LESSON DESCRIPTION:
IStudents explore the amazing properties of soap film as they make bubbles with their bare hands and make “bubble trapezes”. Some students may even get to stand inside bubbles.

TIME REQUIRED: 30-60 minutes

OBJECTIVES:
Students discover the characteristics of elastic surface tension, evaporation, reflection, light waves, and air currents. For older students, this lesson is an opportunity to discuss the chemicals properties of soap molecules. Students also can learn that the colors they see on surfaces of the bubbles are caused by the interference patterns of light bouncing off the bubbles..

FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
Indoors only for large bubbles. (Outdoor air currents break the bubbles.) To avoid spilling the bubble solution indoors, hand bubbles and bubble trapezes are best done outside.

SAFETY:
Bubble solution can be very slippery on floor surfaces. For indoor experimentation, the floor will be covered with cloth tarps to prevent slip hazards.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

Kindergarden: 1st Grade: 2nd Grade:   3rd Grade:   4rth Grade:   5th Grade:   6th Grade: