Make Your Own DIY Lava Lamp!
What You'll Need:
-
1 clear plastic bottle or glass jar
-
Water
-
Vegetable oil
-
Food coloring
-
1 Alka-Seltzer tablet (or other fizzy tablet)
-
Funnel (optional)
-
Spoon or stick for stirring
-
Glitter (optional)
Instructions:
-
Fill the bottle or glass jar about 1/3 full with water.
-
Add a few drops of food coloring. (Add optional Glitter)
-
Fill the rest of the jar (almost to the top) with vegetable oil. Let the liquids separate.
-
Break the Alka-Seltzer tablet into a few pieces.
-
Drop one piece of the tablet into the bottle and watch the bubbling lava lamp effect begin.
-
Once it stops, you can add another piece of the tablet to see it happen again.
What's Happening:
Water and oil don’t mix because they have different densities and chemical properties — oil floats on top of water. The Alka-Seltzer tablet reacts with the water to create carbon dioxide gas, which forms bubbles. These bubbles carry the colored water upward through the oil. When the bubbles pop, the water sinks back down, creating a lava lamp effect.
Safety Tips:
-
Do not seal the bottle tightly after adding the tablet—the gas can build up pressure.
-
This experiment is NOT for drinking. Dispose of the mixture when you're done.
-
Adult supervision is recommended when handling fizzy tablets or pouring liquids.
STEM Activity Supplies
If you’re missing a few supplies to complete the project, you’ll find everything you need here. Each product has been selected for its great reviews, affordability (under $10), and versatility across multiple experiments, ensuring you get the most out of every purchase while keeping learning fun and budget-friendly.