Giant Soap Bubbles

Physics, Chemistry:	Surface Tension, Bubble Formation
Grade Range:	Elementary School, High School
Format:	Hands-on, Stage

Our giant soap bubble solution can make some impressively big bubbles. Elementary school students will love playing with the bubbles, and high school students will be fascinated by the science! This demonstration gets messy pretty quickly, so either perform this demonstration outdoors or bring a large tarp to catch the mess.

Materials

• Big Bubble Solution:
  • Water
  • Glycerin
  • Liquid Dish Soap
• Big Bubble Wands
• Large Bowls or Tubs

Safety Precautions

Please read the Liquid Chemical section of the Demonstration Safety page before performing this demonstration.

Demonstration

Preparation: Making the Big Bubble Solution

1. In a large container, mix two cups of soap with six cups of water. Mix it slowly to minimize the suds formed.
2. Clear away most of the suds from the surface, and add 1/3 cup of glycerin, stirring while adding it in slowly. Once fully dissolved, store the solution in a container and label it. The solution will last about a year, but should be mixed prior to every use.

Presentaiton

1. Pour the bubble solution into several large bowls or tubs. Set the big bubble wands next to the tubs. If indoors, lay out a tarp in front of the table the tubs are on to help catch any mess.
2. Let students come up and have fun! the solution can make bubbles that are several feet wide, and students will love playing with it.

Why This Works

COMING SOON

Additional Information

• This demonstration pairs well with the Floating Soap Bubbles and the Glowing Bubbles.