In this activity, students learn about the surface tension of water by experimenting with bubbles.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- demonstrate the effect of soap on surface tension
- demonstrate whether the shape of a bubble wand affects the shape of bubbles
- discuss one or more ways in which they worked as scientists to complete this activity.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
- introduction/background notes
- what you need
- what to do
- extension idea
- student handouts.
Nature of science
Scientists engage in many different types of investigative research – through observation, exploration and gathering and interpreting data. By giving students firsthand experiences in science, we help them to learn about how science is done as well as introducing content knowledge.
Related content
The article Observing bubbles – explores surface tension – the curious force that holds individual liquid molecules together.
Activity idea
Follow up this activity with Observing water’s thin skin, this inludes three simple activities that demonstrate water’s thin elastic layer.
Useful link
Visit the Soap Bubble Wiki for bubble liquid recipes, instructions for making giant bubbles and a wide variety of wands.
