Homemade Lava Lamps: Chemistry in Action!

Creating your own lava lamp at home is not just a fun craft activity; it's also a fascinating exploration of chemistry in action! To make this captivating project, you’ll need a clear bottle or jar, water, vegetable oil, food colouring, and a fizzy tablet, such as Alka-Seltzer.

Start by filling your container about one-quarter full with water. Then, carefully pour in the vegetable oil until it reaches the top. You'll notice that the oil floats above the water – a perfect illustration of density in action! Next, add a few drops of food colouring; when it meets the water, you’ll see vibrant blobs that sink to the bottom.

The real magic occurs when you drop in a fizzy tablet. As it dissolves, it releases carbon dioxide gas, creating bubbles that carry the coloured water up through the oil, mimicking the mesmerising effect of a traditional lava lamp. And just like that, you’ve turned a simple kitchen experiment into a captivating demonstration of chemical reactions, density, and immiscibility, all while enjoying a visual spectacle that’s both educational and entertaining!