Ice, Ice, Bubbly! | ¡Frio, frio, burbujeante!

Pour a small amount of thick bubble solution into the bottom of the can or onto the plate. If using the can, make sure it is upside down. You don’t need a lot of bubble solution to make this work!

Tips & Tricks:

To make a thick bubble solution, add extra dish soap and liquid sweetener (binding agent), such as honey or light corn syrup.

Use the straw to slowly blow a large bubble, making sure the bottom of the straw is touching the bottom of the can or plate as you blow. Gently remove the straw, making sure you don’t pop your fragile bubble.

Tips & Tricks:

Try dipping the bottom of your straw in your bubble solution before you blow your bubble to make sure it is wet. You can also try blowing several large bubbles on your plate.

Carefully move the bubble to the freezer. Let it cool for 1-3 minutes.

Tips & Tricks:

Many freezers have a “draft” that can easily pop your bubble. To help keep your bubble from popping, place it on a lower shelf and slowly open and close the door.

Open the freezer door very slowly. Is your bubble still colorful or has it taken on a dull appearance? If it’s still colorful, it hasn’t frozen yet. Slowly close the door and wait a little longer.

Fun Fact:

Some frozen bubbles look frosty while others appear to have a crystal-like appearance. How do yours look?

If you can, carefully take your bubble out of the freezer. Bubbles are very thin so on a warm day, they can go back to room temperature and melt very quickly, or even pop! A popped frozen bubble is still fun to observe.

Fun Fact:

It might look like the entire surface of the bubble is freezing, but what you’re actually seeing is the innermost layer of water (which freezes at warmer temperatures than soapy water) turning to ice within the film.

Repeat this process as many times as you like. How many different types of ice crystals can you see?

Fun Fact:

Water molecules are made up of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. When water freezes, the molecules come together to form a hexagon (six- sided shape). This is why snowflakes and ice crystals have six equal sides. Can you see any ice crystals with six sides or points on your frozen bubble?

If you are in a cold climate, you can make frozen bubbles outside! Just go outside when the temperature is below freezing, and blow bubbles onto a wet surface. You will be able to see the ice crystals form right before your eyes!