May 28, 2018: Bubbling with Enthusiasm

The start of summer has everyone bubbling over with energy. Learning to play and playing to learn with bubbles is fun for all ages.

Activity 1: Best Homemade Bubbles

Supplies Needed:

  • Two containers for the bubbles
  • 1/2 cup of Dawn Dish Liquid
  • 12-15 drops of glycerin
    (Look for it with first-aid supplies or cake decorating)
  • Water
  • 1 cup of sugar

Supplies for activity


Bubble Mixture 1

Mix

  • 1/4 cup of Dawn
  • 12-15 drops of glycerin
  • 2 cups of water

Bubble Mixture 2

Mix

  • 1/4 cup of Dawn
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 3/2 cup of water



Experiment

  • Let the mixtures rest overnight.
  • Test different formulas.
  • Which is best?

Discussion

First we need to decide what we mean by best.

  • Which makes the biggest bubble?
  • Which makes the longest lasting bubble?
  • Which is easiest to make?
  • Does one mixture clearly beat the other in all measures of best?
  • What creates bubbles?
  • What makes them break?
  • Can you create an even better recipe by adjust the ingredients?

Activity 2: Biggest Bubble Prints

Supplies needed:

  • Straws (at least one for each participant)
  • Black garbage bag(s)
  • Tape
  • Table top
  • Scissors
  • Bubble mixtures
  • Measuring tool (optional)
Supplies for activity

Instructions

Bubble! Popped bubble!
DoubleBubble!
  • Split the black garbage bag(s) open and tape to cover a table.
  • Pour some of the bubble liquid over the table.
  • To test which makes bigger bubbles, you may want to try the activity twice or section the table to have one mixture of one side and the other mixture on the other side.
  • With a straw angled slightly, blow slightly through the straw.
  • Investigate how to place the straw, how hard to blow, and how best to take breathes to make big bubble.
  • What happens when they burst?
  • Approximate or measure the diameter of the bubble prints.
  • Try to make a bigger one.
  • Share your strategies.

Discussion

I often use a folding table outside for this activity and invite friends to join in the fun. I usually set up in the shade if possible to help the bubbles and the children last longer. I'm amazed how long the kids stay with the activity sometimes. Several children can blow bubbles around a table without interfering with one another.

Activity 3: Bubble Makers

Design your own wand from pipe cleaners (pictured to the right) or find other stuff to blow bubbles. For example, a piece of paper rolled into a cone, a straw, a spoon with holes, empty berry containers, pipe cleaners or your hands.
  • How long to the bubbles last?
  • What do you notice?
  • What kind of "wand" makes the best bubbles?
Supplies for activity Supplies for activity