if you can make a lamp powered by heat!

More Density Science Projects

Rainbow density column.

Using a knowledge of liquid density, you can easily “stack” several liquids on top of each other! Use food coloring to make a rainbow of colors.

• Liquids of different densities: honey, corn syrup, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol
• Graduated cylinder or tall glass or jar
• Pipets (medicine droppers)

1. Pour an inch (or however much you want) of honey into the bottom of the cylinder or glass.

2. Use food coloring to color a little bit of corn syrup (if it’s the light kind; just leave it brown if it’s the dark kind). Slowly and carefully pour an inch of the corn syrup on top of the honey.

3. Color some liquid dish soap and carefully add an inch on top of the corn syrup. You may find it easier to use a pipet for this one instead of pouring.

4. Next, use a pipet to add an inch of colored water on top of the dish soap.

5. You won’t be able to color the vegetable oil, because food coloring is water-based and water and oil don’t mix! Go ahead and add an inch of oil on top of the water.

6. Finish it off with an inch of colored rubbing alcohol. (If you have lamp oil, you could also add that to the very top.)

7. Voila – a beautiful rainbow of stacked liquids!

Each of the liquids you used had a different density . You added them to the cylinder in order of most dense (honey) to least dense (rubbing alcohol). Since each new liquid was less dense than the one before it, it floated on top instead of mixing together. You can try other liquids, if you want to! To figure out where your new liquid would fit in the column, you can measure the density of all the liquids. Measure an exactly equal volume of each liquid and weigh it (be sure to subtract the weight of the container). Even though the amount of liquid is the same, the denser ones will be heavier. (Density = mass/volume.)

There are many different things that affect density, such as temperature. Heat causes substances to expand and become less dense, while cold causes them to contract and become more dense. (One exception is water – it becomes more dense with cold until the freezing point, but it freezes in a crystalline structure that makes ice less dense than liquid water.) Adding things to a liquid will also change its density. For example, salt water is more dense than regular water (which is why it’s easier to float in salt water than in fresh water!). You can try building a density column using only colored water. Try stacking hot, cold, and room temperature water, or try building a column with salt water, sugar water, and fresh water.

Now that we’ve explored the fascinating world of density columns in our previous experiment, it’s time to take our learning to the next level with a fun and delicious twist! In this exciting adaptation, we’ll be using everyday coffee ingredients to create a coffee-themed density column. This hands-on experiment not only builds on our understanding of density but also adds a flavorful twist to our scientific exploration. So, grab your lab aprons and get ready to brew up some knowledge as we dive into the world of coffee and chemistry!

Coffee Density Column

If you’re like us and love coffee almost as much as science, try this density column adaptation with coffee ingredients.

Layer the following ingredients carefully from the bottom up: -Honey -Your favorite flavor syrups -Low fat Milk -Coffee -Whipped Cream

More Fun Projects:

• Check out the science of scuba divers and submarines when you make a cartesian diver
• See how density affects the weather when you make a colorful convection current
• See the difference salt can make when you simulate the density of the Great Salt Lake

Density Science Lesson

Forget the life jacket. The Dead Sea contains the saltiest water on earth, which is also the densest water found naturally on earth! You don’t need flotation devices if you are swimming in the Dead Sea. Your body’s density is already much less than the water’s, so the only thing you can do is float higher than you ever would in fresh water!

Freeze and float. Most liquids contract when they freeze, making them more dense in their solid form than in their liquid form. (They have the same mass, but it’s packed into a smaller volume.) Water does the opposite: it expands as it freezes, lowering the density. Since ice is less dense than water, it floats. And it’s a good thing it does! If water acted like most other liquids, lakes and rivers would freeze solid and all life in them would die. Instead, a layer of ice forms on the surface, leaving liquid water underneath.

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more in 10-12 years

Blobs in a bottle.

You will need

• A clean 1 liter clear soda bottle
• 3/4 cup of water
• Vegetable Oil
• Fizzing tablets (such as Alka Seltzer)
• Food coloring
• Pour the water into the bottle.
• Use a measuring cup or funnel to slowly pour the vegetable oil into the bottle until it’s almost full. You may have to wait a few minutes for the oil and water separate.
• Add 10 drops of food coloring to the bottle (we like red, but any color will look great.) The drops will pass through the oil and then mix with the water below.
• Break a seltzer tablet in half and drop the half tablet into the bottle. Watch it sink to the bottom and let the blobby greatness begin!
• To keep the effect going, just add another tablet piece. For a true lava lamp effect, shine a flashlight through the bottom of the bottle.

How does it work?

To begin, the oil stays above the water because the oil is lighter than the water or, more specifically, less dense than water. The oil and water do not mix because of something called “intermolecular polarity.” That term is fun to bring up in dinner conversation. Molecular polarity basically means that water molecules are attracted to other water molecules. They get along fine, and can loosely bond together (drops.) This is similar to magnets that are attracted to each other. Oil molecules are attracted to other oil molecules, they get along fine as well. But the structures of the two molecules do not allow them to bond together. Of course, there’s a lot more fancy scientific language to describe density and molecular polarity, but maybe now you’ll at least look at that vinegrette salad dessing in a whole new way.

When you added the tablet piece, it sank to the bottom and started dissolving and creating a gas. As the gas bubbles rose, they took some of the colored water with them. When the blob of water reached the top, the gas escaped and down went the water. Cool, huh? By the way, you can store your “Blobs In A Bottle” with the cap on, and then anytime you want to bring it back to life, just add another tablet piece.

MAKE IT AN EXPERIMENT

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:

• Does the temperature of the water affect the reaction?
• Does the size of the bottle affect how many blobs are produced?
• Does the effect still work if the cap is put on the bottle?
• Does the size of the tablet pieces affect the number of blobs created?

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How to make a lava lamp

January 1, 2023 By Emma Vanstone 4 Comments

Do you know how to make a lava lamp ? DIY lava lamps are one of our favourite science experiments as they are super simple to make, can be used over and over again, and you can be as creative as you like with them. We’ve made Minions, reindeer and even snowmen lava lamps!

Lava lamp s are also a safe, exciting and visual way to introduce chemical reactions and the often tricky concept of density to children ( the oil floats beautifully on top of the water ).

What you need to make a lava lamp

• A clear plastic or glass bottle or jar
• A bottle of vegetable oil
• Alka Seltzer
• Food colouring (a bright colour is best!)

DIY Lava Lamp Instructions

Fill the bottle about a quarter full with water. Top up with vegetable oil to the (near) top.

The oil and water should separate into two layers, water at the bottom and oil on the top.

Once the oil and water have separated, add enough food colouring to achieve the colour you want. The colour will mix with the water at the bottom.

Pop in half an Alka Seltzer tablet and watch the bubbles form. Add more Alka Seltzer little by little to keep the bubbles rising and falling.

Top Tips for making a DIY lava lamp

Try using effervescent vitamin tablets instead of Alka Seltzer; these are usually a bit cheaper and have the same effect, although they might colour the water slightly.

More science experiments to try

What happens if you use half a tablet? Or two?

Once the reaction has finished, try gently tipping the bottle on its side. What do you notice?

Why do homemade lava lamps work?

Alka seltzer is made of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, which react with the water to form carbon dioxide gas and sodium citrate. It is the bubbles of carbon dioxide that carry the coloured water into the oil, giving a lava lamp effect.

NOTE – Please supervise the use of Alka Seltzer and effervescent vitamin tablets.

Why do oil and water separate?

Water and oil do not mix. This is because water is a polar molecule – its structure means it has a positive charge at one end and a negative charge at the other. Water molecules stick together because the positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another. Oil molecule structure is different – it is non-polar, meaning that its charge is more evenly spread out, so the oil is not attracted to water. We call it hydrophobic (water-fearing), as it tries to get as far away from water as possible and does not mix. Oil rests on top of the water rather than underneath because it has a different density to water.

More DIY lava lamp ideas

How about a pumpkin themed lava lamp for Halloween? These make a great last-minute pumpkin or a fun alternative if you don’t fancy carving one this year.

We had a lot of fun making our Minion version of a lava lamp . If I did this again, I’d use blue water at the bottom, as you couldn’t see the yellow very well in the oil.

Or how about a Christmas Lava Lamp ? Our reindeer and snowman were super cute and a big hit with the kids last year.

If you enjoyed this activity, you’ll love our other experiments for kids. We have hundreds of science-based investigations and activities, with something for all interests and ages.

The Royal Institution has an excellent lava lamp and other fab experiments, too!

Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

July 07, 2015 at 12:36 am

This is awesome!!!

July 29, 2015 at 5:56 am

ooh that looks GREAT fun

March 25, 2020 at 3:23 pm

This was so much fun ! If you haven’t try it!

