Science Fun

Bubbling Blizzard

Enjoy this fun spin on the traditional bubbling density lava lamp. While most lava lamp experiments use food coloring, we use white paint to create a really unique look in this cool and easy science experiment.

 

Materials:

  • Clear plastic bottle with straight sides
  • White washable paint
  • Water
  • Popsicle stick
  • Disposable cup
  • Baby oil
  • Alka-Seltzer tablet

 

Instructions:

  1. Pour some white washable paint into the cup.
  2. Add some water to the cup to thin the paint.
  3. Use the popsicle stick to mix the paint and water.
  4. Pour the paint into the clear plastic bottle until the bottle is about 1/4 full.
  5. Tilt the bottle and gently add baby oil until the bottle is about 90% full. Try not to mix the baby oil with the paint. 
  6. Drop one half an Alka-Seltzer tablet into the bottle and enjoy.
  7. Repeat an many times as you like. 

 

WATCH THE QUICK AND EASY VIDEO TUTORIAL

 

 

How it Works:

The oil floats on top of the water and paint because it is less dense. When the Alka-Seltzer tablet is dropped into the bottle, it sinks to the bottom and begins to dissolve. As it dissolves, it releases carbon dioxide gas which rises to the top carrying globs of paint with it. Once the carbon dioxide escapes the bottle, the heavier paint sinks back down through the baby oil to the bottom of the bottle. 

 

Make This A Science Project:

Experiment with different types of oils such as vegetable oil. Try using other methods to create bubbles. Try different paints and food colorings that are heavier than oil.  

 

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

 

 

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