Each week, our leaders come up with various activities for the kids to take part in which creates a welcoming and enjoying atmosphere for them. Last week Brianna and I decided to mix up the activities slightly. So instead of our regular arts and crafts, we chose to experiment a little with common household items to create a one of a kind OSC lava lamp. On Thursday, they had the opportunity to let their inner wacky scientist loose by participating in our afternoon activity.

The lava lamp activity allowed them to expand on their scientific understandings further.  They found out that oil and water do not combine since oil has less density compare to water. This meant that the oil floated to the top instead of remaining below the water. This was an unique exercise that enable the kids to explore different scientific properties while having fun with their friends. Mainly they were really keen to make very their first lava lamp. When it came to the time for dropping the tablets into the bottle, the excitement was rising as each kid wanted to be the first to see the tablets perform its magical powers within the mixture.

After a couple unsuccessful attempts, we managed to create a few working lava lamps. The buildup of excitement was on a whole different level as it never once dropped throughout the different phases of constructing. Everyone was excited to try with their own bottle once we got it working. Therefore, we all took turns creating our own distinctive lamp that were of various colours.

This is an easy and inexpensive small activity that  any family can do together to bond with their kids and or simply  brighten their day. If any families wish to try it out, the necessary supplies needed for this homemade lava lamp are vegetable oil, water, food colouring and an alka seltzer tablet. The proportions of each material is up to the creator as it will produce varying results like our trials. This a great method to build upon a child’s creativity and allow them to think outside the box a little with only using household materials to construct things.

Until next time,

Kevin W