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:
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- Vegetable Oil
- Water
- 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.
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