Bubbling Lava Lamp

Two versions of a homemade lava lamp can be created using common household materials. In one, baking soda and vinegar react to produce bubbles that carry colored water through oil. In the other, antacid tablets release carbon dioxide bubbles that produce the same effect.

*Baking Soda Lava Lamp*

1. Place a few tablespoons of baking soda in the bottom of a tall, clear jar.
2. Add water until the jar is one-quarter full.
3. Stir in 5–10 drops of food coloring.
4. Carefully pour in vegetable oil until the jar is about three-quarters full.
5. Add vinegar one tablespoon at a time and watch bubbles carry colored water upward, creating a lava lamp effect.

*Antacid Lava Lamp*

1. Fill a tall jar halfway with vegetable oil.
2. Add water until the jar is about three-quarters full.
3. Mix in 5–10 drops of food coloring.
4. Break an antacid tablet into pieces and drop them in one at a time.
5. Watch the fizzing bubbles create colorful movement like a lava lamp.

Make your own LAVA Lamp - Jocelyn Presents Science is for everyone:

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📄 Lava Lamp Experiment - Playful Parenting: https://mcm.org/lava-lamp-experiment/

• Try different food coloring combinations for multicolored effects.
• Use different sized jars to see how container shape changes the effect.
• Add glitter for extra sparkle.
• Place the jar on top of a flashlight in a dark room for a glowing lamp.

• Do not seal the jar while the reaction is active—gas buildup can cause pressure.
• Handle vinegar and antacid tablets responsibly; avoid ingestion during the experiment.
• Supervise children when handling glass containers and liquids.
• Place jars on a tray or newspaper to contain spills.

• Why does the colored water stay separate from the oil?
• What gas is produced during the reactions, and how does it move the water?
• How does the reaction differ between baking soda with vinegar and antacid tablets with water?
• What would happen if you put the lid on the jar during bubbling?
• How does density play a role in this experiment?