How to Make a Lava Lamp in a Bottle?

Lava lamps have been around since the 1960s and are still very popular. Watching the slow, undulating movement of the bubbling liquids in a lava lamp is relaxing and fascinating, and children are particularly fond of seeing the balloons move up through the lamp and then flow down to the bottom. Lava lamps for sale in stores tend to be quite expensive, but you can make a temporary one for household items. Create one for yourself, or turn the experience into a science class for children.

Instructions

1. Wash and rinse the bottle and lid.
2. Fill the bottle 3/4 full with vegetable oil.
3. Add water to fill the bottle the rest of the way, stopping 1/4 inch from the top.
4. Add 8 to 10 drops of food coloring to your chosen one.
5. Break the antacid tablet in at least 8 pieces. The pieces fall into the bottle, one at a time, allowing each one’s effervescence to go off before adding the next.
6. Screw the lid on the top of the bottle.
7. Place a flashlight under the bottle in a dark room and enjoy the show.

Tips and warnings

• If you have a lightbox, replace it with the flashlight to have your hands free.
• You can substitute salt for the antacid tablet by adding salt until the contents of the bottle begin to bubble and move. Add more salt as needed to keep the process active.
• Protect work surfaces against spilled oil and food coloring, covering with paper or plastic.
• When making a lava lamp with children, use a plastic bottle to avoid accidents with broken glass.