Bubble science experiments are a fun and easy way to explore chemistry and physics with kids. With just a few simple ingredients, you can investigate surface tension, air pressure, evaporation, and the unique properties of soap bubbles. From bouncing bubbles and bubble snakes to homemade bubble solution and bubble tricks, these hands-on activities turn everyday play into meaningful STEM learning.
Whether you’re planning a summer science activity, adding a STEM center to your classroom, or simply looking for an engaging outdoor experiment, bubble science offers endless opportunities for observation, prediction, problem-solving, and discovery.
- Field of Science: Chemistry + Physics
- Grade Level: Preschool–5th Grade
- Science Concepts: Surface Tension, Air Pressure, Cohesion, Evaporation, States of Matter, Soap Molecules, Scientific Observation
Top Bubble Science Experiments for Kids
Explore bubbles, surface tension, air pressure, and simple chemistry with these favorite bubble science activities.
Bubble Solution Investigation
Test different bubble recipes to discover which ingredients create the strongest and longest-lasting bubbles.
Bouncing Bubbles (see below)
Learn how surface tension and a simple pair of gloves can help bubbles bounce instead of pop.
Bubble Snake
Create long streams of bubbles with a bottle blower and explore how air moves through bubble film.
Bubble Painting
Combine art and science by using colored bubbles to create unique bubble prints.
Bubble Wand Shapes
Test different wand shapes and discover why bubbles are always round.
3D Bubbles
Build bubble structures and investigate how bubble films connect and interact.
Bubble Volcano
Mix a chemical reaction with bubble solution to create a foamy eruption.
Bubble Towers
Stack bubbles and explore how bubble films can support one another.
Skewer Through a Bubble (see below)
Discover how a bubble can stretch around a coated skewer without popping.
Freezing Bubbles
Observe beautiful ice crystal patterns as bubbles freeze in cold weather.
Supplies Needed
- Dish soap
- Water (distilled works best)
- Glycerin or corn syrup
- Bubble wands, straws, or bottles
- Gloves (clean, knit gloves for bouncing bubbles)
- Sock and plastic bottle (for bubble snake)
- Food coloring (optional)
How to Make the Best Bubble Solution
Glycerin Recipe (preferred for bouncing bubbles):
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- 2 tablespoons glycerin
Corn Syrup Recipe:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup dish soap
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Let the mixture rest for at least 1 hour. For best results, let it sit overnight.
Printable Bubble Solution Recipe & Activity Guide
See how to make bubble solution with corn syrup!
The Science Behind Bubbles
Bubbles form when a thin film of soapy water traps air inside. Surface tension pulls the film evenly in all directions, creating the round shape we see. Soap molecules help stabilize the water film, allowing it to stretch rather than pop immediately.
Ingredients such as glycerin and corn syrup help strengthen bubbles by slowing evaporation and keeping the film flexible longer. That’s why some bubble solutions produce larger, stronger, and longer-lasting bubbles than others.
Through bubble science experiments, kids can explore surface tension, evaporation, air pressure, and the unique properties of liquids in a fun and hands-on way.
Investigate: Try different bubble solutions, make a homemade bubble solution, or experiment with soap and water!
Bouncing Bubbles Science Experiment
Can you catch a bubble without popping it? With the right bubble solution and the right materials, you can make bubbles that bounce off your hands!
How to Make Bouncing Bubbles
You’ll need:
- Homemade bubble solution (glycerin works best)
- A bubble wand, baster, or straw
- Clean knit gloves (or soft winter gloves)
Instructions:
Put on the gloves and dip your baster, wand or straw into the solution. Blow a bubble slowly and gently.
Hold your hand out flat and try to catch the bubble. Bounce it gently from hand to hand.
Why Do Bouncing Bubbles Work?
Usually, bubbles pop when they come into contact with your skin because of the oils and dirt that break the surface tension. But when you wear gloves, that layer of protection keeps the bubble from popping. The glove also absorbs moisture and reduces friction, allowing the bubble to rest on the fabric and even bounce a little.
Skewer Through a Bubble Experiment
Can you push a skewer through a bubble without popping it? It sounds impossible, but with a little science, it works!
Supplies:
- Bubble solution
- Bubble wand
- Wooden skewer
Instructions:
- Blow a bubble.
- Dip the pointed end of the skewer into bubble solution.
- Carefully insert the coated skewer through the side of the bubble.
- Watch as the skewer passes through without popping the bubble.
Why does it work?
The bubble pops when its thin film is disturbed. Coating the skewer with bubble solution prevents it from breaking the bubble’s surface tension, allowing it to slide through the film without bursting it.
Make It a Science Project
Take your bubble investigations further by testing variables and collecting data using the scientific method for kids.
Try exploring:
- Which bubble recipe makes the strongest bubbles?
- Does glycerin or corn syrup work better?
- Which type of soap produces the biggest bubbles?
- Do bubbles last longer indoors or outdoors?
- How does humidity affect bubble life?
- Which bubble wand shape creates the largest bubbles?
Record your observations, compare results, and look for patterns just like a real scientist.
Bouncing Bubbles FAQ
What makes bubbles round?
Surface tension pulls the bubble film evenly in all directions. A sphere is the shape that holds the greatest volume with the least surface area, so bubbles naturally form round shapes.
Why does soap help make bubbles?
Soap reduces the surface tension of water and creates a flexible film that can stretch around trapped air. Without soap, bubbles pop almost immediately.
Why do bubbles pop?
Bubbles pop when the water in the film evaporates, when the film becomes too thin, or when oils and dirt break the surface tension.
What is surface tension?
Surface tension is the force that causes water molecules to stick together at the surface of a liquid. It acts like a stretchy skin that helps hold bubbles together.
What is the best homemade bubble solution?
Many bubble recipes work well, but adding glycerin or corn syrup helps create stronger, longer-lasting bubbles by slowing evaporation.
What are bouncing bubbles?
Bouncing bubbles are bubbles that can be caught and gently bounced using clean knit gloves. The gloves prevent oils from your skin from breaking the bubble film.
Can you make bubble science experiments indoors?
Yes. Many bubble activities work well indoors, especially bouncing bubbles and bubble solution investigations. Avoid fans or strong air currents for the best results.
What age is bubble science best for?
Bubble science activities are excellent for preschool through elementary-aged children because they combine simple materials with meaningful science concepts.
Related Science Activities
- Surface Tension Penny Drop – Explore how many drops of water fit on a penny while investigating cohesion and surface tension.
- Magic Milk Surface Tension Experiment – Use food coloring and dish soap to observe surface tension in action.
- Magic Star Toothpick Experiment – Watch a star shape form as water breaks down the surface tension holding toothpicks in place.
- Oil and Water Science Experiment – Investigate why oil and water don’t mix and how liquids interact.
- Dancing Raisins Experiment – Observe how carbon dioxide bubbles cause raisins to float and sink.
- Homemade Lava Lamp – Explore density and gas formation as bubbles move through liquids.
Continue Exploring Science
Want printable science investigations, reusable recording pages, STEM challenges, and organized hands-on activities all in one place?
Explore the Classic Science Activities Pack for ready-to-use science and STEM learning at home or in the classroom.
