SUMMARY

Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM LINKS

solvent, impacted by the chemical and physical Science - Chemical Science
components of each material included in the mixture. Year 6
Mixing materials will either create a solution or a
suspension. Science Understanding– Changes to
materials can be reversible or
When creating lava lamps, prior to adding an Aspirin tablet, irreversible (ACSSU095).
the oil floats of the water due to being less dense,  Elaboration: Solubility of
therefore not mixing as the molecules in the oil are not materials & mixing materials
attracted to the molecules in the water. When the tablet is
added, it sinks to the bottom due to being denser than the Science as a Human Endeavour –
other materials. It then dissolves, causing the chemicals in Science involves testing predictions
the tablet to react with each other, creating carbon dioxide. by gathering data and using evidence
This causes it to become less dense, floating through the to develop explanations of events
water and into the oil in a ball shape. When this ball and phenomena and reflects
reaches the surface, carbon dioxide is released, causing the historical and cultural contributions.
gas to pop, which is what we see when the bubbles rise. (ACSHE098).

LESSON STRUCTURE Science Inquiry Skills – With

Introduction guidance, pose clarifying questions
- Review previous knowledge from engage lesson and make predictions about scientific
- Introduce explore task investigations. (ACSIS232).
Body
- Overview of materials
- Make prediction
- Complete part
- Make second prediction
- Complete investigation
Conclusion
- What did you observe?
- Were predictions correct?
- What was occurring in the lava lamp?

RESOURCES
How a lava lamp works

Solubility of Materials

Lesson Plan - How to make a lava lamp

Video clip on DIY lava lamp

What makes materials soluble

 HOW TO MAKE A
LAVA LAMP

YOUR TASK
• In your groups of 3 you are to create a lava lamp using the materials provided
• You will be exploring solubility of materials and how they mix together
• As a group, you will be predicting what will happen at two stages of the task

MATERIALS
• To begin…number each member of the group (1-3).
• Number 1 is to collect the materials

Each group needs to collect:

• 100ml of water (approx.)
• 300ml of vegetable oil (approx.)
• 1 jar 1-2 drops of food coloring
• 3 aspirin tablets Paper towel

PROCEDURE
PART 1
• Make a prediction on what will happen when the liquid materials are combined
(water, oil and food colouring)
• Number 2s to measure fill ¼ jar with water
• Number 3s to fill the remaining space with oil
• Number 1s to add 1-2 drops of food coloring
• Observe what happens…
PART 2
• Make a prediction on what will happen when the solid
material is added to the solution (the aspirin tablets)
• Number 2s to add the aspirin tablets to the solution
• Observe what happens…