I hesitate to say that this science experiment/crafty idea is for kids because I had an immense amount of fun doing it! This easy lava lamp DIY is not actually a lamp, but it does simulate the look of a traditional lava lamp and it is so much fun to play around with and show off! I could tell you that I didn't rush downstairs to show the baristas at our local coffee shop my handy work at lunch, but that would be a lie. 

If I had that much fun, I am sure that any kid would have double that! I recommend this craft with a bit of adult supervision for 4-6 year olds and I would even say that a 7-9 year would be willing to try this one out on their own. 

The project is easy, don't take much time, too many ingredients and again, like I have to say it, it's so much fun!

Here's what you'll need:
 
 
Clear plastic bottle 
Water
Vegetable oil (and yes, that is a $2 dollar store buy!)
Food Colouring
Alka Seltzer (available at any drug store) 

Step 1: Water, Oil and Food Colouring
 

Fill your plastic bottle more than halfway with oil. Then, pour in water, leaving a little space at the top. Let the water and oil setlle, they should separate naturally. 

Then, pour in about 10 drops of food colouring. Don't stir and shake. The drops will settle and look like globs in the oil mixture. 

Step 2: Alka Stelzer


Break up an Alka Seltzer into a few pieces and drop into the bottle, leave lid off. Pretty soon, you'll start to hear fizzing, and bubbling and then the lava lamp explosion will occur!

Final Product: WHOA!


There will be crazy lava going all over the place and trust me, everyone you show will be super impressed with your science skills!

What's your favourite craft with the kids?