Summer Science : Super Bubbles

Another favorite activity and experiment I've used countless times is Super Bubbles.  At a camp, I usually make this an inquiry activity, unless there are many young children; I'll have teen helpers make up a batch and let the kids play.  But, super bubbles makes an excellent inquiry lesson.  Have three different brands of detergents.  (Include Dawn.  I've found it to perform exceptionally well.) Have both glycerin, Karo, and a generic brand of corn syrup.  The kids should use the same quantities of detergents, water, and either syrup or glycerin.  Ask the kids how they'll determine which combination makes the best bubbles.  Biggest?  Longest lasting?  Advise them to change one variable at a time.  If they test two variables simultaneously, they won't know which factor makes a difference.   By this I mean, if they're comparing Dawn and Joy, they should add Karo to both solutions.  The kids love the bubbles and this is a great way to introduce experimental design.

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