How to Make a Homemade Lava Lamp?

 Overview 

The Homemade Lava Lamp Experiment is so colorful that kids cannot resist the temptation to try it. Click to learn how to make it. This is a simple and easy demonstration of density and the chemical reaction for all ages. We also add some glitter powder in the liquid to make it liquid more beautiful.

Ages: 3+           Time: < 20 mins

 Safety 

1. Adult supervision.
2. Be careful with the fragile glassware.
3. Wear protective gloves and goggles.

 Materials List 

• Effervescent tablets
• Water
• Cooking oil
• Food coloring
• Wine glass (any transparent container)
• Gloves
• Goggles

 Instruction 

Step 1/3 – Pour some water into the wine glass (about 1/4 full) and some cooking oil (to about 4/3 full). Leave it for a little while and you can see there are two layers.

Step 2/3 – Add a few drops of Food coloring into the liquid mixture.

Step 3/3 – Break the effervescent tablets into several pieces and put them into the wine glass. And, then you get your Lava Lamp.

 Troubleshooting 

Why are there not many bubbles, in comparison to yours?

– Add more effervescent tablets.

 Scientific Description 

In this experiment, the density of water is heavier than that of the oil so the water stays on the bottom. The density of food coloring is heavier than that of the oil so it goes down when it is added onto the cooking oil. The effervescent tablet contains acids and sodium bicarbonate, which react to produce carbon dioxide gas when dissolved in water. The gas releases from the water in bubbles composed of a water film and carbon dioxide. The density of the bubble is lighter than water and oil so it will go up to the surface and the carbon dioxide releases out of the bubble leaving water that will go down to the bottom.

 Extensions 

The lava lamp can be demonstrated in a dark environment with a flashlight lighting on it. You mostly will get a WOW. Colorful Homemade Lava Lamp Experiment applies the same principle,  DENSITY.

 Disposal 

Pour the liquid into the sink and do not forget to wash what you have used.

The difference in density is what makes this science experiment is. Check out below these easy experiments sharing the same principle that will help your little one better know the concept of density.  

Density Rainbow Column

Colorful Sugar Density Column

Suspended Egg

Convection Currents

Firework In A Jar