Make Your Own … Bubbles
By Ruth R. Harmon
(Note: Do this activity outdoors.)
1/4 cup good quality liquid dishwashing detergent
4 cups waterlarge container (for dipping the straw frame)35″ (89 cm) length of cotton kite string
2 plastic drinking straws 7 3/4″ (19.7 cm) long
1. In a bowl, mix the dishwashing detergent with the water and pour into the container.
2. Thread one end of the string through each straw and tie both ends in a knot.
3. Holding one straw with each hand, form a frame and put it into the solution. As you slowly take it out, a film will form on the frame (see illustration). Hold your arms out in front of you and slowly pull the frame to the side. The air will force the film off and make bubbles. You can change the bubble patterns by the way you move or shake the frame. To close off one large bubble, twist the frame towards you. The bubble will form a sphere and drift away.
