Learn about density with this simple DIY Lava Lamp Experiment!
Density has to do with how much space something takes up in relation to what its mass is. While density can be a tricky concept for younger scientists to understand right away, this DIY lava lamp experiment is a great opportunity to observe density in action and make some initial observations while enjoying some fizzing good fun!
Materials:
- Canola oil
- Measuring cup
- Water
- Tall, clear container (we used a clean salsa jar)
- Alka-Seltzer tablets (or any other effervescent tablets)
- Food coloring
*Warning: Food coloring can stain! Feel free to substitute in washable paint such as liquid watercolor or tempera paint if you’re worried about mess. Either way, mess-friendly play clothes are recommended for this DIY lava lamp experiment!
Directions:
STEP 1
- Fill your measuring cup with 1 cup water.
STEP 2
- Add 10-15 drops of food coloring to your water then stir.
Observe the food coloring drops as they enter the water. What do you notice? Do they float? Do they sink? Does the food coloring mix well into the water? What do you see?
STEP 3
- Fill a clear container ¾ of the way with canola oil.
STEP 4
Pour the dyed water into your clear container, along with your canola oil.
What do you notice about the water and the canola oil? Do they mix together?
Which one sinks to the bottom? Is this the same as what you observed with the food coloring and water?
STEP 6
- Break up your effervescent tablets into several small pieces, drop them into your clear container one at a time, and enjoy the show!
What happens when you add the effervescent tablets? Practice your observation skills and describe what you notice!
STEP 7
You can continue adding effervescent tablets as the bubbles slow.
Expand on the Activity:
- Experiment with your effervescent tablets! What happens when you drop a full tablet in your lava lamp? What happens when you drop in several pieces at once? What happens if you crush your tablet into dust and then add it to your lamp?
- Make something to remember your experiment! Drop several pieces of effervescent tablet into your lava lamp and cover the top with a piece of paper. As the bubbles pop, the food coloring will leave a surprise behind on the paper for you.
- Looking for more fun with a fizz? Check out our Ice Chalk DIY Recipe!
If you had fun learning about fizz and snapped some photos, be sure to submit it to our Science Showcase here or tag Orlando Science Center and use #OSCatHome on social media! You might be featured on our channels.
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