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Chemistry

PS Questions with activity that I found

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Anne Tyler Anne Tyler 420 Points

I found this demonstration to show some PS topics but I need help explain actually all the ideas that it demonstrates. "Bubbles have characteristic behaviors based on the arrangement of the atoms that determine their molecular structure. Investigate bubbles and the bonds that are behind their structure. Record and organize data to communicate findings in multiple ways." Question I need help with What gives bubbles longevity? Why is their shape spherical? Is it possible to create square bubbles? As you can see I don't have a strong PS Background! Need help!!!

Carolyn Mohr Carolyn Mohr 93406 Points

Hi Anne,
I can help you with some of your questions, and I can recommend an excellent journal article that will explain some of the science behind soap bubbles.
Yes, bubbles are spherical, but they can be 'poured' into a cube to take on the appearance of a square. According to the article, they are not in a liquid or solid state of matter, but rather they are classified as a liquid crystal. The article also discusses this special state of matter and provides information about the molecular structure.
You can access and read the article at: Lighten Up Your Lessons: Matter, Optics and Bubbles.
I hope this helps.
Carolyn

Lisa Lariscy Lisa Lariscy 130 Points

Bubbles cannot be square because of the surface tension. Basically, a bubble is not strong enough to be square and hold that shape. When you blow a bubble, the air is equally distributed. A cool lesson to do is give the kids differnt objects to make the bubbles, wire coat hanger, straws, etc. This will demonstrate that no matter what you use, the bubble will always come out as a sphere.

Kathryn Hedges Kathryn Hedges 650 Points

These videos might be interesting to you. I found an interesting engineering site with a bubble unit. http://www.mos.org/eie/engineeringadventures/units.php

Video Links for Bubble Bonanza: Designing Bubble Wands
These videos are great ways to help kids learn more about bubbles and become even more excited about designing bubble makers! While they can be watched at any time while you are engaged in the Bubble Bonanza unit, the 'See It!' boxes in some of the adventures indicate good times to watch specific videos.
· This video shows clips from a real bubble show and will help give kids a point of reference for the challenge India and Jacob have presented. Bubble Show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMn6d6P_rzw&feature=related
· This video shows a a bubble being popped in slow motion. Bubble Pop http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM9nvNOFqKU
· The Discovery Channel pulled together this video that includes both a bubble artist and a bubble scientist. Bubble Scientist http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV6Wh-KX3bY
· The Ontario Science Center created this video, which includes snippets from a bubble show held at their museum and some bubble science activities that were conducted as part of a bubble festival. Bubble Festival http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNkMbU2C48&feature=related

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