purposeful play
Jack O'Lantern Lava Lamps
science experiment for kids
These Jack O’Lantern Lava Lamps are a fun way to explore science this Halloween with your kids! This simple pumpkin themed science experiment is a hands-on way to teach multiple science concepts.
Plus, when you’re finished you have some DIY mason jar Jack O’Lanterns that you can use for decoration around Halloween time!
Keep reading for the full instructions, to shop this project and to download the free Jack O’Lantern Faces Printable.
purpose
Builds new brain connections
Experiments with cause and effect
Explores chemical reactions in a safe, colorful way
Strengthens science concepts
Screen-free learning
Shop this project!
directions
How to Make Jack O'Lantern
Lava Lamps
Download, print and cut out the Jack O’Lantern Faces Printable
Glue faces onto the mason jars
Fill jars 3/4 full with baby oil
You can also use vegetable oil
Top each jar with water
Add orange food coloring to each jar
Break Alka Seltzer tablets into fourths
This part should be done by an adult
Drop the tablets into each jar
Watch the bubbly reaction!
Continue adding tablets as long as your child is interested!
This experiment will continue to create a reaction as long as you keep adding alka seltzer tablets
After the water and oil are added to the jar, the oil floats above the water because it is lighter than water (it has a lower density).
The water and oil do not ever mix because of polarity. Water is polar and oil is non-polar.
When the food coloring is added-it shoots through the oil and goes straight to the bottom because it is heavier than oil.
When the tablet is added and dissolves-a gas is created (carbon dioxide).
Carbon dioxide is lighter than water so it floats up to the surface bringing a little of the colored water with it as it does.
Once the gas bubble reaches the surface it breaks and the colored water floats back to the bottom of the jar!
Chemistry
Chemical reaction
Polar
Non-Polar
Carbon Dioxide
