Bubble Battles

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In this activity, learners investigate how hard water and soft water affect the way soap and detergent make bubbles. Learners compare four combinations—soft water with soap, soft water with detergent, hard water with soap, and hard water with detergent—then shake each mixture and record which one produces the most bubbles. This activity introduces how minerals in water can change how cleaning materials behave, including why detergents containing materials such as zeolites can work differently from soap.

 

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 cup distilled water, found in the bottled water section
  • 1/4 tsp. Epsom salt
  • 3/4 tsp. powdered laundry detergent containing aluminosilicates (like Tide)
  • 3/4 tsp. of bar soap without EDTA, grated (like Ivory)
  • 4 small jars with lids, like baby food jars
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • Marker
  • Masking tape

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Penn State University; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Penn State University, 2021

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, DMR-2011839

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