1st Grade Science Activity

Lava Lamp
Making a lava lamp is a fun activity for young kids that will interest them in scientific
concepts.

Material:
• Plastic bottle
• Oil
• Water
• Food coloring
• Alka seltzer tablets

Instructions:
1. Fill two-thirds of the bottle with oil.

2. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Photo by OakleyOriginals

3. Add food coloring to the bottle until the water is opaque.

4. Break the tablets into pieces and let the kids drop the pieces into the bottle.

5. Watch the fascinating reaction!

Explanation:
You can explain as much or as little about the reaction as you want to the kids, based on
their understanding of related concepts. Since oil and water do not mix, the two liquids
form separate layers in the bottle. Since water is denser than oil, it sinks to the bottom.
The food coloring can only dissolve in water and therefore the oil does not change
color. When the tablet is added to the water, it releases carbon dioxide. The air bubbles
get attached to the colored water and float to the surface. When the bubbles reach the
top, they burst and the colored water sinks back to the bottom.

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