On Sept. 15, Connor McKeefery, sophomore chemistry major and resident advisor of Fairview Suites, hosted a program where students learned how to make lava lamps in the exhibition kitchen at 7 p.m.
The materials needed to make this groovy decoration include an 8-ounce mason jar, ⅓ cup of water, food color drops, two tablets of Alka-Seltzer, and any kind of oil, preferably canola. Glitter can also be incorporated to add more flair and texture but is not required.
The process of creating this concoction starts with pouring water in the mason jar. Add a couple drops of selected food coloring dye, fill the jar to the top with canola oil, then drop the tablets inside.
The magic happens when the Alka-Seltzer is added, creating a bubbling effect similar to the wax inside of the lava lamps when they heat up.
“Once the Alka-Seltzer seeps to the bottom, the carbon dioxide is released back up to the surface, resembling the wax inside a lava lamp,” McKeefery said.
If you put a flashlight underneath the bottom of the jar it will glow. A heat lamp will additionally help preserve the flow of bubbles.
“This was an easy way for students to dip their toes in what it would be like in an actual chemistry lab working on experiments,” McKeefery said.
Students who are interested in attending future Fairview Suites events should check out their Facebook page for upcoming weekly activities.