September 13, 2020 at 5:25 pm

Looks so cool. For how long will it “work”?

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Make Your Own Lava Lamp: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Fun Science Experiment

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To make your own lava lamp, you'll need a clear bottle, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Start by filling the bottle 3/4 full with water and add a few drops of food coloring. Then, pour about 1/4 cup of oil into the bottle and watch it float on top. Drop a small piece of the Alka-Seltzer tablet into the bottle and observe the bubbles rising through the oil, creating a mesmerizing lava effect. Seal the bottle tightly and place it on a light source to enhance the visual experience. Keep exploring to discover more customization techniques and stunning visual effects.

Gather Materials

Round up a clear 16-oz soda bottle, water, vegetable oil, food coloring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. You'll also need a funnel and measuring cups to precisely pour the liquids.

Make certain the soda bottle is clean and dry. Remove any labels, as they can interfere with the lava lamp effect. You can use a bottle of any size, but a 16-oz bottle is ideal for creating a visually appealing lava lamp.

Vegetable oil is the best choice for this project because it's clear, inexpensive, and readily available. You'll need enough oil to fill about 2/3 of the bottle.

Food coloring adds vibrant hues to your lava lamp. Choose a color that contrasts well with the clear liquids, such as red, blue, or green.

An Alka-Seltzer tablet provides the chemical reaction that makes the lava lamp work. The tablet releases carbon dioxide gas when it comes into contact with water, causing the colored water droplets to rise and fall through the oil.

Gather all these materials in one place before you start the project to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable lava lamp-making experience.

Mix Water and Food Coloring

First, choose your desired food coloring for the lava lamp.

Next, fill a glass or plastic bottle about 3/4 full with water, and add a few drops of the food coloring.

Gently mix the water until the food coloring is evenly distributed.

Choose Desired Color

You'll need to choose your desired lava lamp color and mix it with water. Consider the ambiance you want to create with your lava lamp. Bright, vibrant colors like red, blue, or green can energize a room, while softer hues like purple or pink can create a calming atmosphere. You can also mix colors to create unique shades.

Once you've selected your color, add a few drops of food coloring to the water. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired intensity. Keep in mind that the color will appear lighter when the lamp is lit, so you may want to make it slightly darker than your intended shade.

Stir the water and food coloring mixture thoroughly to guarantee even distribution. If you're using multiple colors, be careful not to overmix them, as this can result in a muddy appearance.

Aim for a swirling, marbled effect for a visually appealing lava lamp.

Add to Water

To create the colored water for your lava lamp, pour the water into a clear container, such as a measuring cup or bowl.

Carefully add 10 to 20 drops of your chosen food coloring, depending on the desired intensity. Use a spoon or stirrer to thoroughly mix the water and food coloring until you achieve a uniform hue. If you'd like a more vibrant color, add a few extra drops, but be cautious not to overdo it.

Once you're satisfied with the color, it's time to transfer the mixture to your lava lamp bottle.

Slowly pour the colored water into the bottle, ensuring that you don't splash or spill any of the liquid. Fill the bottle about two-thirds to three-quarters full, leaving enough room for the oil and the lava lamp effect to occur.

If you accidentally pour too much water, you can use a turkey baster or a small cup to remove the excess.

With the colored water now in the bottle, you're ready to move on to the next step in creating your mesmerizing lava lamp.

Pour about 1/4 cup of oil into the bottle. You can use any type of light cooking oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

The oil should sit on top of the water because it's less dense. If you don't have a measuring cup, simply pour the oil until it fills about one-third of the bottle.

Observe how the oil and water don't mix. They remain as separate layers due to their different densities. This is a key principle in creating a lava lamp effect.

At this point, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. The food coloring will sink through the oil layer and mix with the water below.

Choose any color you like, or experiment with multiple colors for a unique effect.

Next, break an effervescent tablet, such as Alka-Seltzer, into a few small pieces. Drop one piece into the bottle and watch as the chemical reaction begins.

The tablet will react with the water, creating bubbles that rise through the oil layer, carrying the colored water with them. This creates the mesmerizing lava lamp effect.

Create the Lava Effect

Drop a small piece of the effervescent tablet into the bottle and watch the magic happen. As the tablet dissolves, it'll release carbon dioxide gas, which attaches to the water droplets. This makes them less dense than the surrounding oil, causing them to float upwards.

When the gas escapes at the top, the water sinks back down, creating a mesmerizing lava-like effect.

To enhance your lava lamp experience:

• Experiment with different colors by adding food coloring to the water.
• Try using various sizes of effervescent tablet pieces to control the speed and size of the "lava" blobs.
• Place a flashlight or LED light beneath the bottle to illuminate the hypnotic display.

The key to creating a stunning lava lamp effect lies in the density difference between the water and oil. The effervescent tablet provides the catalyst for the movement, while the colored water adds visual appeal.

With a little experimentation, you'll be able to fine-tune your lava lamp to create an enchanting display that'll leave you and your friends in awe of this simple yet fascinating science experiment.

Seal the Bottle

Once you've finished creating the lava effect, it's time to seal the bottle.

Tighten the cap securely onto the bottle, making sure it's not cross-threaded.

Double-check for any leaks by turning the bottle upside down and watching for any liquid escaping.

Tighten Cap Securely

Why risk a leaky lava lamp? Once you've added all the ingredients to your bottle, it's vital to tighten the cap securely to prevent any spills or leaks. A properly sealed bottle guarantees that your lava lamp will function as intended, providing hours of mesmerizing entertainment.

When tightening the cap, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a bottle with a tight-fitting, leak-proof cap
• Confirm the bottle's neck and cap threads are clean and dry
• Twist the cap firmly, applying even pressure to create a secure seal

Double-check that the cap is tightly closed by gently turning it counterclockwise. If it doesn't budge, you've successfully sealed your lava lamp.

In the event that the cap feels loose or you notice any leaks, carefully remove the cap, clean the threads, and try again. A well-sealed bottle is essential for the proper function and longevity of your homemade lava lamp.

With a securely tightened cap, you're one step closer to enjoying the enchanting display of colorful, bubbling "lava" in your very own DIY creation.

Double-Check for Leaks

After tightening the cap, it's vital to double-check your lava lamp bottle for any potential leaks.

Hold the bottle upside down over a sink or bowl for a minute to see if any liquid escapes. If you notice any drips or leaks, you'll need to re-seal the bottle more securely.

Ensure the cap is screwed on tightly and that the seal is properly aligned. If the leak persists, try using a different cap or bottle. It's important to have a completely leak-proof container to prevent any mess or damage to your surroundings.

Once you've confirmed that your lava lamp is leak-free, you can proceed to the next step.

If you're satisfied with the seal, give the bottle a gentle shake to observe the interaction between the oil and water. The densities of the two liquids should cause them to separate, creating the mesmerizing lava lamp effect.

Illuminate Your Lava Lamp

A few simple steps will bring your lava lamp to life with a stunning glow. First, find a suitable light source, such as a small LED light or a battery-operated tea light candle. Place the light source underneath the lava lamp bottle, making sure it's centered and stable. If you're using a plug-in light, verify that the cord is safely positioned and not a tripping hazard.

When choosing a light source for your lava lamp, consider these factors:

• Brightness : Confirm the light is bright enough to illuminate the lava lamp effectively.
• Size : Choose a light source that fits comfortably under the bottle without causing instability.
• Heat : Avoid using high-heat light sources, as they may damage the bottle or cause the lava to move too quickly.

Once your light source is in place, switch it on and marvel at the stunning display of color and motion within your DIY lava lamp. The light will illuminate the liquid and wax, creating a fascinating visual effect that's perfect for relaxation or as a unique decorative piece in your room.

Experiment and Customize

Experimenting with your DIY lava lamp is half the fun! Once you've mastered the basic recipe, it's time to customize and create your own unique designs.

Try using different colors of food coloring to create a vibrant, multi-hued lamp. You can also experiment with the amount of water and oil to alter the size and speed of the "lava" blobs.

For a more dramatic effect, consider adding glitter or small beads to the mixture. These will catch the light and add an extra layer of visual interest.

Another option is to use a shaped bottle, such as a heart or star, to give your lava lamp a distinctive look.

Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different combinations. Keep a record of your experiments so you can replicate your favorite designs.

With a little imagination and some trial and error, you'll soon have a collection of one-of-a-kind lava lamps that reflect your personal style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use any type of oil.

For your safety, stick to using vegetable or mineral oil. Avoid oils with low smoke points or unknown ingredients. Always handle the oil carefully and clean up any spills immediately to prevent accidents.

