Bubbles: Using Controls

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In this experiment, learners use JOY liquid detergent and glycerin to make the largest bubble they can that lasts 15 seconds. They blow the bubbles in a Teaching Tank, a narrow tank that is commercially available, which allows them to easily measure and monitor the bubbles. Results are collected and graphed by learners. Questions and teaching notes are included to encourage learners to consider what the multiple variables are, and what the effects of sugar, corn syrup, or other sweeteners are on their bubbles. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Teaching Tank
  • Glycerin
  • Water
  • Plastic Cups (small)
  • Transparency Sheets
  • Water Soluble Markers
  • Tape
  • Centimeter Graph Paper
  • Flex Straws
  • Medicine Droppers
  • JOY Liquid Detergent
  • Graduated Cylinder

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Liquids
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data

Informal Categories

  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Captivation, Inc., 2000