The Chemistry of Bigger Bubbles

This activity will introduce students to some of the properties of bubble making substances. The student will observe how soap affects the surface tension of water. Give each student an eyedropper and a penny. Ask them to predict how many drops of water will fit on the penny without spilling. Distribute dishes of water and have the student find out if the water will spill off the penny. After the students have a chance to observe the surface tension of the water on a penny, ask them to put drops of water on a penny again, then break the surface tension of the water on the penny by adding a drop of soap solution.