Investigations with Bubbles

Sandra M  Green                Frazier School
                               4027 West Grenshaw
                               Chicago IL 60624
                               (312) 534-6880

Objectives:

     This activity is introduced to seventh and eighth grade students.

1.  Students will be able to perform a scientific experiment.
2.  Students will collect and record data in graphic form.
3.  Students will develop skills in observation.
4.  Students will learn how to design their own bubble makers.
5.  Students will be able to determine the diameters of the bubbles using
    a metric ruler.

Materials Needed:

 Four kinds of dishwashing liquid (Dove, Joy, Palmolive, and Dawn), water, 
sugar, glycerin, corn syrup, gelatin, straws, wire, balloons, strings, paper 
cups, scissors, clothespins, meter sticks, calculators, wooden spools of thread, 
etc. 

Strategy:

 Set up four test stations using the dishwashing solutions.  Students will 
 design their own bubble makers using instructions and material given to them.  
 Students will pour dishwashing liquid onto the surface of the table using their 
 hands to wet about (45cm) in diameter. They will dip a straw into the solution  
 in the container.  With the straw just touching the soapy surface, they will 
 blow gently to form a bubble dome and continue blowing until it pops.  With a 
 meter stick they will measure the inside diameter of the ring of soap suds left 
 by the bubble dome.  Students will work in groups to measure the bubbles from 
 all four solutions.  Each group should do four trials per solution.  They will 
 band the bubbles from biggest to smallest bubbles made. 

Performance Assessment:

 Groups will be able to graph results of bubble investigation.