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How to Make a Motion Lamp

Genuine motion lamps, also known as lava lamps, are commercially made using heavily guarded trade secrets. Besides, they aren't safe for children. But you and your kids can make a child-safe motion lamp that basically works the same way the "real" ones do. The secret is using two liquids that refuse to mix together--oil and water. Because the water is denser than the oil, the oil will always float to the top of the water's surface. This project is quick and easy to make, and you probably already have everything you'll need squirreled away somewhere in your home.

Things You'll Need

Plastic or glass quart jar with a tight-fitting lid Vegetable oil or baby oil Sequins, small beads or glitter--anything tiny and sparkly Food coloring Water

Instructions

- 1
  Pour enough baby oil or vegetable oil into the empty jar to fill it about a third of the way.
- 2
  Drop in about a teaspoon of sequins, small beads, glitter or anything tiny and sparkly.
- 3
  Add water to the jar, almost filling it.
- 4
  Have your kids choose a food coloring to use for the motion lamp. Add the coloring a drop at a time. It will combine with the water in the jar. Keep adding drops until the color of the water has deepened to the shade that satisfies the children.
- 5
  Cap the jar very tightly, and shake it up well. Then show the kids how to flip it upside down and then back again, and have them shake it up as much as they can. They'll be completely captivated by their new motion lamp.

Childrens Toys