Make lots of shapes with a few simple supplies. Try it and let us know how it works!
Supplies:
- 1 gallon water
- 2/3 cup dishwashing liquid
- 1 T glycerine (optional – makes bubbles stronger)
- 1 baking sheet (with sides)
- 1 plastic straw
- 1 cup water
Steps:
1. Mix the gallon of water, dishwashing liquid, and the (optional) glycerine together to make your bubble mixture, or “bubble juice”.
2. Pour enough bubble juice on the baking sheet to completely cover the bottom.
3. Dip the straw into the bubble juice. Hold the straw over the baking sheet and blow through the straw to make a bubble on the baking sheet. What shape is your bubble?
4. Blow another bubble, making sure it touches the first bubble. Now what shape are your bubbles?
5. Blow another bubble, making sure it connects to your first two. What happens where they meet?
6. Blow a lot of bubbles. How many different shapes can you find in your bubble structure?
Why this experiment works: The water molecules in a soap film want to get as close together as possible. So, they squeeze together to make the smallest possible film. When they squeeze together, they create different types of shapes.
Your turn: Where else do you see shapes like those made by your bubble buildings? Where could shapes like these be used to solve everyday problems or make our lives easier, better, or more fun?
Source: Exploratopia, 2006: The Exploratorium.
