DIY Lava Lamp Science Experiment

Science experiments are so much fun for toddlers and preschoolers as well as big kids! Kids of all ages will LOVE this DIY lava lamp science experiment! With just a few simple steps, you'll have your very own bubbling lava lamp that doubles as a fun science experiment! Follow the steps below to get started.

DIY lava lamp science experiment




If you want a snack and science experiment all in one then check out our popcorn science experiment!


DIY lava lamp



This DIY lava lamp experiment is perfect for keeping kids busy inside! It would be great for classrooms, homeschooling, and even as a playdate activity! Kids of all ages will be so fascinated as they watch this bubbling lava lamp. 

This is a great learning experiment as well as being fun! You can talk about what's happening, make predictions, and see where the conversation takes you. It's a great lesson to incorporate at home or school.


Scroll down below to get started making your own homemade lava lamp science experiment!

lava lamp science experiment


DIY Lava Lamp


Lava Lamp Science Experiment - Supplies:


  • Cooking oil
  • Alka seltzer tablets
  • Water
  • Food colour of choice
  • Tall clear glass

How to make a homemade bubbling lava lamp:


STEP ONE: Gather your supplies


Before we get started, make sure to gather up everything you need before hand. Have your child choose a colour of food colouring they'd like to use for the lava lamp. Make sure you use a glass that is clear so you can see through it.

DIY lava lamp supplies

STEP TWO: Prepare the water and oil


To get started, mix together a small amount of water and your desired food colour. I find it best to use a water based colour so they mix well.

Then, fill the glass 1/2 - 3/4 of the way full with oil before adding your coloured water.

lava lamp science experiment for kids

STEP THREE: Observe and experiment


Now it's time to have some fun! Let your child observe what's happening with the water and oil. Invite them to make observations based on what they see, ask questions, etc. Depending on the age of your child, you may even have them make an educated guess as to what will happen next.

homemade lava lamp science experiment

After observing what happens with the oil and water, break an alka selter tablet into several pieces and drop them into the glass one at a time. Watch as your DIY lava lamp starts to bubble! 

bubbling lava lamp

When it starts to bubble up, continue to drop more alka seltzer pieces in the glass and see what happens and watch as the bubbles change!

Bubbling Lava lamp science experiment

We hope you enjoy this fun lava lamp science experiment! DIY lava lamps are so much fun for kids of all ages. The kids will be begging you to do it again soon!

DIY lava lamp science experiment for kids. Bubbling lava lamp experiment for toddlers and preschoolers.


Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube or Subscribe for free email updates!

No comments

Back to Top