Primary 4/5 have enjoyed taking part in a Science investigation using practical techniques to create a chemical reaction. We learned ‘How to make a lava lamp by pouring water to halfway up the bottle, pouring one quarter of oil, adding food colouring, glitter and Alka-Seltzer.

Our results showed us that the oil and water would not mix unless we were actually shaking the bottle consistently.

Why did the oil and water not mix?

The oil floated to the top because it is lighter (less dense) than water. Oil and water don’t mix because water molecules are more attracted to each other than to oil molecules. (molecular polarity)

What happened when we added the Alka-Seltzer?

The Alka-Seltzer tablet reacts with the water to make carbon dioxide gas. These bubbles attach themselves to the coloured water and caused them to float to the surface.

It was great fun watching the gas bubbles rising. As they rose up it took some coloured water with them and glitter in blobs.

When the blob of coloured water reached the top the bubbles popped, the gas escaped and down went the water. Cool! 🙂

We have brought together a traditional Easter bunny with a modern twist to create some line drawings. Here is our work so far…

Have a lovely weekend everyone! 🙂