maker monday

Maker Monday: DIY Lava Lamp

Oil and water don’t mix — except when you combine them in fun S.T.E.A.M. projects like this DIY Lava Lamp.

Create this week’s Kidsburgh Maker Monday project and watch its hypnotic rising blobs of color.

The science behind the magic comes from the fact that water is denser than oil. The evidence is seen in how the oil floats on top of the layer of water. Once you drop a piece of the effervescent tablet into the bottle, and it sinks to the bottom, you can see carbon dioxide being released in the form of tiny bubbles. As the carbon dioxide gas rises through the layers of water and oil, it pushes colored bubble blobs to the surface.

maker monday

Supplies:

Empty plastic bottle, with lid

Effervescent tablets (Alka-Seltzer or generic form)

Cooking oil

Food coloring

Water

maker monday

Fill the water bottle about 3/4 full with oil. Add water to fill.

maker monday

Choose your color and add a few drops to the bottle.

Break two tablets into three or four pieces. Add one piece to watch the groovy show of Lava Lamp blobs. Continue adding pieces as the bubbling stops to keep the show going.

When you’re done with the fun, screw the cap on tightly and save it for another day when you can add more tablet pieces to enjoy your Lava Lamp again.

For variations, add glitter with the food coloring. Turn off the lights and hold a flashlight underneath to make your Lava Lamp glow. Or add a glow stick to give a special effect.

For other Maker Monday projects and fun stuff for kids, visit the Kidsburgh Activities page.