Can I Use a Plastic Bottle Instead of Glass?

You can use a plastic bottle instead of glass, but it's not recommended. Plastic can melt or release chemicals when exposed to heat, which is necessary for the lava lamp effect. Stick with glass for safety.

How Long Will the Lava Lamp Effect Last?

The lava lamp effect can last for several hours, but it'll gradually slow down as the reaction weakens. You can extend the effect by adding more salt or Alka-Seltzer tablets when needed.

Can I Use Baking Soda Instead of Alka-Seltzer?

You can use baking soda instead of Alka-Seltzer, but you'll need to add vinegar to create the reaction. It won't last as long or be as impressive as using Alka-Seltzer tablets, though.

Is It Possible to Create a Larger Lava Lamp?

Sure, you can create a larger lava lamp by using a bigger bottle or container, increasing the amounts of water, oil, and Alka-Seltzer. Just make sure to maintain the proper ratio between ingredients.

You've just created your very own lava lamp! It's a fun, easy science experiment that's perfect for rainy days or anytime you want to explore the fascinating world of density and immiscibility. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors, oil types, and additives to create your own unique lava lamp designs. With a little creativity and curiosity, you'll be amazed at the mesmerizing, colorful displays you can create in a bottle.

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Easy DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment for Kids

Science Preschoolers Experiment Water Activities 66 Comments

Lava lamps are simple to make. Like crazy easy.

My kids love experimenting! And I love watching them discover the world through science and creativity.

Even I was shocked at what a big hit this easy DIY lava lamp science experiment was with the boys. Just 5 simple supplies are all you need to DIY your own!

To DIY your own lava lamp science experiment, you’ll needL

• Vegetable oil (or get a clear oil)
• Food coloring of your choice
• Alka-Seltzer Tablets  (as many as you choose, the more the merrier!)
• Clear container (the taller and skinnier, the better the effect)

Don’t have Alka Seltzer? See how to make a lava lamp without Alka Seltzer!

4 Simple Steps to Science Fun & Fizzies

• Fill the container with 2 parts oil, 1 part water, leaving some room at the top of the container for a little bit of bubbling
• Drop in a few drops of food coloring
• Add an Alka-Selzer Tablet, start with 1/4 or a half a tablet to begin with
• Watch is fizz and bubble up to the top!

We did three containers of lava lamps. Three different colors, for triple the lava fun!

It took a lot of oil, though. I wish I had more on hand because I didn’t quite have 2/3 for each container.

The oil is essentially the lava lamp portion, so it would have been nice to have more of it. But it still worked!

I also wish I had clear oil on hand instead of vegetable oil. But I’m not sure what kind of oil besides baby oil is clear. Any suggestions?

Henry dropped in tablet after tablet. Over and over, watching it bubble up! 

He used the entire box of Alka-Selzer just for this experiment!

The green one really captured his attention. 

Maybe because it’s his favorite color. Or maybe because it was the tallest and skinniest, so it had the best reactions.

Have more colorful science fun with an easy magic milk experiment !

It was even interesting from the top of the bottles. Or, at least Henry thought so.

Once we were starting to run out of Alka-Selzer tablets, we started combining the colors and making them bubble together.

We were surprised to see that the colored bubbled remained separate!

Instead of red bubbles mixing with blue bubbles to make purple, everything stayed red or blue. Cool, huh?!?!

Can you see the little red ones in the mix of the big blue bubbles?

We tend to do a lot of science in our house, with tons of easy experiments happening all the time.

The boys love anything that fizzes and bubbles. We also really like this baking soda and colored vinegar science experiment for kids.

What’s your favorite science experiment to do with the kids? Share your ideas in the comments!

About jamie reimer.

Jamie learned to be a hands on mom by creating activities, crafts and art projects for her three boys to do. Jamie needed the creative outlet that activities provided to get through the early years of parenting with a smile! Follow Jamie on Pinterest and Instagram !

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

66 comments.

September 26, 2023 at 11:38 am

Since oil and water separate, you can actually save the oil and use it for future lava lamps. Also, I recommend Alka Seltzer Gold, which has no aspirin.

Pedro walker says

March 25, 2021 at 12:52 am

PeoplePerProjectCom says

May 21, 2020 at 9:57 pm

There are a few different options for making your lava lamp so you can pick the option that works best with your readily available supplies, but let s start with a complete supply list for all the different options. Then you can try them all and see what works best for you!

Elsabe Kruger says

March 2, 2020 at 9:29 pm

Great idea, thank you! Avocado oil is totally clear!

Ivy Bell says

December 31, 2019 at 12:12 pm

I use mineral oil as a good clear, colorless oil. Find it in the pharmacy department.

March 7, 2015 at 4:29 pm

Baby Oil is made of just mineral oil and fragrance. So, mineral oil is just fragrance-free baby oil.

Aleigha says

February 14, 2015 at 9:12 am

What would the age group for the children for this project?

Jamie Reimer says

February 14, 2015 at 11:00 am

I think anywhere from 2 on up can take part in it Aleigha. Just depends on how much you want them to take part. Little kids can just drop the tablet in – that’s the fun part!

abbiee says

February 5, 2015 at 10:19 pm

the ocean waves in a bottle….love that one…

Veronica says

October 22, 2014 at 10:32 am

Would like to try this out, but wondering what do you do with it when the kids are done playing with it? Can you use baby oil instead of cooking oil?

October 22, 2014 at 12:50 pm

Veronica — discard it just like you would the grease from meat that you brown. Yes, you can use baby oil – that would actually have a better look because its clear.

May 9, 2014 at 12:31 am

So in love with this idea. We’ll try coconut oil, there are bunch of them in Thailand. ^^

MARIEL says

May 7, 2014 at 9:38 pm

IT DIDNT WORK.

May 8, 2014 at 11:02 am

Hmmm.. well that’s a bummer Mariel! How come it didn’t work?

May 7, 2014 at 8:48 am

Just a quick question how and where to dispose of the experiment when done?

Heather says

April 3, 2014 at 2:09 pm

You asked about alternative CLEAR OIL to use. I was a teacher of toddlers and preschoolers. MINERAL OIL is clear, cheap, and works. You can find it in pharmacy sections of stores where the laxatives are found. It is meant for possible ingestion so if accidentally swallowed or comes in contact with little mouths.. it is ok… Hope this helps.

April 3, 2014 at 9:22 pm

Thanks Heather! I’ll grab some when I get the Alka-Selzers again! That’s easy enough!

March 10, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Greta idea – looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to try it with my grandchildren! I found bulk white, food grade mineral oil online for only $13.97 for 7 1/2 lbs – and they had even larger, as well. Might be worth the effort for continued explorations!

gemma chadwick says

March 10, 2014 at 4:59 am

I’m sure that Safflower oil (can get in most larger supermarkets) is almost water like in colour bit more expensive than vegetable oil but effects would be great x

Haylie says

December 2, 2013 at 10:33 am

can you use a pop bottle so you can have a lid?

Amanda says

November 20, 2013 at 9:42 pm

Try it with neon food coloring, turn off the lights and then sit the bottle (we use water bottles) on top of a flashlight! Very cool effect. Don’t put the lid back on though until you are through bc it’ll stop your fizzy action. :). We also discovered that the less you shake it, the cooler it looks.

November 28, 2013 at 9:26 pm

Oh very cool. Definitely going on our to do list.

Jen smith says

November 12, 2013 at 11:35 pm

Coconut oil is clear. If you get the one that melts at a lower temp it should work great. I have a 70 or 75 degree one that never gets solid unless I put it in the fridge. :) this is a cute idea!

November 13, 2013 at 10:02 pm

Great tip Jen! Never thought of Coconut oil!

November 11, 2013 at 7:12 am

I have done this for years, but without the Alka Seltzer (very cool addition). This is great to do in empty water bottles, and you can glue the lid shut. My daughter loved this as a baby and still loves her “wave bottle” as a toddler. I can’t wait to do it again as a science project with the Alka Seltzer!

November 13, 2013 at 10:05 pm

Love the simplified version as a sensory bottle for toddlers Amy!

Inez19 says

May 14, 2013 at 1:19 am

Can I use small plastic soda bottles or the liter size ones?

May 14, 2013 at 6:45 am

Inez, I think either would work just fine, just change up the amounts accordingly.

Kaylee says

January 18, 2013 at 11:17 am

Great project! I had a question…does it really matter what material the bottles are? I’m planning on doing this with my preschool class, and I’m debating whether to stock up on glass bottles/containers, or if I can get away with plastic. Thanks!

January 18, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Oh, I think plastic would work just fine. As long as they’re clear. And taller, skinnier bottles work best!

