Learn how to create a lava lamp using everyday household items and recycled materials. These vibrant, mesmerizing lamps are a fun and exciting way to get children involved in math and science.

1. DIY Lava Lamps
This PowerPoint is part of
the Science Projects Series

2. Density of Oil & Water
• Oil stays above the water
because the oil is lighter
than the water or, more
specifically, less dense
than water
• The oil and water do not
mix because of
something called
"intermolecular polarity"

3. Density of Oil & Water
• Molecular polarity basically
means that water
molecules are attracted to
other water molecules.
• Molecules of the same
substance get along fine,
and can loosely bond
together
• This is similar to magnets
that are attracted to each
other

4. Density of Oil & Water
• Oil molecules are
attracted to other oil
molecules; they get
along fine as well
• But the different
structures of the two
types of molecules do
not allow them to
bond together

5. Materials
• Empty water bottle
• Alka-Seltzer antacid
tablets
• Vegetable Oil (the
lighter the oil the
better)
• Food coloring
• Funnel

6. Procedure

7. 1. Using a funnel pour one part water, three parts
oil into the bottle.
2. Wait a few minutes for the oil and water
separate. The water will drop and the oil will
rise.
3. Add 10 drops of food coloring to the bottle. Wait
for drops to pass through the oil then mix with
the water below.
4. Break aalka-seltzer tablet in half and drop the
half tablet into the bottle. Watch it sink to the
bottom and let the blobby greatness begin!
5. To keep the effect going, just keep adding alka-
seltzer tablets.

8. More Fun!
• For a true lava lamp effect, shine a flashlight
through the bottom of the bottle.

9. For more information on topics like this visit our
Resource page at www.Microempowering.org