Grades 4-9
22 activities—119 pages

Students are fascinated by soap bubbles, and these delicate spheres offer much to learn. Did you know that free-floating bubbles are always spherical? Did you know that the sphere is the most economical shape as far as surface area per volume goes? Did you know you can watch the pattern of the color sequence of a bubble and predict its demise?

Soap Films and Bubbles takes advantage of this natural curiosity and uses it as a motivating force. Through creative activities, students will gain insights into physical properties such as surface tension, elasticity, and molecular structure, as well as geometric properties of three-dimensional shapes and minimal surfaces. They will learn about reflection of light waves, the relative pressure within adjoining bubbles, perimeter and area of shapes, the angles at which bubbles meet, and more.

This book is full of engaging, thought-provoking, integrated math and science. It provides activities that are rich in testing variables and accessing higher-order thinking. For example, “It’s a Touchy Subject!” has students blowing bubbles and making observations about what happens when the bubbles land on different surfaces around the classroom. Sometimes they pop, and other times they don’t. Students will chart the discoveries and discuss what might have caused the different results. (Wet surfaces are friendlier to bubbles, as are tightly woven rugs or wool jackets.)

Teachers will appreciate the enthusiasm students have for learning as they dip their hands in a little soap and water and discover the fascinating world—and science—of bubbles.