Bubble Trouble

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In this activity on page 15 of the PDF, learners measure the amount of bubbles that they make using a detergent. Learners investigate whether adding Epsom salt to the solution affects its "sudsiness"--an important attribute of soap, since sudsy bubbles help soap clean greasy dirt. Use this activity to explore how chemicals can change a material's properties and how substances dissolve.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • 3 disposable, clear plastic bottles with caps (20-ounce soda bottles work well; the bottles should be the same size and shape)
  • Ruler
  • Permanent marker
  • Distilled water
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Liquid dishwashing detergent
  • Epsom salt
  • Clock or timer with second hand

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Department of Volunteer Support, American Chemical Society

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemical Society, 2011