You will need access to water for this activity.

We suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students can work on their own.

Prepare the “Lava”

To prepare the “lava,” you will need water, flour, a 1-gallon Ziploc bag (or large mixing bowl), measuring cups, scissors, and (optional) red food coloring.

For thin lava, use plain water. You can optionally add a drop or two of red food coloring to make it look more like lava. A few cups of water will be enough for about 30 students (15 pairs).

To make thick lava, mix up the flour with water and (optional) red food coloring. Watch this video to see how we mix up a batch in a plastic Ziploc bag without making a mess. You can also mix your lava in a mixing bowl. This should make enough thick lava for about 30 students (15 pairs).

Fill Cups with “Lava”

Fill half of the cups about halfway with the “thin lava.” Fill the other half of the cups about halfway with the “thick lava.”