October 18, 2012 at 10:30 am

This looks amazing! My daughter is constantly asking for more science projects and I think she will love this. :)

October 17, 2012 at 6:46 pm

Just did this with my kids. They loved it! Thanks!

blackpaws says

February 1, 2012 at 12:50 am

Thanks for this! Emily loved this experiment and like your Henry she kept looking from the top of the bottle to watch the reaction.

I used aspro clear and baby oil so not sure if that is why we had mostly little bubbles of lava but still fun to watch. Emily kept wanting to add more and to shake.

http://blackpaws.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/more-l-craft/

Oh, How Happy We Are says

January 22, 2012 at 10:11 pm

Charlotte: says

January 22, 2012 at 4:59 pm

Oh yeah, we need to do this! I have such a mental block when it comes to science-y things but I think this looks ace

January 22, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Wonderful idea! Can't wait to try this out with my little guy.

January 20, 2012 at 11:49 am

Great idea, I love the bright colours you made.

Science Sparks says

January 19, 2012 at 10:12 pm

Oh lava lamps are fab! it was one of our first experiments! Yours are so colourful. Brilliant!

Thanks for linking to science sparks fun sparks!

The Iowa Farmer's Wife says

January 19, 2012 at 2:42 pm

this is so neat! I'm buying alka selzer today! :) I have a huge bottle of vegetable oil I need to use up. Mineral oil is also clear, but I've only seen it in small bottles. I'm sure it comes larger though!

Jill @ A Mom With A Lesson Plan says

January 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm

One of my goals for this year is to get over my fear of science! This one would be awesome… and easy!

Jamie @ hands on : as we grow says

January 18, 2012 at 9:58 pm

@Rosie – as long as you have Alka Seltzer Tablets, you can keep adding to it! The vinegar/water will stay good for as long as you want!

January 18, 2012 at 9:52 pm

how long does it last? do you have to throw it away after ur done?

Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree says

January 17, 2012 at 10:10 pm

Great post! I love that your ad above is advertising real lava lamps!

Raising a Happy Child says

January 17, 2012 at 8:40 pm

It was on my "to do" list for a long time! So pretty.

Chrissy @ The Outlaw Mom Blog says

January 17, 2012 at 5:38 pm

My kids will absolutely love this! Can't wait to try it!

Anna @ The Imagination Tree says

January 17, 2012 at 5:10 pm

gorgeous pics!! definitely on our to-do list!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas says

January 17, 2012 at 1:23 pm

aww, thanks for mentioning us! What fabulous photos you got of the reactions!

Also I found that the cheaper ($$$) the oil the clearer it was. I got a cheapy, cheapy one and it was not as yellow and worked perfectly – just a tip to test for next time!

Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum says

January 17, 2012 at 1:15 pm

This looks a lot of fun will try it when J is a little bit older I think

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How to make a lava lamp

Follow FizzicsEd 150 Science Experiments:

You Will Need:

• A clean Transparent PET bottle or clear cup.
• Vegetable oil, as an experiment you can try different types of oils and see how this affects your lava lamp.
• Alka-Seltzer tablets
• Food colouring

• Instruction

Fill the bottle about half full of water and add a few drops of food colouring.

Fill the rest of the bottle with cooking oil and allow the components to settle and separate.

Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into quarters, and drop one piece into the bottle. If you are doing this in a cup, add the whole tablet!

Watch as the bottle swirls and churns like a real lava lamp!

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Why Does This Happen?

Oil is hydrophobic, which means it doesn’t mix with water. It’s also less dense, which explains why it floats on top of the coloured water.

The Alka-Seltzer tablet contains two important chemicals acetyl-salicylic acid and bi-carb soda, a base. They don’t react while the tablet is dry, because they’re both solids, and can’t mix together. Once the tablet is dropped in the water, however, these chemicals dissolve and mix together. When an acid and bicarbonate react, they produce lots of carbon dioxide (CO2). These bubbles of CO2 rise up through the liquids and push the water up into the oil, bringing the food colour with it. Once the bubbles of gas pop, the food-coloured water then drops down to due it having a higher density than the oil… only to be lifted back up by more gas coming out of the Alka-Seltzer tablet!

See how the drops of water rise and fall? In some ways, this is a bit like how blue-green algae cells are able to control their buoyancy, where they can control if they float or sink using gases. Inside the algal cells are vacuoles, tiny compartments that can hold gas. When the algae need sunlight, it fills these vacuoles and floats to the surface. Afterwards, the algae empty their vacuoles and the algae then sink to the cooler water at the bottom of the river to find nutrients and grow. This allows blue-green algae to out-compete other algae in the water column, often resulting in dense & toxic algal blooms in our waterways.

Similar experiment:  Dancing sultanas

Lava lamp version 2

• Fill the PET bottle half full of water and add a few drops of food colouring.
• Fill the rest of the PET bottle with cooking oil.
• Invert the bottle.
• Allow the components to settle and separate, this may take a few minutes.
• Add salt to the solution.
• Watch as the bottle swirls and churns like a lava lamp.

Because the oil and water don’t mix, you get some nice oily blobs circling around the bottle as you turn it upside down. Water is denser than oil and if left will settle to the bottom of the container.

Adding salt into the floating oil causes it to sink as it makes it denser. However, once the oil reaches the bottom of the container the salt dissolves in the surrounding water, allowing the oil to rise back up to the top again.

Commercial lava lamps rely on heat from a lamp to expand oil, making it rise to the top of the lava lamp. This oil then eventually cools, contracting and falling down to the heat source to start the process again. This is known as a convection current which is very important in weather systems and ocean currents. Here is an experiment on  establishing a convection current .

Variables to test

More on variables here

• What happens if you cool the alka-seltzer tablet in the freezer first?
• What happens if the oil is warm vs cold?
• Try different viscosities of oils (canola oil, typewriter oil. olive oil etc)
• Try lots of alka-seltzer tablets vs. not many

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21 thoughts on “ How to make a lava lamp ”

Why is science so hard, I wish I knew how to do it really good 😭

Not to worry Amelia! The more science you do, the better you get! Spend you time looking through the 150 free experiments on this site and pick a few to try out. Science is about changing one thing and then seeing the effect of that change, the rest is learning what other people have learned about the world before you. Have a read about how to control variables here , it will help!

this is super cool and very helpful. Thank you!

We’re glad that this science activity was useful for you Julie!

How long will the lava lamp last and be bubbly/fizzy?

Hi! This will run for around 30 seconds to 1 minute and then slow down until all the gas has left the liquid. The time difference is mainly due to the temperature of the liquid and the amount of Alka Seltzer tablets that you add. Have fun!

I love a lava lamp a good lava lamp!

We’re glad that you liked it!

It’s easy

do the lava lamps glow

Sorry, not these ones!

Could you add another Alka-Seltzer tablet after the first one fizzes out and get the same result?

Absolutely! Let us know how you go!

Cool! got first place for sci fairrr :)))

Can you add glow in the dark powder if you want it to glow?

Sure thing!

I am in 7th grade this is my first time choosing a lava lamp as my science project do you have to use a specific oil, or can you use different ones?

Hi! As its a science project you should show different oils to se if there is a difference. Try vegetable oil, olive oil, baby oil and others. If there is no difference, that is also your result. All the best!

I want to try this science experiment with my preschoolers. What would a kid friendly objective be for this lesson?

Sure thing! Investigative question: How long can we make the lava lamp run? Try different amounts of materials to find out as a variable test 🙂

