All About Lava Lamps!

What they are and how to make your own 

Written by Cadeon W.

A lava lamp is a glass container filled with colorful liquid and wax that moves up and down as it heats, resembling flowing lava. Lava lamps were invented in 1963 by Edwin Craven Walker. People like lava lamps because they are bright, slow-moving, and relaxing to watch, and they can even help you feel calm. Did you know you can create your own lava lamp at home? It’s a fun and simple science experiment!

Materials:

• A clear jar

• ¼ cup of water

• Food coloring

• An Alka-Seltzer tablet

• A measuring cup

• (Optional) A flashlight

  
  

Steps:

1. Pour ¼ cup of water into the jar.

2. Add 7–8 drops of food coloring (choose your favorite color).

3. Drop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet.

4. Watch the bubbles move up and down like a lava lamp!

5. (Optional) Shine a flashlight under the jar to make it glow.

Lava lamps are not only fun to watch, but they also help us learn about how liquids and gases move. Whether you buy one or make your own, lava lamps are a cool way to mix science and creativity!