Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

Bubble Science Experiments for Kids

What is it about blowing bubbles? You can blow bubbles year round indoors or outdoors too! Making bubbles is definitely on our list of simple science experiments to try. Mix up your own inexpensive bubble solution recipe and get blowing with one of these fun bubble science experiments. 

BOUNCING BUBBLES SCIENCE EXPERIMENT AND MORE

BUBBLE SCIENCE FOR KIDS

Get ready to add these simple bubble experiments, including bouncing bubbles, to your activities or lesson plans this season. If you want to learn about the science of bubbles, let’s dig in! While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other fun STEM activities.

Our science activities and experiments are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind!  Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun!  Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home!

HOW DO BUBBLES FORM?

What’s the science behind bubbles? Bubbles are made up of a thin wall of soapy film that fills with air. You can liken a bubble to a balloon in that a balloon has a thin skin of rubber filled with air. However, when two bubbles of similar size meet, they merge together creating the least possible surface area. Balloons, of course do not do this.

The film that makes the bubble has three layers. A thin layer of water is sandwiched between two layers of soap molecules. Each soap molecule is oriented so that its polar (hydrophilic) head faces the water, while its hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail extends away from the water layer.

When bubbles of different sizes meet, one will become a bulge onto the larger bubble. You may start to notice that when you get a ton of bubbles going that they start to form hexagons. Bubbles will form 120 degree angles where they meet.  

That means that whatever shape a bubble has when it is first formed, it will try to become a sphere. That’s because a sphere is the shape that has the least ​surface area and requires the least energy to achieve.​

BUBBLE SOLUTION RECIPE

Bubble science is real and fun! Make up some bubble mix and start investigating bubbles.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup of dish soap

Add all your ingredients to a container and mix together.

BUBBLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Now you have mixed up your bubble solution, explore bubble science with one of these fun bubble activities.

Geometric Bubbles

Can bubbles be different shapes? This special geometric bubbles activity combines a bit of math, engineering, and science as well.  Build your own geometric bubble wands and explore bubble shapes.

Freezing Bubbles In Winter

A fun bubble activity for winter. What happens when you blow bubbles in winter?

Winter bubble activity freezing bubbles frozen bubbles activity

3D Bubble Shapes

Bubble blowing, homemade bubble wands, and 3D bubble structures are all an incredible way to explore bubble science any day of the year. 

BOUNCING BUBBLES

Can you make a bubble bounce without it breaking?

YOU WILL NEED: 

  • Tablespoon measure and a one-cup measure
  • Paper cups and marker
  • Straws, eyedropper, apple slicer (optional) and baster for blowing bubbles
  • Simple glove (bouncing bubbles)
  • Towel (wipe up accidents and keep surfaces clean)

HOW TO MAKE A BOUNCING BUBBLE

We used our baster to blow a large bubble onto our hand with the bubble solution.

We used a gardening glove to gently bounce our bubble!

We also made bubbles with an apple slicer. Simply, place it in the solution and then wave it through the air to create the bubbles. What else can you use?

Want to stick a skewer through a bubble, without popping it? Have a go!

MORE FUN EXPERIMENTS FOR KIDS

MAKE BUBBLES WITH A BUBBLE EXPERIMENT

Click on the image below or on the link for tons more easy kids science experiments.

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