Combine learning and fun with these science experiments!
We’re leaning into really fun, hands-on experiments the whole family can try at home… no need for a trip to the lab or fancy equipment.
Annika Jensen, with the Douglas Space and Science Foundation, says all you need are a few things you’ve probably already got in your storage stash.
DIY Bubble Solution
Annika kicked things off with a simple but educational activity: making your own bubble solution. “Two ingredients… water and soap,” she explained.
The beauty of this experiment is its flexibility—kids can adjust the soap levels to see how it affects bubble quality. “In any good experiment, you have a control and you have a variable,” Jensen said, turning playtime into a chemistry lesson.
To take it up a notch, Annika added sugar to the mix. “We’re going to make the bubbles a little more dense… you can actually get your bubbles thick enough that they will bounce in your hands,” she said. This simple addition demonstrates how different substances affect surface tension and bubble durability.
Bubble Snakes
Next up is a showstopper: bubble snakes. Using a plastic bottle and a sock, kids can create long, foamy trails of bubbles. “This is your new bubble wand,” Annika said. “If you go really fast, you’ll get a good snake… go slow, you’re gonna end up with a big ball of bubbles.” It’s messy, fun, and a great way to explore airflow and pressure.
Sink or Float
Annika also suggested a timeless experiment: sink or float. “You just find whatever you want and see if it’ll sink or float,” she said. From tennis balls to golf balls, kids can predict and test their hypotheses, learning about density and buoyancy in the process.
Bubble Painting
For a creative twist, Annika shared how to paint with bubbles. “Pick a color, stick it in your bubble solution… and blow bubbles on your paper,” she instructed. You can either use the bubble wand or a straw. As the bubbles pop, they leave behind colorful patterns, blending science with art in a way that’s both educational and creative.
Visit douglassciencecenter.org. Use code ‘Studio5’ for $50 discount on camp admission.
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