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Enjoy our range of fun science experiments for kids that feature awesome hands-on projects and activities that help bring the exciting world of science to life. Make an Easy Lava Lamp Learn how to make an easy lava lamp with this fun science experiment for kids. Use simple household items such as vegetable oil, food coloring, Alka-Seltzer and a bottle to create chemical reactions and funky balls of color that move around like a real lava lamp.     If you've tried our you'll know that the two don't mix very well. The oil and water you added to the bottle separate from each other, with oil on top because it has a lower density than water. The food coloring falls through the oil and mixes with the water at the bottom. The piece of Alka-Seltzer tablet you drop in after releases small bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that rise to the top and take some of the colored water along for the ride. The gas escapes when it reaches the top and the colored water falls back down. The reason Alka-Seltzer fizzes in such a way is because it contains citric acid and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), the two react with water to form sodium citrate and carbon dioxide gas (those are the bubbles that carry the colored water to the top of the bottle). Adding more Alka-Seltzer to the bottle keeps the reaction going so you can enjoy your funky lava lamp for longer. If you want to show someone later you can simply screw on a bottle cap and add more Alka-Seltzer when you need to. When you've finished all your Alka-Seltzer, you can take the experiment a step further by tightly screwing on a bottle cap and tipping the bottle back and forth, what happens then?   Science Kids ©  |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |     |  Updated: Oct 9, 2023 Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids This lava lamp experiment is super cool! Your kids will love exploring colored water and oil, but a surprise ingredient will make this science activity even more exciting! It’s always a hit with the kids. So grab a few household supplies and give this lava lamp science activity a try! Lava Lamp Science Experiment As part of our science lessons this school year, we are trying out all kinds of really neat science experiments and activities. This lava lamp experiment tops the list! *Disclaimer: Adult supervision is required for this experiment. You must supervise your children at all times while doing it.  Do not allow children to put any of the items in their mouth and do not do this experiment if your children still put things in their mouth. Both of my kids had a blast with this. We’ve actually done it several times and with all different colors, but it never ceases to amaze them. It’s almost shocking how long they will engage with it. One great thing about this science experiment is that you only need a few supplies and your probably already have most of them in your home or classroom. Lava Lamp Experiment Supplies Needed: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Vegetable Oil Food coloring – primary colors or neon Original Alka Seltzer tablets To begin, color about 1/2 cup of water with food coloring. I like using these gel food colors for vibrant coloring. Take the Alka Seltzer tablets and break them into 2 or 3 pieces. Place them in a small cup or container. Fill a glass about 3/4 full with vegetable oil. Then pour in the colored water until the liquid in the cup is about 1-2 inches from the top. You don’t want it to overflow! Well, unless you want to turn it into an eruption experiment too. For this reason and quick cleanup, I like to do this on a tray. Add pieces of the Alka Seltzer tablet to the cup. *DO NOT let kids put the tablet in their mouth at any time. Why this Science Experiment Works The water and oil do not mix and the oil doesn’t change color because the food coloring is water soluble. The Alka Seltzer reacts with the water to make bubbles of carbon dioxide. The bubbles attach themselves to the blobs of colored water and bring them to the top of the glass. When the bubbles pop the blobs of colored water fall back to the bottom of the glass. This lava science experiment is sure to WOW your kids. They may even ask you to do it over and over again like mine did! Video of Lava Lamp Experiment Winter Lava Lamp Experiment! This Blizzard Lava Lamp experiment is super cool! Your kids will love exploring colored water and oil with a winter twist! Our kids were so excited because it looked like a blizzard was going on inside the glass. They had a blast with this fun science activity! Benefits of Science Experiments with Kids Science experiments help foster curiosity, ignite children’s imagination and help nurture a love for learning! It’s a great way for kids to develop fine motor skills, problem solving and analytical thinking while having fun and being creative! From colorful chemical reactions to mesmerizing physics your kids will have a blast learning. 1. Hands-On Learning When young kids actively engage in experiments, they grasp complicated concepts more easily. The tactile nature of experiments allows them to visualize abstract ideas, fostering comprehension that traditional teaching methods might struggle to achieve. 2. Cultivating Critical Thinking Through engaging in science experiments, children refine their skills in observing, analyzing, and incorporating new information. 3. Fostering Creativity Science experiments often involve a degree of unpredictability. When children witness unexpected outcomes, they are prompted to think creatively and to experiment with new strategies. This nurtures an environment of innovation, where they learn that failure is not a setback, but rather an opportunity to learn! 4. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem As kids conduct experiments and have successful results, their confidence grows. This newfound confidence will have a positive ripple effect, encouraging them to tackle new challenges with enthusiasm and perseverance. 5. Real-Life Application Science experiments bring scientific theories to life, showcasing how the principles are applied in real-world situations. 6. Improved Fine Motor Skills Engagement in science experiments is a fun way for kids to work on fine motor skills. They will be accomplishing a variety of tasks using their hands, while learning and having a great time. 7. Bonding and Collaborative Learning Science experiments can become wonderful bonding experiences for families, friends, and classmates. Whether it’s a family project or a group activity in the classroom, kids will develop connections and create great memories. Science experiments offer amazing benefits for kids while being fun and engaging! Other Fun Science Experiments Grow a Rainbow  with this fun science experiment! This is quick to setup and you just need markers, a paper towel and two cups of water! Try this super simple  Oobleck recipe  that only requires two household ingredients! If your kids love this oobleck activity, they will absolutely love the  Dinosaur Dig Excavation  activity! This rainbow  Walking Water Science Experiment  is one of our most popular science activities! This  rain cloud jar science experiment  gives children a chance to explore clouds and rain in a fun and engaging way. Explore chromatography with this fun  chromatography science experiment  for kids! Classroom Callouts Where Education Meets Fun! 10 Easy Science Fair Experiments for Kids, Parents and Teachers Welcome to our collection of 10 easy science fair experiments for kids ! These hands-on activities are perfect for sparking curiosity and making learning fun. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young scientist, these experiments—from erupting volcanoes to DIY lava lamps—are designed to be simple, engaging, and educational. With a little help from an adult, you can dive into the world of science and discover how exciting it can be. 1. Erupting Volcano Experiment Introduction: Welcome to our exciting science fair project—creating your very own erupting volcano! This experiment is perfect for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions in a fun and spectacular way. You’ll need an adult to help with some steps, so make sure to have a grown-up nearby! Objective: To observe and understand the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar that causes a volcanic eruption. 1 small plastic bottle (500 ml) Baking soda (60 grams) Vinegar (200 ml) Dish soap (5 ml) Red food coloring (a few drops) Modeling clay or playdough (enough to cover the bottle and form a mountain) A tray or shallow container (to catch the overflow) Measuring spoons and cups Safety goggles (optional, for extra fun and safety) Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix baking soda, vinegar, and a few other ingredients in your model volcano. Do you think it will erupt like a real volcano? Place the plastic bottle on the tray. This is your volcano’s “magma chamber.” Use the modeling clay or playdough to shape a mountain around the bottle. Leave the top open so you can add your ingredients. Get creative with the shape and details of your volcano! In a separate cup, mix together 200 ml of vinegar, 5 ml of dish soap, and a few drops of red food coloring to create your “lava.” This will help make the eruption more colorful and bubbly. Pour the vinegar mixture into the bottle in your volcano. Add 60 grams of baking soda to the bottle and quickly step back to watch your volcano erupt! Observation: Watch closely what happens when the baking soda meets the vinegar mixture. You should see a foamy and fizzy eruption that looks like lava flowing down the sides of your volcano. Results: Record what you observed. Was the eruption slow and steady, or quick and explosive? How high did the “lava” flow? Conclusion: Explain why the reaction happened using simple science. When baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) mix, they create carbon dioxide gas, which builds up pressure until it forces the liquid out in an eruption. This is similar to what happens in a real volcano, where gases build up pressure underground. Further Experimentation: Try the experiment again using different amounts of vinegar or baking soda. Does changing the amounts change how your volcano erupts? This experiment not only teaches you about chemical reactions but also lets you create a mini spectacle at home or at your science fair. Have fun being a young scientist and remember to clean up after your experiment! 2. Floating Egg Experiment Introduction: Dive into the fascinating world of density with the Floating Egg Experiment! This simple yet intriguing project is perfect for first and second graders to explore how different solutions affect whether an object sinks or floats. This experiment will need a bit of adult help, so make sure you have a grown-up to assist you! Objective: To understand how the addition of salt to water changes its density and affects the buoyancy of an egg. Tap water (about 500 ml) Table salt (about 60 grams) 1 large clear glass or jar Measuring spoons Stirring spoon Hypothesis: Before you begin, think about whether you believe the egg will float in plain water and what might happen when you add salt to the water. Write down your guess. Fill the glass or jar with 500 ml of tap water. Gently place the raw egg into the glass of plain water and observe what happens. Does it sink or float? Remove the egg carefully. Add 60 grams of salt to the water. