Magma or Lava:* A Double Dare

A few weeks ago I took the children to Denver Laura's house for a fabulous Tres de Mayo party, at which Tessa and Reed saw their first lava lamps and were mesmerized (well, to be honest, Tessa was enraptured by Laura's dogs and Reed went absolutely gaga over the Mr's collection of swords, but the lava lamps came in a strong third).

So when I received my book shower complimentary copy of The Double-Daring Book for Girls, I immediately knew which activity we'd be trying first: making our own lava lamp (there are no instructions for how to make your own scythe, much to Reed's chagrin.)

Here's Tessa figuring out our first steps.


Here is everything you need.

You fill the jar about 2/3 full with baby oil, and the rest of the way with water. Put in (sparingly, we learned) a few drops of food coloring. The drop in pieces of the tablet, and watch the solids, liquids and gases do their chemical-thing when there are different densities involved.

Here, as much as a still photo can show, is our end result.

We were going for purple, but both Miss Blue and Mr Red got a little exuberant.

Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz have compiled a ton of fun activities in this (their 2nd daring) book, and many of them will be featured soon at DaringBookforGirls.com as this bloggy shower unfolds.

So I dare you to make your own lava lamp and post the results. And I also encourage all you daring girls revisit some memories from your past and learn some cool new tricks with the Double-Daring Book for Girls. Post the fruits of your dare, and let me know that your entry is up (comment here and I'll get the email).

* Do you know the difference between magma and lava? Hot molten rock is called magma while it's IN the earth, and lava after it erupts. You probably already knew that.

Image: ScienceBlogs.com

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