jonathan's bubbles

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.

Play Dough- NOT EDIBLE

1 cup flour
½ cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Food coloring (add to the water to save yourself burning your fingers)

Cook in medium pan at medium high heat 1-2 minutes until thick and clumps together. Let cool a little and then knead it for about a minute. Let cool before you play with it. Keep in a plastic bag to avoid drying out.

Variation- you can add jello to this as the color, but it will not last as long as the food coloring but you can get some more vibrant colors.