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved. Once the salt is dissolved, gently place the egg back into the saltwater solution. Observe what happens this time. Observation: Note down what you see. How does the egg behave in plain water compared to the saltwater? Results: Record your findings. Did the egg float in the saltwater? Was there a difference in how it behaved in the plain water compared to the saltwater? Conclusion: Explain why the results occurred based on density. In plain water, the egg sinks because its density is higher than that of plain water. When you add salt to the water, it increases the water’s density, making it denser than the egg, which now floats. You can experiment further by changing the amount of salt added to the water or trying different liquids like sugar water. See how these changes affect the egg’s buoyancy. This experiment not only teaches you about the principles of density and buoyancy but also shows you how different solutions can change the behavior of objects in water. Have fun experimenting, and remember to ask questions and think about why things happen the way they do! 3. Rainbow Milk Experiment Introduction: Get ready to create a swirling rainbow with the Rainbow Milk Experiment! This visually stunning project is ideal for young scientists in the first or second grade to explore the effects of soap on milk and food coloring. You’ll need some help from an adult, so be sure to have one nearby! Objective: To observe how dish soap interacts with the fat in milk, causing movement in the food coloring that creates a rainbow effect. A shallow dish or plate Whole milk (enough to cover the bottom of the dish) Food coloring (various colors) Cotton swabs A dropper or small spoon Hypothesis: Think about what you expect to happen when you add dish soap to the milk with food coloring. Do you think the colors will move, mix, or stay still? Write down your guess. Pour enough whole milk into the dish to just cover the bottom. Carefully add drops of different food coloring to the milk. Place them around the dish but not too close to each other. Dip a cotton swab into dish soap, ensuring it’s not dripping but wet with soap. Gently touch the soaped swab to the surface of the milk in the center of the dish or near one of the food coloring drops. Observation: Watch what happens when the soapy cotton swab touches the milk. Look for any movement of the food coloring and how it interacts with the milk. Results: Record what you see. Describe the movement and mixing of the colors. How did the dish soap affect the behavior of the food coloring in the milk? Conclusion: Explain the science behind what you saw. The soap breaks the surface tension of the milk and reacts with its fats, creating movement that pushes the food coloring around. This movement shows how substances like soap can change the physical properties of other liquids like milk. Try the experiment again using different types of milk (like skim or 2%) to see if the fat content affects the reaction. You can also use different detergents or soaps to see if they cause different patterns or movements in the milk. This experiment is not only a beautiful display of colors but also a great lesson in chemistry and physics, showing how different substances interact in surprising and colorful ways. Enjoy creating your milk art, and don’t forget to clean up when you’re done!  4. Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket Introduction: Blast off into the world of chemical reactions with the Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket Experiment! This exciting activity is perfect for first and second graders eager to see science in action. You’ll need some adult supervision, so make sure a grown-up is ready to help with the fun! Objective: To demonstrate the reaction between baking soda and vinegar and observe how this reaction can propel a homemade rocket. 1 small plastic film canister with a tight-fitting lid (or any small container with a pop-on lid that seals well) Baking soda (5 grams) Vinegar (30 ml) Tissue paper Safety goggles (to protect your eyes) An open space for launching your rocket (like a backyard or park) Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when baking soda and vinegar mix inside your rocket canister. Think about how it might affect the canister and what the reaction will be like. Write down your prediction. Go outside or to a well-ventilated area where you can safely launch the rocket. Wrap the 5 grams of baking soda tightly in a small piece of tissue paper. This packet will help delay the reaction, giving you time to close the lid. Pour 30 ml of vinegar into the film canister. Quickly drop the baking soda packet into the canister with vinegar. Snap the lid on tightly and quickly place the canister on the ground, lid side down. Step back and watch what happens! Observation: Observe the canister as the reaction happens. What do you see and hear? How high does the rocket go? Results: Record the outcome of your experiment. Was the launch successful? How high did your rocket fly? Did it happen as you predicted? Conclusion: Explain why the rocket moved. The reaction between baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up pressure inside the canister until the lid pops off, pushing the rocket into the air. This is an example of Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Experiment with different amounts of vinegar and baking soda to see if it affects how high your rocket goes. You can also try different sizes of containers to see how they change the reaction. This experiment is not only a thrilling demonstration of a chemical reaction but also a fun way to learn about forces and motion. Make sure to conduct it in a safe environment and wear your safety goggles to protect your eyes. Enjoy your scientific journey into rocketry! 5. Magnetic Magic – Magnetic Poles and Fields Experiment Introduction: Explore the invisible world of magnetism with this engaging experiment! Perfect for first and second graders, this activity will help you understand how magnets work, focusing on the poles and the magnetic fields they create. You’ll need some common items from home or school and the help of an adult to guide you through. Objective: To explore and visualize the magnetic field lines around bar and horseshoe magnets and understand the interactions between the different poles of magnets. 1 bar magnet (with North and South poles labeled) 1 horseshoe magnet (with North and South poles labeled) Iron filings A sheet of white paper A tray or cardboard to contain any mess A compass (optional, for further exploration) Hypothesis: Before you start, think about what you might see when you sprinkle iron filings around the magnets. What do you think will happen when the North pole of one magnet is near the South pole of another? Write down your guess. Place the sheet of white paper on the tray or cardboard to keep your workspace clean. Lay the bar magnet and the horseshoe magnet on the paper. Start with them a good distance apart so their fields don’t overlap immediately. Gently sprinkle iron filings around and between the magnets. Be careful not to bump the table as the filings align themselves along the magnetic field lines. Look at how the iron filings arrange themselves around each magnet. Notice the patterns they form. These lines show the magnetic fields emanating from the poles. Slowly move the North pole of one magnet towards the South pole of the other. Observe how the iron filings react. Do the same with like poles (North to North or South to South) and note any differences. Observation: Record what happens to the iron filings as you move the magnets. How do the patterns change? What does this tell you about how the magnetic poles interact? Results: Describe the arrangement of iron filings and what it indicates about the magnetic fields. Note any changes when different poles are near each other. Conclusion: Explain your observations in terms of magnetic poles and fields. Magnets attract when opposite poles are near each other and repel when like poles are close. The iron filings align themselves along the lines of magnetic force, visibly showing the shape of the magnetic fields. Try using a compass to see how the needle aligns with the magnetic fields. You can also test different materials to see if they are influenced by the magnets, like clips, aluminum foil, or copper wire. This experiment not only teaches you about magnetism but also lets you see the invisible forces at play. Have fun exploring and always make sure to clean up your space when you are done! 6. DIY Lava Lamp Experiment Introduction: Ready to light up your curiosity with a colorful DIY Lava Lamp? This experiment is fantastic for young scientists in first or second grade to explore the interactions between oil, water, and effervescent tablets. This safe and simple project is sure to dazzle and teach important scientific concepts with a bit of adult help. Objective: To understand the effects of density and chemical reactions by creating a homemade lava lamp. 1 clear plastic bottle (1 liter) Water (about 400 ml) Vegetable oil (about 600 ml) Food coloring (any color you like) Effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer) Flashlight (optional, for effect) Hypothesis: Think about what will happen when you mix oil, water, and the effervescent tablet in the bottle. Predict how the ingredients will interact and what will happen when you add the tablet. Fill the clear plastic bottle with 400 ml of water. Slowly pour 600 ml of vegetable oil into the bottle, allowing it to layer on top of the water. Add a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. The drops will pass through the oil and mix with the water below. Break an effervescent tablet into a few pieces. Drop one piece into the bottle and watch as the lava lamp effect begins. The tablet reacts with the water to create gas bubbles that rise and fall through the oil. Shine a flashlight through the bottom of the bottle to enhance the visual effect, especially in a dim room. Observation: Watch the bubbles of colored water rise and fall in the oil as the gas bubbles form and pop. Note how the oil and water do not mix. Results: Describe what you see when the effervescent tablet reacts in the water and how it affects the oil and water mixture. Conclusion: Explain the science behind the lava lamp. The water and oil separate due to their different densities, with oil being less dense and sitting on top of the water. The effervescent tablet reacts with the water to create carbon dioxide gas, which carries the colored water up through the oil until the gas escapes at the top. Try using different amounts of oil or water, different colors of food coloring, or different types of effervescent tablets to see how it changes the reaction. This experiment not only makes for an eye-catching display but also helps understand concepts like density, solubility, and gas formation. Have fun watching your very own lava lamp glow!  7. Dancing Raisins Experiment Introduction: Get ready to watch raisins dance in this fun and simple science experiment perfect for young students in first or second grade. This activity demonstrates the principles of buoyancy and gas production in a way that’s both entertaining and educational, with just a bit of adult supervision needed. Objective: To observe and understand why raisins move up and down in a fizzy liquid due to the formation of gas bubbles. 