There’s lots of things you can do with bubbles. Experiment yourself with bubble mixtures (look out for the ‘catchable’ bubble mixtures which allow you to catch and hold bubbles without them popping) or try out new mixtures.
- See what shapes you can create (use wire frames to help – old wire coat hangers are great for this).
- Very large bubbles can be created using a cloth strip in a loop attached to a stiff rod (to hold the strip open).
- Can you put one bubble inside another?
- Create the largest bubble
- or just have fun popping them!
Do not dismiss bubbles as being just for use with youth. Bubble machines/generators and the use of special bubble mixtures that glow in ultraviolet light are popular at discos and raves. However, remember that most bubble mixtures are soapy so if you are thinking of doing something where there’s a lots of bubbles being produced, remember the floor and that soap is slippery.
Bubble Recipes
Here are some different bubble solutions for you to try. They all improve by being left for a day or so before using, we’re not sure why but they improve with age! (N.B. all references to ‘washing up liquid’ refer to the liquid detergent used for washing dishes ‘by hand’. In the UK normal Fairy Liquid (TM) seems to be better than most.)
All Purpose Bubble Solution
A good, all‑purpose solution for most bubble tricks, experiments and activities.
Materials
- 7 to 10 parts water to 1 part washing up liquid/detergent (e.g. Fairy Liquid)
- Glycerine
- 2 teaspoons of caster sugar
Add ingredients and mix well.
Bouncy Bubble Solution
A fun solution that you can bounce off your clothes.
Materials
- 2 packets unflavoured powdered gelatine
- 1 Litre of hot water (just boiled)
- 50 to 70 ml glycerine
- 2 teaspoons of caster sugar
- 50 ml dish (washing up liquid)/detergent
Dissolve the gelatine in the hot water and then add the dish detergent and glycerine. Note: You will need to reheat this mixture whenever you use it, as it will gel. Two to three minutes in a microwave should do it, but keep an eye on it the first time.
Thick Bubble Solution
A very thick, gooey solution that forms bubbles strong enough to withstand a small puff of air. You can blow bubbles inside of bubbles with this mixture and you don’t need a straw. Just make a bubble and blow.
Materials
- 2.5 to 3 parts water to 1 part dish detergent
- Glycerine
- 3 teaspoons of caster sugar
Add ingredients and mix well.
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A note about glycerine
Not all ingredients require the addition of glycerine in order to make good soap solutions. Glycerine helps soap bubbles hold water and this helps to keep the bubbles from popping. Try a tablespoon or so for a small batch. Glycerine can be purchased at most chemists. You won’t need much, so you will not need caseloads.