Science doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, especially with easy activities like this Lava Lamp Experiment. It’s one of our favorite ways to mix learning with a bit of fun at home. And yes, it looks like a lava lamp when you’re done.

If you enjoy hands-on learning like this, you’ll want to check out my landing page, Simple Homeschool Science Experiments. I’ve pulled together some of our top activities that are quick to prep and packed with learning value.

Learn everything you need about this activity, from basic supplies to science facts. It’s perfect if you’re a mom of kids from kindergarten to early elementary school. Stick around, and let’s get into it.

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Interesting Science Facts About Lava

Lava is molten rock that erupts from volcanoes and eventually cools to form solid rock. It plays a big role in shaping Earth’s surface, even creating entire islands.
Not all lava flows the same. Some types ooze out slowly like syrup, while others can move faster, depending on the lava’s thickness and gas content.
Lava is incredibly hot—it can reach temperatures higher than 2,000°F. We once watched a volcano documentary after doing this experiment, and my son couldn’t stop talking about how anything that hot could even exist.

What amazed my daughter the most was how lava helps build new land. She had no idea that places like Hawaii were formed this way. This led to a great conversation about Earth’s layers and geography.

Even though we can’t see real lava up close, doing this experiment gave us a fun, safe way to imagine what it looks like when lava bubbles and moves.

Recommended Science Experiment Books

One of the best ways to bring science home is with a few good experiment books. I like to keep a few on hand for days when we need something fresh.

Awesome Science Experiments for Kids: 100+ Fun STEM / STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)The Everything Kids’ Science Experiments Book: Boil Ice, Float Water, Measure Gravity-Challenge the World Around You!Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat! (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Awesome Outdoor Science Experiments for Kids: 50+ STEAM Projects and Why They Work (Awesome STEAM Activities for Kids)Steve Spangler’s Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids: 50 mind-blowing STEM projects you can do at home Smithsonian 10-Minute Science Experiments: 50+ quick, easy and awesome projects for kids

pouring red mixture to the Lava Lamp Experiment

How do we make learning fun with hands-on experiments?

For us, science clicks best when we get our hands moving. Activities like this DIY Lava Lamp Activity bring abstract ideas to life. Instead of just reading about liquids or chemical reactions, my kids see everything in motion.

We made our lava lamp on a rainy afternoon. The kitchen was chaotic, but they were excited to watch the bubbles rise and fall. That moment stuck with them more than any worksheet could.

Recommended Earth Science Printable Packs

If you want to support your Earth science lessons, these printable packs are super helpful. They’re clear, fun, and great for review or practice.

What skills can kids learn from this activity?

This activity is more than a fun science trick. It gives kids a chance to learn through observation and discovery.

Scientific Thinking: Kids can predict what might happen when adding ingredients and then compare it to the results.
Following Directions: Pouring, stirring, and handling small materials help kids learn to follow instructions.
Understanding Cause and Effect: They see how one action (adding tablets) creates a reaction (bubbles rising).

Recommended STEM Kits

STEM kits can also be a great resource when you’re looking for open-and-go options. We’ve used a few, and they make science days feel effortless.

7 Set Bulk STEM Kit Individual Craft Kits for Kids, Science Projects Crafts Group Activity, Light Experiments Circuit Toys, Fun Fiber Optic STEAM Activities for Boys Girls Ages 6-8 8-12 6 8 10 Year Dan&Darci Dino Soap Making Kit for Kids, Dinosaur Science Toys Kits, Easter Gifts for Kid All Ages, DIY Activities Craft – Art Crafts Gift Set for Boys and Girls Age 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 Year Old Boy NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Earth Science Kit – 100+ Science Experiments & Activities for Kids, Crystal Growing, Volcano Science Kit, Rock Collection, STEM Project Toy for Boys & Girls (Amazon Exclusive)Science Kits for Kids – STEM Kits for Kids, Electronics Exploration Kit, Over 420 Projects, 35 Circuit Parts, STEM Educational Toy Gifts for Kids Boys Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Doctor Jupiter My First Science Kit for Kids Ages 4-5-6-7-8| Birthday Gift Ideas for 4-8-12 Year Old Boys & Girls| Toy Stem Kit with 100+ Experiments| Learning & Educational, Preschool Activities Human Anatomy Squishy Body Model – Science Kits for Kids Ages 4-8 – STEM Toys for 4 5 6 7 8 Year Old Boy Birthday Gift – Learning Educational Toys for Ages 5-7 Boys – Easter Gifts – Skeleton Parts

Lava Science Activity Supplies

Crisco Pure Canola Oil, 16 Fluid Ounce Labina Glass Storage Container Airtight Food Jars Kitchen Canister with Wood Lids, 40 Oz Wide Mouth Pantry Organization Glass Jar for Flour, Sugar, Cookie, Spagetti, Nuts and Candy Chefmaster Super Red Liqua-Gel® Food Coloring | Vibrant Color | Professional-Grade Dye for Icing, Frosting, Fondant | Baking & Decorating | Fade-Resistant | Easy-to-Use | Made in USA | 0.70 oz

How do you make a homemade lava lamp science project?

We’ve done this experiment more times than I can count, and honestly, it never gets old. Whenever we pull out the supplies, my kids light up like it’s their first time seeing it. It’s such a simple setup, but it brings so much curiosity.

supplies needed to make a Lava Lamp Experiment

First, I gather everything we need and lay it on the kitchen counter. I usually let one of the kids mix the water and food coloring in a measuring cup—they take their job very seriously. We use red, but any bold color works well. Then, I pour vegetable oil into a clear glass jar, about three-quarters full.

Pouring the colored water into the oil is always a moment of suspense. The water sinks, and we get to talk about why that happens. My youngest once asked if it was magic, and honestly, it looks like it.

Finally, we break up an Alka-Seltzer tablet and drop a piece into the mix. The fizzing, bubbling reaction kicks in, and suddenly, we have our own homemade lava lamp.

Each time, the kids watch closely, noticing things they missed before. Sometimes, we even experiment with different colors or tablet amounts to see what changes. It’s become one of those go-to science moments in our homeschool routine.

The Science Behind the Lava Experiment

So, what’s actually happening inside the jar? This experiment is a simple way to show how density and chemical reactions work. The oil and water don’t mix because they have different densities—water is heavier, so it sinks. The food coloring mixes with the water but not the oil, creating bright bursts of color at the bottom.

When you drop in the Alka-Seltzer tablet, it reacts with the water to release carbon dioxide gas. The gas forms bubbles that carry bits of the colored water up through the oil. Once the gas escapes at the top, the water drops back down. That up-and-down motion makes the whole thing look like a lava lamp.

More Simple Science Experiments to Try

Looking for more easy and educational ideas? These simple science activities are perfect for young learners and don’t require fancy supplies or much prep time.

Speed Racer STEM Activity
How to Grow a Crystal
Dancing Popcorn Experiment
Apple Volcano Science Experiment by Homeschool Preschool
Fizzy Bottle Caps Science Experiment by Darcy and Brian