1 clear glass or transparent plastic cup Plain water (enough to fill the glass three-quarters) Carbonated clear soda (enough to fill the glass) Several raisins (4-6) A stopwatch or timer (optional, to record the duration of the dance) Hypothesis: Before starting, predict what will happen when you drop raisins into the soda. Do you think they will sink, float, or dance? Write down your guess. Fill the glass three-quarters with plain water and top it off with carbonated soda to make the liquid fizzy. Carefully drop 4 to 6 raisins into the glass of fizzy liquid. Watch what happens to the raisins for the next few minutes. Observe how they move in the glass. Results: Record your observations. Do the raisins sink, float, or dance up and down? How long do they continue moving? Conclusion: Explain the results using the concept of buoyancy and gas production. The carbon dioxide bubbles from the soda attach to the rough surface of the raisins, making them buoyant enough to rise to the surface. Once they reach the top, the bubbles pop, and the raisins sink again. This cycle repeats, causing the dancing effect. Experiment with different carbonated drinks or try other small, dried fruits or objects like corn kernels or small pasta shapes to see if they also dance. Explore how temperature affects the rate of dancing by using cold versus room temperature soda. This experiment is a fantastic way for kids to visually grasp scientific concepts and enjoy the magic of simple chemical reactions. It’s perfect for a science fair project or a classroom activity! 8. Color-Changing Carnations Introduction: Discover how flowers drink water with the Color-Changing Carnations Experiment! This visually stunning activity is perfect for first and second graders to learn about plant biology and capillary action in a fun and colorful way. It’s a simple experiment that requires some adult supervision. Objective: To demonstrate how plants absorb water and nutrients up through their stems, using carnations and colored water. White carnations (several, depending on how many colors you want to test) Clear glasses or vases (one for each color) Food coloring in various colors Scissors (to be used by an adult) Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when the carnations are placed in colored water. Which colors do you think will show up best in the petals? Have an adult trim the stems of the carnations at an angle to allow them to absorb water more efficiently. Fill each glass or vase with water and add about 20 drops of food coloring to each, choosing different colors for each container. Stir the water to evenly distribute the color. Place one carnation in each colored water vase. Observe the carnations daily to see how the color travels up the stem and changes the color of the petals. Results: Record your observations over several days. Note the changes in the color of the petals and how quickly each color appears. Conclusion: Explain how capillary action works in plants, drawing water and nutrients up through tiny tubes in the stem. The food coloring shows this process visually, changing the color of the carnations’ petals. Try using different liquids like sports drinks or diluted inks to see if they affect the flowers differently. Experiment with other white flowers to see if they absorb colors faster or slower than the carnations. 9. Invisible Ink Introduction: Send secret messages with the Invisible Ink Experiment! This project is a fantastic way for first and second graders to learn about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases, with just a bit of adult supervision for safety. Objective: To use a natural acid (lemon juice) to write invisible messages that appear only when heated. Spoon or brush White paper Heat source (light bulb or hair dryer; an adult should handle this part) Hypothesis: Guess what will happen when you heat the paper that has lemon juice on it. How do you think the message will appear? Squeeze lemon juice into a bowl and add a few drops of water. Dip the spoon or brush into the lemon juice mixture and write a message on the white paper. Allow the paper to dry completely, making the message invisible. Have an adult help you heat the paper using a light bulb or hair dryer. Watch as the message slowly appears. Results: Record what happens when the paper is heated and how clearly the message shows up. Conclusion: Explain why the lemon juice message appears when heated (lemon juice, being acidic, weakens the paper fibers slightly and caramelizes when heated, making it visible). Experiment with other natural acids like orange juice or vinegar. Try different heating methods or papers to see which reveals the message most effectively. 10. Homemade Slime Experiment Introduction: Get ready for gooey fun with the Homemade Slime Experiment! This engaging and tactile project is great for first and second graders to learn about polymers and non-Newtonian fluids. Adult supervision is recommended, especially when handling chemicals. Objective: To create slime using simple household ingredients and explore its unique properties. White school glue (about 120 ml) Borax powder (2 teaspoons) Water (two cups) Food coloring (optional) Mixing bowl Hypothesis: Predict what will happen when you mix glue, borax, and water. What kind of texture do you think your slime will have? In a mixing bowl, combine 120 ml of white glue and one cup of water. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. In another container, dissolve 2 teaspoons of borax in one cup of warm water. Slowly add the borax solution to the glue mixture, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the slime begins to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Take the slime out and knead it with your hands until it reaches the desired consistency. Results: Describe the texture and behavior of your slime. Is it stretchy? Does it bounce? Conclusion: Discuss the chemical reaction between the glue and borax that creates a polymer, which gives the slime its unique properties. Try adding different amounts of borax or glue to see how it changes the slime’s properties. Add glitter, beads, or small toys to create different types of slime. Each of these experiments offers a fun, educational way to engage with basic scientific concepts, perfect for young learners eager to explore the world through science. That’s a Wrap! Science is all about curiosity, discovery, and having fun while learning how the world works. Through these 10 experiments, young scientists have not only created colorful reactions and gooey slime but also gained a deeper understanding of important scientific principles. Whether it was watching a volcano erupt, making an egg float, or exploring the magnetic fields, each experiment has shown that science is everywhere—even in the simplest things around us. As you continue to explore and experiment, remember that the journey of discovery is just beginning. Keep asking questions, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with science! Science Printables for your First Graders Don’t forget to pin the image below to save this post! Need help Breaking Down the 1st Grade Math Standards? Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. St Pete Science Festival - Public Day About this event. The St. Petersburg Science Festival is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). The event is held annually in conjunction with MarineQuest , the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.   The two events happen side-by-side and attendees are able to walk from one to the other. For further details visit:  https://stpetescifest.org/ Event Categories Kritische Stimmen zur Relativitätstheorie Über uns Projekt G.O. Mueller Datenschutz Februar 2020 Dezember 2019 Dezember 2018 November 2018 Oktober 2018 September 2018 August 2018 Beiträge Critical Reflection on the Hafele and Keating Experiment von Witold Nawrot Critical Reflection on the Hafele and Keating Experiment Witold Nawrot Hungarian Academy of Science In 1971 Hafele and Keating performed their famous experiment which confirmed the time dilation predicted by SRT by use of macroscopic clocks. As it has been shown [1], the experiment was based on false reasoning, and the experimental part leaves a lot to be desired as well, because an experimental mistake of the method is much bigger than the authors predicted  [2] and the method of interpretation of the experimental results allows for obtaining various results depending on the criteria used for the interpretation [3]. I proved the error in Hafele and Keating’s reasoning in my paper published in  Physics Essays Vol 17 No. 4, where, on the basis of the Hafele and Keating experiment, I derived the conclusion that the Earth is not rotating around the Sun. The essence of the mistake made by Hafele and Keating is that in their experiment, the description of non-inertial rotational motion of the Earth and the planes flying around the Earth was made on the basis of Special Relativity Theory which is valid only for inertial motions. This required making assumptions inconsistent with the idea of SRT. If we follow the reasoning of Hafele and Keating, it is possible to derive a number of paradoxical conclusions such as the absence of rotational motion of the Earth around the Sun or rotational motion of galaxies etc. The proper derivation of the formula for the time dilation for the problem described by Hafele and Keating is only possible by using the GRT theory and the approximate solution obtained according to GRT (for very low velocities) is identical as the solution obtained by Hafele and Keating. The solution obtained on the basis of GRT, however, does not allow for deriving such paradoxical conclusions as were possible for the derivation on the basis of SRT. The experimental part was performed with the help of atomic clocks, the operation of which is nonuniform [2]. The interpretation of the experimental results was based on predicting the indications of the clocks on the basis of the observation of the indications of clocks during 24 hours preceding the flight, and then comparing these predicted results with the actual ones when the flight was over [3]. Because of no uniformity of the clocks’ operation, such predicting does not give reliable results and the predicted results will differ depending on the time taken for observing the indications of the clocks before the flight around the Earth. It can be seen when analyzing the non-published raw experimental data [3]. The derivation of formulae in the Hafele and Keating experiment had intuitive character and, as the final