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Bubbling Lava Lamps

Lesson Plan

Bubbling Lava Lamps

Explore density and polarity

In this lesson, students will create a simple and safe lava lamp using household materials. This hands-on activity will help them understand the concepts of density and polarity in a fun and engaging way. By observing how different liquids interact, students will gain a foundational understanding of these scientific principles, fostering curiosity and encouraging scientific inquiry.

Audience

Early Elementary Students

Time

30 mins

Approach

Explore density and polarity

Materials

Clear plastic bottle, Water, Vegetable oil, Food coloring, Alka-Seltzer tablets, Worksheet: Lava Lamp Observations, and Discussion Guide: Density and Polarity

Step 1

Introduction to Density and Polarity

5 mins

  • Begin by asking students if they know what makes some things float and others sink.
  • Introduce the concept of density: how much 'stuff' is packed into a space.
  • Explain polarity briefly: how some substances mix well with others, while some do not.

Step 2

Creating the Lava Lamp

15 mins

  • Distribute materials to each student or group.
  • Instruct students to fill their bottle about 1/4 full with water.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the water.
  • Fill the rest of the bottle with vegetable oil, leaving some space at the top.
  • Break an Alka-Seltzer tablet into pieces and drop one piece into the bottle.
  • Observe the reaction and discuss what happens.

Step 3

Discussion and Observation

5 mins

  • Use the discussion guide to talk about what students observed.
  • Ask students to describe what happened when the tablet was added.
  • Discuss why the oil and water didn't mix and why the bubbles formed.

Step 4

Closure and Reflection

5 mins

  • Have students complete the worksheet to record their observations.
  • Encourage students to think about other examples of density and polarity in everyday life.
  • Wrap up by summarizing the key concepts learned.
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Worksheet

Lava Lamp Observations

This worksheet allows students to record their observations during the lava lamp activity. It includes prompts to help them think about what they see and why it happens.

What happened when you added the Alka-Seltzer tablet to the bottle?

Think about the bubbles and movement you saw.







Why do you think the oil and water didn't mix?

Consider what you learned about density and polarity.







Draw a picture of your lava lamp and label the different parts.








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