Light and Bubbles

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In this activity, learners explore what happens when light bounces off a bubble. After mixing a bubble solution, learners blow bubble domes on a plate, shine a flashlight on them in a darkened room, and observe how colors and patterns change as they move the light, their viewpoint, or a white paper screen. This activity helps learners investigate how bubbles interact with light and how a material’s appearance can depend on its surroundings.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid (clear is best but any type will work)
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • A blank piece of white paper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Diffraction and Interference
      • Wave Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color

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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