Bubble snakes are super easy to make, don't need many materials and are great fun for kids of all ages. Younger children will enjoy blowing lots of bubbles easily, while older children can design their own unique bubble makers and even create an investigation using them.
This is a brilliant summer science investigation for home or school!
What you need to make a bubble snake
Small tube or plastic bottle
Elastic band
Bubble mix - shop bought or make your own
Old cloth or sock for the end
Sharp scissors or pen knife
Bubble Snake Instructions
Carefully cut the bottom off the water bottle—ask an adult for help, as the end might be sharp.
Cover the end of the bottle with a piece of cloth and secure tightly with an elastic band.
Dip the cloth end into the bubble mix.
Blow carefully down the other end of the bottle and watch as a bubble snake appears!
Remember to blow down the bottle, NOT suck!!
Make it an investigation
Experiment using different types of bottles ( with wider and thinner bases ) to create the ultimate bubble machine!
Try blowing softly and then with more force to find out how this changes the shape of the bubble snake.
Extension Tasks
Can you spot a rainbow in the bubbles?
Try adding food colouring to your bubble mix to make a coloured bubble snake!
How does a bubble snake work?
When you blow air through a bubble snake maker, hundreds of tiny bubbles form. The bubbles stick to each other, creating a big, long snake!
Why are bubbles round?
Bubbles consist of a thin film of soapy water filled with air. When you blow a bubble, the film expands outward. The forces acting between the molecules of the bubble cause it to form the shape that encloses the most volume with the least surface area — a sphere.
Why can you see colours in bubbles?
Colours are seen because of light diffracting through the soap film.
How can you make this a science fair project or investigation?
Try using different materials on the end of your bubble snake. Can you predict which will make the best bubbles?
Can you find a material that will give you bigger bubbles?
What happens if you blow more slowly?
Can you find a recipe for the BEST bubble mix?
Make a double bubble snake!
What do you think of this?
More Bubble Experiments for Kids
Build a bubble blowing machine like Teach Beside Me.
Make giant bubbles with a hula hoop.
Find out why bubbles pop!
Finally, how about making a square bubble? It might be easier than you think!
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
lisa bradburn says
There's just something about bubbles that everyone seems to love. This activity looks like fun for the kids. Defo one for us to try out this summer.
Janet Marcy says
It left out where does the bubble mixture go? In the bottle or dip the cloth in it?