Description
Engage kids in science and art with these DIY color changing lava lamp jars that create a colorful and mesmerizing display.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup clear vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
- Food coloring (multiple colors for a rainbow effect)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid
- 1 small jar or clear plastic bottle
- 1 spoon or craft stick for mixing
- 1 small funnel (optional)
Instructions
- In a small jar or bottle, pour the clear vegetable oil. Add the water to the same container; the water will sink to the bottom and the oil will float on top.
- Stir in a small amount of dish soap to help the liquid move and create a lava effect when activated.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the water layer and stir gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the baking soda with a tiny amount of water to create a paste. Slowly add the paste into the jar or bottle.
- Sprinkle a small amount of citric acid into the mixture to create a fizzing reaction. As the acid reacts with the baking soda, the colored water will begin to move up and down through the oil, creating the lava lamp effect.
- Watch the lava-like bubbles move and change color. You can add more citric acid for more fizz or more drops of food coloring to change the look.
Notes
Use a jar with a wide mouth for easier mixing and experiment with different color combinations for more fun.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Craft
- Method: DIY
- Cuisine: N/A