The heat this week makes us want to play with water, so we are playing with bubbles this week, learning about the science of bubbles.  What are they? How do they move? Why do they stick sometimes and why do they pop? Why are they always round?  What part does air and wind play in making and moving bubbles?

Soap bubble surfaces are made from thin layers of water trapped between two layers of soap film.  The air inside the bubble pushes out evenly in all directions against the soap film, thereby always forming a circle, specifically, a sphere.  We discussed the three dimensions of a sphere--height, width, and depth and talked about how it is different from a circle. We made our own bubble soap, experimented with bubbles using different shaped tools to make our bubbles, even our hands!  We attempted to encase the kids in a giant bubble using a kiddie pool and a hula hoop and made some very big bubbles!  We made bubble print art and blew bubbles with our snack (milk and a straw). 

To make your own bubble solution at home, mix 1 part dish soap to 3 parts water, then add a teaspoon or two of corn syrup.  This makes the bubbles sticky enough to float.  Pipe cleaners make good bubble wands, also fly swatters and even small colanders and strainers.   Good, clean fun!

Books We Read: Pop!  The Science of Bubbles

Next Week: Insects