Counter Top Backup Bubbles

Bubbles--Indoor Science Activity

 Whenever it is too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too dark for outdoor bubbles, this indoor science activity helps young children learn to ask questions, make predictions and blow huge indoor bubbles with a minimum of fuss or mess. 

  You will need Dawn dish detergent, water, plastic straws, measuring tape, a water resistant counter top or cookie sheet, and towels to clean up.

Making Bubbles

  Clean a counter top and wet it with a

Wet Counter-top-Add a Few Drops of Detergent

 puddle of less than 1/8 cup of water.  Place 3-5 drops of dish detergent on the puddle and spread around with your hand (fingers curved) until you have some small bubbles. 

  Wet the tip of a straw in your bubble solution and gently place that tip at a 45-degree angle where the bubble meets the counter. 

   Slowly blow into the small bubble. 

Gently Blow Into the Soapy Puddle

The bubble will enlarge as long as the bubble stays in the soapy solution. Bubbles can reach a foot or more in diameter.

 Soap solution molecules link together. When children blow air into bubbles, the soap solution stretches and surrounds the air. We see bubble colors when light is bent similar to a rainbow. 

  To make smaller bubbles inside larger bubbles, dip the straw in the table solution and gently blow inside the larger bubble. 

  At first no one will get a bubble, and suddenly your counter top is full of bubbles. 

 Practice making bigger and bigger bubbles. When they pop, measure the diameter of the bubbles edge to edge through the center.
Refresh solution

   If the solution stops working, add more solution or more water until you get many small bubbles when you swish it around with curved fingers. if the solution is white when you spread it around clean up and start over. 

   What colors do you see in the bubbles? What color does a section of the bubble become the moment before there is a hole and that section bursts? (red, the thinnest part of the bubble skin)

Ask Questions, Experiment, Have Fun!

Who can make the most bubbles inside a larger bubble?  Can you move the bubble? Can you join it with another bubble? Predict what will happen if you move the bubble to a dry spot. Can you pick it up in your hand? Can you carefully place your soapy hand inside a bubble and keep blowing to surround your hand? 

  Teach very young children (age two) to blow OUT gently.  They will generally like to burst bubbles rather than make them.  Give them a cup or large bowl with solution.  

They will enjoy making bubble volcanoes or dipping their straw in the solution and making small bubbles in their hand or in the air.

By Jean Hetrick

Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Vocabulary Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’

website: Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube 

Tempting Kids with Picky Palates

Add French Toast to a Picky-Eater's Menu

 Families can add French toast to eggs, egg sandwiches, pancakes, and fruit smoothies in their search for nutritious recipes for picky eaters.   Since a traditional breakfast is now served as any meal, French toast is a good choice to get protein, fruit, and even vegetables into young children.

  The basic recipe to keep in your bag of childcare tricks is three slices of bread (whole wheat, nine grain or other nutritious bread), one egg and ¼ cup milk, soymilk, or almond milk. Some people add a half-teaspoon vanilla or pumpkin spice. Whisk the eggs and milk until well combined. Children will enjoy helping.

   Dip each slice of bread on both sides until the bread is soaked with the egg/milk mixture. Spray a nonstick fry pan with a pan spray and preheat the pan on medium to medium /high heat. Cook in the pan 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and they separate easily from the pan.  The edges should be a little crispy.

  Serve plain or with a little butter or powdered sugar.  

Healthy Ingredients for Cooking Ease 

Children can make a little puddle of syrup for dipping pieces of French toast.

Getting Fancy

  Add fresh whole or mashed blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black berries, bananas, peaches, jam, jelly, a few chocolate chips, any nut butter, cinnamon sugar, vanilla yogurt, or a little canned whipped cream for sleepovers or other special occasions. As with many foods French toast can metamorphose into a sugary dessert that leaves nutrition behind.

  Some children like their French toast as long sticks for easy dipping. You may also cut day old French bread into large cubes.  They are a bit fussy to cook, but can be stacked on a plate like building blocks or pyramids for toddlers who like finger food.  It is a great way to get eggs into very young children. Bread can also be cut into circles, hearts, and triangles before soaking.

Being Creative

  To make French toast Nutella sandwiches.

Add Spices and Toppings for More Appeal

 Use eight slices of ay old bread, three eggs, and ¼ cup milk. Spread 4 slices with Nutella and top with the remaining slices. Whisk and soak as above. Fry in butter or a spray coated pan and serve when slightly cooled.

  To make French toast rollups cut off crusts and flatten bread with a rolling pin or plate. Cover with peanut butter or Nutella, roll, and soak in the egg mixture. Add a raspberry or strawberry piece at each end of the roll. Fry and turn until golden brown on all sides. Sprinkle with more berries.  

  Grated cheese, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables may also be sprinkled on soaked French toast before frying for an interesting and delicious veggie version.  For more ideas for young children see grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com or wnmufm.org/ Learning Through the Seasons live and pod casts.
photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Vocabulary Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’

website: Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio, 90; Youtube