Activity: Bubble Up!

Have fun reinforcing the concept of working together by making a homemade bubble solution.

Materials:

• 6 cups water
• 2 cups clear dishwashing liquid
• 1/4 cup glycerin (This non-toxic, natural ingredient is available at many pharmacies and health food stores.)
• Use these common objects for blowing bubbles: Drinking straws, rubber bands, florist wire shaped into a loop, funnels, metal food cans with open ends, thread spools, and plastic soda pack holders.

Directions:
Combine ingredients in a large freshly cleaned bowl. Be careful to not shake or stir up any suds. It's best to make bubbles the day before you plan on using them and the solution should rest no less than 6 hours before using. Bubbles can be saved in small covered containers for handy surprises or fun gifts.

Talk about It: Name other "bubbly" solutions like shampoo, body wash, and other personal care and household products. Remind your child that many "bubbly" products also contain potentially harmful chemicals and should be used with care.

Take it Further: Make a list of places that "bubbly" products are used everyday like at the car wash, and in the bathroom and kitchen. Use the bubble solution recipe above to fill individual and personalized bottles of bubbles. Pour solution in a small dishwasher bottle. Add small amounts of food coloring and drop tiny toys, flowers, or small objects into the bubble mixture. Name the new solution and make a label to attach to bottle.

With a Group: Help your group double, triple, or quadruple the bubble recipe above to fill individual dishwashing bottles. Then have a huge bubble blowing party or use the solution to have a bike or toy washing, clean-up party. It's bubbly, it's clean, and it's a great way to build important skills needed to successfully work together in a fun way with friends.