formula shows, the intuition does not disappoint the authors. However, this intuitive derivation only works for the rotational motion of the Earth around its axis. It is not valid for any other rotational motions. Of course the time dilation effect, which Hafele and Keating tried to measure many years ago, is now applied in the GPS navigation, but the fact of publishing and accepting the erroneous theory and the unsatisfactory experimental part in the most renowned physical journals [4,5] forces us to reflect on the understanding of the Relativity Theory and perhaps to take a closer look at other experiments from the RT area, as well as from the other branches of physics. The experiment performed in the way described above has no scientific value and the derivation of any additional ideas on the basis of this experiment can lead to false conclusions. References: W. Nawrot,  Phys. Essays 17 , 518 (2004) A.G. Kelly, Phys. Essays 13 , 616 (2000) D. E. Spencer,  U. Shama Proc. International Scientific Congress „Fundamental Problems of Natural Science and Engineering”  Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2002 J.C. Hafele, Nature 227 , 270 (1970) J.C. Hafele and  R.E. Keating, Science 177 , 166 (1972) ————————————————————– Siehe auch vom Autor in diesem Blog: Proof that Earth Does Not Revolve around the Sun: and Consequences for Special Relativity Theory 30. Juni 2013 Hinterlassen Sie eine Antwort Name (erforderlich) Email (wird nicht veröffentlicht) (erforderlich) Erlaubter XHTML-Code: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong> © 2024 Ekkehard Friebe Startseite | Impressum | Kritik der Relativitätstheorie ' | G.O. Mueller ' | GOM-Projekt ' | Ekkehard Friebe ' | Jocelyne Lopez ' | Kritik der Relativitätstheorie, G.O. Mueller, GOM-Projekt, Ekkehard Friebe, Jocelyne Lopez ' Kritik der Relativitätstheorie GOM ' | Kritik der Relativitätstheorie GOM 2 ' | Kritik der Relativitätstheorie Ekkehard Friebe ' | Kritik der Relativitätstheorie Jocelyne Lopez ' | 282 IMAGES Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids Lava Lamp Science Experiment For Kids! Awesome Lava Lamp Science Experiment That Kids Will Love Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment For Kids, 57% OFF Homemade Lava Lamp Science Fair Project #LavaLamp Lava Lamp Science Experiment VIDEO Floating Egg Experiment Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids #science #experiment Lava Lamp Fun lava lamp experiment #scienceexperiment #scienceisfun #scienceiscool #sahm#sahmlife #homeschool Lava lamp fun experiment Lava lamp COMMENTS Make an Alka-Seltzer Powered Lava Lamp While you are heating and cooling the jars, cut an Alka-Seltzer tablet into quarters. Only two quarter pieces are needed for the activity, but having additional pieces can be fun if you wanted to repeat lava lamp action. Image Credit: Teisha Rowland, Science Buddies / Science Buddies. Once one jar is hot and one is cold, get a timer or clock ... 7 DIY Lava Lamp Projects & the Science of Lava Lamps They're great for students' science fair projects or a fun way for kids to learn about density and chemical reactions! 1. Baking Soda Lava Lamp ... The lava lamp science experiments that involve bubbles generate carbon dioxide gas bubbles from an Alka-seltzer tablet reacting with water, or by the chemical reaction between baking soda and ... Magical Color-Changing Lava Lamp Magical Color-Changing Lava Lamp. Prepare to be amazed by this incredible lava lamp experiment that uses red cabbage juice to reveal the hidden world of pH. See colors transform right before your eyes as you learn about acids, bases, and the science of color-changing reactions. Lava Lamp Science Experiment Materials: A clean plastic bottle, try to use one with smooth sides water Vegetable Oil (or you could use Mineral or Baby Oil instead) Fizzing tablets (such as Alka Seltzer) Food Coloring Watch Scientist Joe as he makes the Lava Lamp Experiment here! Instructions: Fill the bottle up about 1/4th (1 quarter) with water. Pour the vegetable oil in the bottle until is almost full. You may want to ... How to Make a Lava Lamp: DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment + Video A lava lamp works because of two different scientific principles: density, and polarity. Concept 1: Density. Density is the measurement of how compact a substance is - how much of it fits in a certain amount of space. (The scientific equation is density = mass/volume.). If you measure an equal volume of oil and water, you'll find that the water is heavier than the same amount of oil. How To Make A Lava Lamp LAVA LAMP INSTRUCTIONS: STEP 1: Gather your ingredients! We started with one cup and then made a rainbow of lava lamps. STEP 2: Fill your cup or jar (s) about 2/3 of the way with oil. You can experiment with more and less and see which one gives the best results. Make sure to keep track of your results. Lava Lamp Science Experiment Here's a great science fair project to do for school! How to make a Lava Lamp at home. Also, a great STEM Project for kids! Today Wreckin Breckin made three ... Make Your Own Lava Lamp To view written instructions for this project, see the "Make an Alka-Seltzer Powered Lava Lamp" page at Science Buddies: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/scien... How to Make a Lava Lamp Science Project DIY + Video Fill the flask most of the way with vegetable oil. 2. Fill the rest of the flask with water. The water will sink to the bottom under the oil. 3. Add a few drops of food coloring; your choice of color. The food coloring is water-based, so it will also sink and color the water that is now at the bottom of the flask. 4. How to Make a Lava Lamp #lavalamp #scienceexperiment #scienceisfunWe made two different lava lamps to see which one worked better. One was made with baking soda and vinegar and the ... Blobs in a Bottle Pour the water into the bottle. Use a measuring cup or funnel to slowly pour the vegetable oil into the bottle until it's almost full. You may have to wait a few minutes for the oil and water separate. Add 10 drops of food coloring to the bottle (we like red, but any color will look great.) The drops will pass through the oil and then mix ... How to make a Lava Lamp DIY Lava Lamp Instructions. Fill the bottle about a quarter full with water. Top up with vegetable oil to the (near) top. The oil and water should separate into two layers, water at the bottom and oil on the top. Once the oil and water have separated, add enough food colouring to achieve the colour you want. The colour will mix with the water ... Glow-in-the-Dark Lava Lamp Method & Materials. You will mix glow-in-the-dark gel with warm water, add glow-in-the-dark glitter, pour in baby oil, and then drop Alka-Seltzer tablets into the jar. Observe the bubbling and glowing reaction in the dark. You will need a clear jar, glow-in-the-dark gel, warm water, baby oil, Alka-Seltzer tablets, and glow-in-the-dark glitter. Make Your Own Lava Lamp: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Fun Science Experiment The key to creating a stunning lava lamp effect lies in the density difference between the water and oil. The effervescent tablet provides the catalyst for the movement, while the colored water adds visual appeal. ... You've just created your very own lava lamp! It's a fun, easy science experiment that's perfect for rainy days or anytime you ... Easy DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment for Kids 4 Simple Steps to Science Fun & Fizzies. Fill the container with 2 parts oil, 1 part water, leaving some room at the top of the container for a little bit of bubbling. Drop in a few drops of food coloring. Add an Alka-Selzer Tablet, start with 1/4 or a half a tablet to begin with. Watch is fizz and bubble up to the top! How to make a lava lamp : Fizzics Education Lava lamp version 2. Fill the PET bottle half full of water and add a few drops of food colouring. Fill the rest of the PET bottle with cooking oil. Invert the bottle. Allow the components to settle and separate, this may take a few minutes. Add salt to the solution. Watch as the bottle swirls and churns like a lava lamp. How to Make a Lava Lamp with FREE Experiment Worksheet How to Make a Lava Lamp. Start out by pouring water about 1/3 of the distance up your recycled plastic container using a funnel to avoid mess. Now add cooking oil (vegetable oil, walnut oil, canola oil, etc.) the rest of the way to go just 2″ from filling your container. I love crafts, science projects, and activities that reuse items we have ... How to Make an Easy Lava Lamp Pour in vegetable oil until the bottle is nearly full. Wait until the oil and water have separated. Add around a dozen drops of food coloring to the bottle (choose any color you like). Watch as the food coloring falls through the oil and mixes with the water. Cut an Alka-Seltzer tablet into smaller pieces (around 5 or 6) and drop one of them ... Super Cool Lava Lamp Experiment for Kids Lava Lamp Science Experiment. As part of our science lessons this school year, we are trying out all kinds of really neat science experiments and activities. This lava lamp experiment tops the list! *Disclaimer: Adult supervision is required for this experiment. You must supervise your children at all times while doing it. 10 Easy Science Fair Experiments for Kids, Parents and Teachers Welcome to our collection of 10 easy science fair experiments for kids! These hands-on activities are perfect for sparking curiosity and making learning fun. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young scientist, these experiments—from erupting volcanoes to DIY lava lamps—are designed to be simple, engaging, and educational. With a little help from an adult, you St. Pete Science Festival The St. Petersburg Science Festival is an annual regional celebration since 2010 where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). During the Friday Sneak Peekhundreds of elementary students will be able to experience STEAM through a series of fun, interactive demonstrations. St Pete Science Festival Saturday, February 10, 2024. 10:00 am. Saturday, February 10, 2024. 4:00 pm. USF St Pete campus. About This Event. The St. Petersburg Science Festival is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). ‍. 2024 St. Petersburg Science Festival Duration: 6 hr. Public · Anyone on or off Facebook. The St. Petersburg Science Festival is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). This year's festival will be held on February 10, 2024 from 10am-4pm. How to make LAVA Lamp: Vinegar + Baking Soda Experiment ... This video shows you the procedure to create a lava lamp by using vinegar and soda. This is an amazing experiment with that component, Its a chemical reactio... Critical Reflection on the Hafele and Keating Experiment In 1971 Hafele and Keating performed their famous experiment which confirmed the time dilation predicted by SRT by use of macroscopic clocks. As it has been shown [1], the experiment was based on false reasoning, and the experimental part leaves a lot to be desired as well, because an experimental mistake of the method is much bigger than. essay homework paper phd project resume review speech thesis