Easy

Salt Lava Lamp

The elf made a lava lamp in a clear cup: colored water on the bottom, oil on top, and a pinch of salt that sends blobs up and down.

Instructions

Fill a clear plastic cup or bottle about one third with water and add a few drops of food coloring.
Slowly pour in vegetable oil until the cup is nearly full; it floats on top.
Set out a small dish of salt and a spoon.
Sit the elf beside it with a note: "Sprinkle salt on top and watch the lava."
Salt sinks, carrying oil down; when it dissolves, the oil floats back up.

Tip: Do this on a tray. Oil is slippery if it spills.

Setup Time

10 min

Mess Level

Medium Mess

Some cleanup required

Best for Ages

3-12

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Clear plastic cups

Food coloring

1 color

Vegetable oil

1 cup

Have at home

Salt

1 tablespoon

Have at home

Add it to your December elf calendar