The purpose of this experiment was to make a lava lamp with a mixture of benzyl alcohol, freshwater, saltwater, and coloring from a sharpie. The first step was to find a bottle and get a base, then Andrew would supply us with a light bulb a power extension cord and a light bulb base. Then the exciting part came when we had to mix the ingredients, but Andrew told us the original benzyl alcohol wasn't working too well, so he said we had to get a good consistency so he advised us to use coconut oil and we mixed it in. then we put everything together and it when it all worked I had a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
I will remember this from when Andrew wanted to cut the lights for everyone to see it in action and I felt so accomplished because me and my partner Garrett were very happy because we did what other students couldn't. We listened to Braden and Andrew to use coconut oil because it seemed like it would work and it worked very well. I am very interested in learning about density and just exactly how this lamp works and how density works in the real world. The Lava Lamp was my favorite lab in this class so far because my partner and I made it on our own with some help, but we and it happen so it was very rewarding to experience this.
When other people see my lava I want them to feel like they can accomplished what me and my partner accomplished, I hope they will be inspired to make one or just to have them want to make something. So with the adding of different amounts of saltwater and freshwater and the way I think the lava lamp works is the lava is denser than the water and the saltwater keeps it on the bottom and the freshwater is at the top so when the lava get heated up the lava becomes less dense floats to the top and the top is cold so eventually the lava comes back down.
Overall my experiment worked out well and was the desired outcome. The design was approved by Andrew and said it was very unique, the plan we made below didn't receive any peer critique. What I got out of this experiment was that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to if I can take the time and energy. Throughout me doing this experiment I found that I work pretty well with others and that lava lamps are pretty awesome.