As seen in the Inspired Spark’s video above, you can also make a lava lamp out of water, vegetable oil, liquid food coloring and table salt. I could have sworn that we had Alka Seltzer in our science experiment supply cabinet, because it is used in tons of homemade science experiments. In the homemade lava lamp with Alka Seltzer, for example, you should add your glitter right before (or even at the same time as) you add your Alka Seltzer. If you are using glow-in-the-dark paint, you will need to "charge" it by setting it in the sun or under a bright lamp for a few minutes. They're pretty dangerous but awesome to look at from a very safe distance (volcanoes, not scientists).

With its straight, cylindrical profile, this lava lamp feels more contemporary than the rest of the models in this roundup.You must be over 18, a resident of the country offering Afterpay, and meeting additional eligibility criteria to qualify. This lamp requires 3xAA batteries to function (not included) and uses 3pcs LED lights to create a soothing look. Another plus of making this homemade lava lamp is that you do not need to use a lot of oil (like you do in the other experiments). This lava does not last very long, but it is fun and exciting to watch as it foams out of your volcano. This mini lamp would look great on a home office desk or on a bedside table and it has a built-in quiet motor to ensure it doesn¿t disturb you when it¿s on.

Aesthetics are a matter of taste, however, so we also survey other people from a range of ages to get their opinions, too.This is why lava lamps generally don’t tend to be huge – they’re normally table rather than floor lamps. If you love the soothing look of novelty night lights then you¿ll be sure to love the Round Mini Volcano Lamp. If you are using something with a wide mouth, such as a bowl, cup, or jar, then you probably will not need the funnel. If you made glow-in-the-dark lava, you will need to charge your lava by leaving it in the sun or under a bright lamp for a few minutes. Kids LOVE learning how to make lava lamps, because it is completely mesmerizing to watch the liquid bubble up and down.

To discover the best lava lamps, first and foremost, we look for quality and durability; lava lamps are going to be displayed in your homes, and you want them to last and be worthy of being a focal point. Close the bag partway, and squeeze out as much air as possible before closing the bag the rest of the way. In fact, Hannah (my oldest daughter) just started her own YouTube channel to teach kids how to do science experiments, cook yummy things and make awesome arts and crafts projects!Two of today’s DIY lava lamps (without Alka Seltzer) demonstrations are actually on her channel as well! And even then the wax didn’t “glob” around (for want of a better expression) quite as much as we expected, struggling to get warm enough to rise to the top of the bottle. In a small bowl, combine 1 part lava-colored paint and 1 part hot water, stirring until the color is solid.

Add a couple of drops of liquid food coloring and watch it go through the layer of oil and start to mix with the water below. If you’re looking for a hardcore, “take no prisoners” retro look, then this is the lava lamp for you.After a few minutes, the water and food coloring will sink to the bottom of the jar, and the oil will float to the top. Once it gets going, the sight of the glitter moving about is quite festive, creating a dappled, disco-ball-type light effect on the wall behind. The wax in this one flows really quickly, thanks to the shorter overall height, and this draws the eye to the lava lamp when it’s in a room. Luckily, there are two different ways to make lava lamps without Alka Seltzer, so the experiment could go on!