This Exploding Lava Science Bottle is a quick and easy kitchen science experiment that kids will love. If you are looking for a quick boredom buster to do with items you already have around your house then you gotta give this a try!
Before doing this science experiment, know that it is messy! The exploding fizzy bubbles are what make this fascinating and fun for kids – just make sure to do this is in an easy to clean space. We always do this outside where the kids can be free to explore and I don’t feel the need to try and control the mess 😉
If you are looking for an easy mess free science experiment for kids you can find a lot of fun ways to play in our resource library!
How to Make an Exploding Lava Science Bottle
All of these supplies came from our kitchen science kit. If you don’t have one put together in your home I would strongly suggest doing so as it is a simple space saving way to find everything you could need for a science experiment in a pinch.
Items Used:
- Clear Water Bottle (we used a VOSS Water Bottle — we save them for science experiments and discovery bottles)
- Cooking Oil
- Water
- Food Dye
- Alka-Seltzer (any antacids will work)
- Large Plastic Tub or Plastic Table Cloth
Alka-seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets, 72-Count
Voss Artesian Still Water 4x500ml Plastic BottlesMCCORMICK FOOD AND EGG COLORING DYE 4 Colors
&
Directions:
1. Fill the clear bottle 1/4 of the way up with water. Add in a couple drops of food dye and mix together.
2. Top with cooking oil and open a couple packets of antacids.
3. Then let kids add the tablets to the bottle and watch it fizz up and explode!
The reaction will happen instantly.
The Science Behind an Alka Seltzer Lava Bottle
Antacids contain sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid. Together these two chemicals react to create carbonic acid.
When carbonic acid is exposed to water it decomposes into water and carbon dioxide.
The fizz that appears and overflows from the bottle is carbon dioxide bubbling to the surface.
So simple and so fun!
More Hands on Science Ideas!
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