Today, we made bubbles in my class for a science activity. I like to start with simple experiments with fewer steps early in the year.
Materials Needed:
liquid dish soap
plastic spoons
disposable cups
measuring cups
small pitcher of water
rigatoni
pipe cleaners
Set Up:
Gather all materials. Bend pipe cleaners into a bubble wand shape (with a circle on one end).
Procedure:
I first made my own cup of bubble solution to show the children exactly what I expected them to do. I talked to them about carefully pouring each liquid into the spoon or measuring cup, without spilling (if possible). I was surprised by how careful and precise the kids measured out their liquids and poured them into their cup. They were very good scientists!
First, we poured liquid dish soap into a spoon, and poured it into the cup.
Second, we measured out 1/4 cup of water and poured it into the cup. Then, we stirred the mixture together. I put only 1/4 cup of water into the pitcher for each child to help them be more successful in getting the right amount, and it wouldn’t overflow. Our pitchers have measuring marks on the outside. We also use these pitchers at snack time for the children to pour their drinking water or juice (the children love this kind of independence!) If you live in the South, you can find these pitchers at Publix with the kitchen items.
We went outside to test our bubble solution. I made bubble wands out of pipe cleaners. We also tried blowing through dry rigatoni, just for experiment. The rigatoni worked, but the pipe cleaners worked better.
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Love the bubble experiment…along with the literacy book….
Love your post…. we love bubbles but I love turning it into a science (and cooking!) lesson. We have those same pitchers from Publix, too, and they are great at snack time! Thanks!
need a material list so that i could follow a little bit better other than that it is awesome!!! š
Thanks for the suggestion, Rhiannon! It has been added.
I believe, Walmart still carries the pitchers (we’ve used them for years at our school & the kids love to pour their own milk or water at snack time!)
I would like to know the reason for doing this activity. Like what skills or concepts will this activity practice or introduce?
Going by the Georgia Pre-K Content Standards, I would classify this activity as:
SD1d : Uses simple equipment to experiment, observe, and increase understanding.
SD3a : Investigates and describes the states of matter.
This experiment teaches the children about measuring and creating something all on their own. Bubble solution is sold in stores but having the child’s face all proud of them selves making it themselves is priceless! Besides, Children love bubbles!!
Wow! This is great!!! I love your preschool science pages and this is the coolest activity. My son would adore this! Thanks so much!
Thanks for making my month much easier. New teacher with very few ideas for this age group and don’t have to spend much on supplies. Thanks a bunch.
Thank you Karen for the ideas. I am a teacher for preschool children in Indianapolis, IN. Your web site is awesome.
My daughter loves bubbles. Thanks for the tips.
Thanks a lot,for your science activity it really helps me .
How many (tea?)spoons of dish soap? Thanks!
It’s one plastic spoonful per 1/4 cup of water.