“Bursting Bubbles” Science Experiment & Why Every Action Counts!

All kids love making bubbles. But bubbles last only seconds and are gone. This easy science experiment will show you that even those events that last only a few seconds can bring joy or sorrow. It is a great opportunity to teach the idea that every action, even a small one, counts!

Material

• l/2 cup dish soap
• l/2 cup water
• Two tablespoons sugar
• Bubble ring or straw
• One large cup or any wide bottle (such as empty mayonnaise jar.)
• Any color food coloring (optional)

Introduction

A bubble last a few seconds but brings joy. Likewise, a smile last only a few seconds, but that doesn’t diminish the joy that comes with it.

Sometimes the smallest act of kindness, something as simple as holding a door open for an older person, may be over in a minute. But unlike a bubble that may last only a few seconds, acts of kindness will be long remembered in the heart of the one who receives it. Let’s try making some bubbles, and you’ll see what I mean.

Instructions

1. Pour l/2 cup of dish soap into a cup.
2. Add l/2 cups of water to the cup.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar.
5. Gently stir. Don’t shake too much.
6. Blow bubbles.

Note: If you are using a straw, having students dip the straw in, and only then put their mouths to it. Explain the need to BLOW OUT, and NOT IN, so they don’t taste the yicky dish soap.

Explanation

Soap bubbles are made by blowing air into a film of soapy water. One way to make a bubble is to use the bubble ring or a straw. The ring is dipped into the soap mixture until a film forms across the ring. Air is then blown into the film to make a bubble. The iridescent colors of a soap bubble are produced by the interference of light, which is the effect caused by the joining together of two waves of light. Light reflected from the outer surface of the film combines with that reflected from the inner surface.

Conclusion

Sometimes we can express our love by remembering that it is what we do, not what we say, that leaves the most lasting impression. As a bubble that lasts only a few seconds we should all be aware that even the smallest gesture that is over quickly has meaning. For an example: If we roll our eyes when a teacher or parent is talking, that small act, while taking only a few seconds, shows lack of respect. But if we take even just a few seconds to perform some small act of kindness that act will not disappear into thin air as a bubble does. It may have ramifications that will last for a long time.

Always remember that every action counts. Let’s try to do small gestures of respect and gratitude…and remember that small gestures that hurt others can be remembered for years!