Lava Lamps

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Learners observe working lava lamps to understand how they work (included in PDF link). Learners discover that liquids may not be miscible, or won't mix together, because of differences in their molecular structures. They also learn that temperature can affect the density of liquids.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Exhibit
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Plexiglas shield (general storage)
  • One lava lamp
  • Electrical outlet
  • Display sign

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation