Learn about molecules by experimenting with bubbles!
Activity best for children ages 2 and up (with adult supervision!)
Bubbles are made up of soap molecules with a small layer of water between them -- it's kind of like a bubble sandwich! Molecules are the tiniest part of something. Today, you'll get to experiment and find out how you can create different size bubbles. How can you get more soap molecules to group together? Try making a bubble snake to find out!
Materials
- Empty water bottle
- Old sock
- 1/2 cup water
- Dish soap
- Small bowl
- Scissors
Questions to answer while experimenting:
- What do you notice about how the bubbles are forming?
- What happens when you blow more air? Less?
- How can you make the bubble snake longer? Why do you think it does or doesn't work?
Directions
Step 1
Have an adult cut the bottom of the water bottle.
Step 2
Stretch the sock and slide it over the open end of the water bottle.
Step 3
Stretch and roll the sock so that it goes over the while water bottle.
Step 4
Fold back the top of the sock so that it is snug against the bottle and you can see the "lip" of the bottle.
Step 5
In a small bowl, mix together the water and 1-3 squeezes of dish soap to make your bubble juice.
Step 6
Dip the end of the bottle that is covered by the sock into the bubble juice.
Step 7
Blow on the mouthpiece of the water bottle to make your bubble snake!
Be sure to share your bubble snakes with us on Instagram by tagging @sdcdm320.
Do you have questions about this activity? Email Education@sdcdm.org