Fun with Bubbles
Background:
The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer
questions. Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. In
other words, they design an experiment so that changes to one item cause something else to vary in a
predictable way.
Your own curiosity is the starting point for exploring through inquiry. The questions that drive inquiry
are based on observations. Recorded observations are called data. Quantitative data is measured on a
numerical scale. Data also may be qualitative, in the form of descriptions instead of measurements.
The basis of the scientific method is observing and gathering background information, asking a question,
forming an hypothesis (or an educated guess about the answer to your question), and then trying to come
up with the answers by collecting and analyzing data. Scientists use an experimental design diagram to
identify the essential components of an experiment.
Problem Statement: Which solution makes the biggest bubbles?
Safety: Make sure that the bubble solution is poured on top of trash bags on the tables, report any spills
immediately to the teacher. Use napkins routinely to clean up your lab area.
Vocabulary: scientific method, hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled
experiment, quantitative, qualitative
Materials (per group):
 3 different kinds of clear dishwashing liquids
 commercial bubble solution
 water
 glycerin
 rulers
 straws
 plastic trash bags to cover tables
 Five beakers (or plastic cups)
Procedures:
1. Mix three bubble solutions in separate beakers using the following proportions of liquids: 5 ml dishwashing liquid, 30 ml water, and 5
ml plain glycerin. Note: If you want to make a lot of bubble solution, just use larger quantities of each ingredient, keeping them in
the 1:6:1 proportion.
2. Put 40 ml of commercial bubble solution in a fourth cup.
3. Put 40ml of distilled water on a 5th cup
4. To test a solution, pour it onto the plastic trash bag on your table top, put your straw into one of the small bubbles and blow more air
into the bubble. Continue blowing air into the bubble until it bursts.
5. Using centimeters, measure the diameter of each bubble print left behind on the trash bag.
6. Repeat this procedure three times for each of the different solutions (use a new cup, straw, trash bag, syringes, etc). Every person that
did a certain job the first time, should do it again the second time.
7. While you are doing this activity, make some observations about the colors and other physical characteristics of the bubbles.
8. Record your group’s results on the data sheet.
9. Complete the class data table and write a conclusion for the activity.
Observations/Data:
Diameter of Bubble
Solution
Detergent #1
(cm)
Diameter of Bubble
Solution
Detergent #2
(cm)
Diameter of Bubble
Solution
Detergent #3
(cm)
Diameter of Bubble
Solution
Commercial
(cm)
Trial #1
Trial #2
Trial #3
Average
You should also collect qualitative data such as observations about the colors and other physical characteristics of the bubbles.
Data Analysis:
Create a bar graph using the data from the table above; make sure to label your axis(s) and include the units of measurements.
Average Bubble Size Diameter by Solution
Results:
1. From the data collected, which bubble solution makes the biggest bubbles?
2. Compare the commercial bubble solution with the detergent solutions. Was there a difference?
3. Predict the importance of adding glycerin to bubble solutions.
Conclusion:
Write a lab report making sure to follow the rubric/template provided