Here’s one of my favorite Bible activities for kids. It combines a fun science experiment, with a demonstration of how we are all created uniquely by God!
Related Scriptures
Hebrews 7:25: Consequently, [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost all those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Start by telling your students: Bubbles seem like one of the simplest of God’s creations. It’s amazing to see how each bubble is a little different than another in how it refracts light. God works like this in our lives. We’re all different, so He is likely to show up differently in all of us.
Materials
- Standard sized bottle of bubbles with bubble blowing stick
- Sugar, 1 tsp
- Direct sunlight
How It Works
- Put a teaspoon of sugar into the bubbles bottle (which will prevent them from popping as easily)
- Put the cap back on and shake it up
- Put the bottle in the refrigerator for half an hour (so the bubble liquid can settle again)
- Bring the bottle over to the sunlight and sit down on the floor, placing the bottle in front of you.
- Blow a good sized bubble through the ring at the end of the blowing stick. Try not to blow so hard that the bubble dislodges from the ring.
- Once you have a good sized bubble attached to the ring, sit the blower stick gently on top of the bottle of bubbles, using its mouth as a stand.
- Observe the bubble. Ask your students: What do you see? How does the bubble change over time?
- Repeat the experiment three or four times. Ask your students: How are the bubbles different from one another?
You should notice that after a few moments, colors of the rainbow begin to appear on the bubble. The colors should change, move and eventually disappear. You will notice that every bubble responds slightly differently than the ones preceding.
The colors may show up more slowly or quickly. They will have a different pattern and will last for different durations before disappearing again.
Why Each Bubble Is Unique
At first, the light will pass through the bubble. However, soon the air inside the bubble changes. The carbon dioxide blown into it begins to dissipate. Some of the white light or sunlight is not able to pass through, and it will separate or “refract” on the bubble’s inner and outer lining. Actually made of fluid, the lining of the bubble is constantly changing thickness. That’s why the colors move and eventually disappear.
As you observe other bubbles, you will notice that each one reacts to light a little differently. This has to do with the bubble’s thickness and hence its response to gravity, which will pull the liquid slowly downward, making each bubble thinner at the top. How much light is refracted depends on how thick the bubble was to begin with and how long it remains on the stand.
Why We Are All Unique Too!
Just like the bubbles, God created each of us uniquely!
He may give one person the gift of kindness. Another person may seem less friendly but is very good with mathematics. Another is shy with people but loves animals. We’re all simply people – God’s creation – but as attested to in Hebrews 7:35, there are not two of us alike, and God is able to save us all and shine His light uniquely through each of us!
Looking For More Bible Activities?
Before you go, make sure you check out our complete list of teaching resources. You’ll find dozens of fun, simple Bible activities just like this one, whether you’re looking for more science experiments, complete lessons plans, or printable activity sheets!