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 for kids. Mix up your own inexpensive bubble solution, and blow out a gigantic bubble snake! How big can you get it? Take the fun outdoors this summer as you learn all about the science behind bubbles for kids.
Make Bubble Snakes For Summer
This simple to set up bubble activity is one of our favorite summer science activities that you can do outdoors! There is so many fun things you can do with bubble mixture!
Try bubble painting, make 3D bubble shapes and even have a go at bouncing bubbles!
Bubbles are fascinating and fun to play with, especially when we blow them through a sock! But have you ever wondered how these magical bubbles are formed? Read on to find out…
Bubble Science
The science behind how bubbles are made is quite simple. When we dip the sock into a soapy solution and blow into it, we create a thin film of soapy water on the surface of the sock.
This film is made up of soap molecules, which have a special property called surface tension. Surface tension is like a stretchy skin that holds the soapy water together. You can learn more about surface tension here.
When we blow air through the sock, it creates hundreds of small pockets of air inside the film
as it passes through the fabric. The surface tension keeps the bubble from popping right away, allowing it to create one giant long bubble snake!
Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- All About Scientists
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
Free Printable Summer Activities Guide
This free printable summer science guide comes with handy links to bookmark and a summer-themed science process pack with science journal pages. Hang it on the fridge or bulletin board for a reminder for fun things to do this summer!
Bubble Snakes
Supplies:
- Plastic bottle
- Scissors
- Rubber band
- Sock
- Dish soap
- Water
- Sugar
Instructions:
STEP 1: Cut the bottom off your plastic bottle.
STEP 2: Put the sock on the bottom of the bottle, securing it with the rubber band.
STEP 3: Mix a bubble solution of 1/2 cup of dish soap, 1 1/2 cups of water, and 2 teaspoons sugar.
Also check out how to make bubble solution with glycerin or corn syrup.
STEP 4: Dip your sock into the bubble solution and blow!
How big can you get your bubble snakes?
What is it that keeps all those bubbles clinging to one another for so long? Surface tension, of course!
More Fun Things To Do Outdoors
Make a erupting watermelon volcano.
Take the baking soda and vinegar into the sandbox.
Build your own solar oven and toast s’mores.
Enjoy ice cream in a bag or a slushie sorbet!
Make an exploding coke and mentos reaction.
From under the sea to deep space…4th of July to backyard art, we have a ton of summer activities and experiments you can do inside or outside!
