While real lava lamps and lava lites rely on trade secrets, you can get a similar effect with simple household ingredients.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Minutes
Here's How:
- This version of a lava lamp (unlike the real thing) is great for young kids! First, fill the jar about a third full of oil.
- Next, sprinkle on glitter, sequins, small beads, or any tiny sparklies that catch your eye.
- Add water to nearly fill the jar.
- Add a drop or so of food coloring.
- Finish filling the jar with water, then screw the lid on tightly.
- Flip the jar over. Flip it back. Shake it up. Have fun!
Tips:
- Let the liquids settle, then open the jar and sprinkle a tiny bit of salt on top. What happens? Why?
- Water is a polar molecule, while oil is nonpolar. Polar molecules stick to each other, but not to nonpolar molecules. Oil and water don't mix!
- The oil is less dense than water, so it floats on top.
- Is the food coloring in the oil or the water? How can you tell? Is food coloring polar or nonpolar?
What You Need:
- Vegetable Oil or Baby Oil
- Water
- Food Coloring
- Glitter or Small Beads
- Glass Jar with Lid
