Lava Lamps Walter Thavarajah Jacob Dosch

Raise and Extract 1. Silica and ceramic clay are taken from the earth for use in the lamps. 2. Water is taken from a source. 3. Petroleum is taken from oil fields to make into mineral oil.

Process 1. The silica sand is refined into glass. 2. The ceramic is made by heating it into a usable state. 3. The isopropyl alcohol is made by combining water and propane. 4. Mineral oil is made of distilled petroleum.

Manufacture 1. The glass container is fastened to the ceramic fixture, and wiring is attached. 2. The liquids are mixed in a separate container. 3. The glass container is filled with fluid. Space is left at the top so air can heat.

Use 1. On the bottom of a lamp is a light bulb which heats the fluid within the lamp. When the colored fluid is heated, it rises to the top. 2. After the fluid reaches the top, it’s distance from the bulb causes it to cool. 3. Steps 2 & 3 are repeated indefinitely until the lamp is disposed.

Dispose 1. A common method of disposal of the liquid is to place it in a newspaper, which is then thrown away. 2. The lamp itself can be disposed of using conventional methods, such as recycling.

Works Cited 1. (2007) How Lava Lamps are Made. Retrieved April 23, 2009, from Made How. Website: Lamp.html 2. Woodford, C. (2000) How Ceramics are Made. Retrieved April 23, 2009, from Explain That Stuff. Website: 3. Peterson, J. (2008) How to Dispose of Lava Lamps. Retrieved April 23, 2009, from Planet Green. Website: garden/dispose-lava-lamp.html