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BUBBLE, BUBBLE OH HOW THEY BUBBLE!
Submitted by: Janice McNair, a teacher at Copeland Elementary School in Augusta Georgia.Grade/Subject Area:
GR. 4-6 - ScienceObjectives:
- To allow the students the opportunity to learn the steps of the scientific method.
- Graphing results of an experiment.
Materials:
Each group of two students should have the following:- samples of three(3) different brands of dishwashing liquid
- water
- three large containers
- 12 inch ruler
- two (2) plastic drinking straws
- three (3) measuring cups
- wooden spoons for stirring
- paper and pencil
Lesson Plan:
- Divide the class into groups of two.
- Each group will measure 1/4 cup of each brand of liquid soap, putting each into a separate container.
- Each group will measure 4 cups of water and mix with liquid in first container. They will repeat this step for each of the containers.
- Spread a bit of one of the solutions on the counter/table top and spread with your hand.
- Demonstrate how to blow bubbles using a straw. (directions below)
- Continue blowing until the bubble breaks. Measure the diameter of the soap ring. This should be demonstrated to the entire class.
- Each group is to repeat this process for four bubbles per container. Record the diameters of each bubble.
- After all bubbles have been blown and measured, the students should average their results.
- Each group will determine which dishwashing liquid made the biggest bubbles.
- A graph of the class's result may be used as a follow up activity.
Directions for blowing bubbles:
Dip the end of the straw into the container to wet it. Put the wet end of the straw just touching the wet surface of the counter/table and gently blow through the straw to form a bubble. Blow until the bubble breaks.***I suggest you let the students "practice" blowing bubbles for a few minutes so that there will be less playing during the measuring period.
Lesson © Janice McNair
