Lava Lamp Experiment

My kiddos ask to do experiments just about everyday! I actually will be reviewing a site that I joined for that purpose called Mystery Science in a different post. This experiment was very easy and a lot of fun. Most importantly you probably have most if not all these ingredients in your home already.

The experiment calls for equal parts oil and water, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer tablets. 

**We tried the experiment with aspirin and it fell flat so we re-did it with 

Alka Seltzer and red food coloring. 

First we put the oil then water into the jar and let it settle. 

I asked these questions: 

What is happening to the water? 

What is happening to the oil?

Next we added a few drops of food coloring. Add as much as you like we did 6 drops.

I asked: What is happening to the food coloring?

(If the jar is steady it should stay together and not mix very much. 

Finally we dropped in the Alka-Seltzer tablet and watched the magic happen. 

I asked: 

What is happening to the oil and water? 

Why do you think that is?

Since oil and water do not mix, the water bubbles caused by the Alka-seltzer float through the oil  causing it to take on the same effect as a lava lamp. When the mixture is shaken the oil and water in time will separate again rather than mix.