What’s a bubbleologist, you ask?
Simply put, a bubbleologist is an expert in all things bubbles—and kids are natural bubbleologists.
Today’s at home activity takes bubbles to a whole new level. Not only do the activities below allow your little ones to play with bubbles (which is obviously a blast), they’re designed to build important skills like trial and error and cause and effect. Plus, by following the directions below, kids explore geometry and shape-building, physical properties, and their own creativity.
And who knows: It might even make 20-second handwashing an easier sell.
Tabletop Bubbles
Goals:
Learn simple ways to make and control bubbles
Explore and observe the properties of bubbles
What you will need:
Plastic table covering
Cookie sheets or tray with small lip
Dish detergent
Water
Measuring cup
Bowl
Drinking straws
Optional for additional explorations:
Clean cans, other small bottles, lids, etc.
A small toy or figurines
Cardboard tubes
Rubber bands
Pieces of fabric
Small cups or blocks
Sheet of clear plexiglass, acetate, or flat container with a clear bottom
How to:
Mix 1 part dish detergent and 8 parts water. Mix slowly to avoid suds.
Pour enough of the mixture into the cookie sheet to cover the bottom, dry spots could pop your bubbles.
Before you dip your straw in the solution, practice blowing a puff of air through the tube making sure not to inhale. Once you’re ready, touch the straw lightly on the surface of the cookie sheet and blow.
See what you can make happen: Can you blow half bubbles? What happens when two halves (or hemispheres) meet? Can you blow a bubble inside another bubble?
Exploration 1: Stretch bubbles between tin cans
Dip the end of a clean can in the bubble solution. Using your straw blow a full bubble on top of the can.
Dip another can in solution and place the solution end above your first bubble. Lower the can onto the bubble and pull up slowly. How far can you stretch the bubble? Can you twist the bubble?
Exploration 2: The Toy in a Bubble
Dip the closed end of a can in the bubble solution. Place a small toy or figurine on top. Can you blow a bubble so the toy is completely inside the bubble? Hint: make sure your hands are completely wet.
Exploration 3: Foam Sculpture
Wrap a small piece of fabric around the end of a cardboard tube using a rubber band.
Dip the cloth in the bubble solution, hold it slightly above the tray, and blow.
Try making piles of foam into sculpted figures.
Try different fabric pieces. How do different fabrics change the bubbles
Exploration 4: Bubble Geometry
Using four small cups or blocks as posts, place a piece of plexiglass or other clear item about 2 to 3 inches above your tray of bubble solution.
Wet the underside of the plexiglass and blow bubbles underneath it with a straw. What shape or shapes do you see on the clear surface?