My 5-year old LOVES science experiments! He keeps asking to do one every single day. It’s a fun way to get the kids engaged and away from their electronics. I decided to do this super cool and easy lava lamp science experiment for kids. It’s perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary aged children with adult supervision. We tried this experiment before but it did not go as planned. However, I decided to make some changes and it worked out great. Just a few simple supplies for this fun lava lamp science experiment for kids.

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Supplies
- Food Coloring (bright colors)
- Vegetable Oil
- Water
- Glass Container (2)
- Alka-Seltzer Tablets
- Small Plastic Containers (2)
Directions
- First, add 1/2 cup of water to the small plastic containers.
- Next, add a few drops of food coloring to the water then mix. Use two different colors to make more than one lava lamp. I love using these gel food colors because of the vibrant colors.
- Fill each glass 3/4 full with vegetable oil.
- Pour the colored water into the oil, being careful not to fill the glass too much.
- Finally, add one or two Alka-Seltzer tablets to each glass container then watch the chemical reaction. *DO NOT let the kids put the tablets in their mouth.*
The Alka-Seltzer tablets react with the water to produce carbon dioxide gas bubbles! These stick to the colored water droplets. The water and gas combination is less dense than the oil, so they rise to the top of the glass! How cool is that?! Keep adding more tablets to the container so the fun doesn’t end. Enjoy!
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2 Comments
Love your web site! Just watched you on channel 13, and had to come visit. Really looking forward to doing some of these great ideas with my 6 year old granddaughter!💕
I am so happy you enjoyed the segment! Hope you have a great time crafting with your granddaughter. Have a wonderful week!