It’s one of the most memorable scenes from Finding Nemo. We also love bubbles at Steve Spangler Science. The science of bubbles is as fascinating as bubbles are engaging.
First, start with a good bubble solution. The secrets behind great bubbles are dish soap and glycerin. Just don’t use the antibacterial dish soap. Dawn works the best.
Glycerin is the true secret to the best bubbles because it keeps the bubble hydrated. A bubble will pop in the air because the water evaporates. The glycerin will hold onto that water and extend the life of the bubble. But don’t let it touch your skin. Oil and dirt are the enemies of bubbles.
The best bubble blower is a pipette with the end cut off. Just remember to blow through the pipette and not suck.
Stacy Ratel and her children love bubbles. Really love bubbles.
On lazy summer days, Stacy and her two children are constantly moving from activity to activity. When the weather is just right – muggy, just before a rain with little to no sun – she brings out the bubble solution.
The Ratels are serious about their bubbles. They don’t make small, round, boring bubbles. They make giant, kid-eating bubbles. The kind that have a life of their own as they bobble and bounce around in the air before popping and spraying tiny soap droplets everywhere.
Making the bubbles is a family affair. Her oldest, Mark, helps to make the bubble solution to practice measuring and mixing – building a great math skill for later down the road.
Her youngest, Emily, is a Science Bubble Investigator – SBI. Emily discovers new techniques and ways to catch a bubble and not pop it. Soapy hands protect the bubble from dirt and oil and prolong its life.
Bubbles are magical and captivating. Who doesn’t like playing with bubbles? The key is the perfect bubble solution. Combining water and dish soap is good, but not perfect. Some people think glycerin and water works well. It’s still not perfect. If you are a serious bubblologist or bubble connoisseur, this recipe is for you. With this recipe, a secret and some imagination you will make big bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles and bouncing bubbles. Click here for the bubble recipe >
