Bouncing Bubbles DIY: A Sensory + STEM Playtime Hit!

Gina
Jun 17
3 min read

Updated: Jun 17

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make DIY bouncing bubbles and share the benefits of STEM play for kids.

If your kids love bubbles (and let’s face it , who doesn’t?), get ready to take your bubble game to the next level with bouncing bubbles! This simple DIY activity turns ordinary bubbles into an exciting sensory STEM experiment that kids can touch, bounce, and explore without popping them instantly.

Why Bouncing Bubbles?

Unlike regular bubbles that burst on contact, bouncing bubbles are made with a special solution that allows them to land on hands, fabric, or even the floor without popping right away.

It’s a magical mix of science and fun, and a fantastic way to introduce young learners to concepts like surface tension, polymers, and elasticity…all through play!

When it’s time to Play…

Put on your gloves: this is the secret to keeping bubbles from popping.
Dip your wand into the bubble solution and blow a few bubbles.
Carefully catch or bounce a bubble on your gloved hand, the back of a spoon, or soft fabric.

Try to bounce a bubble back and forth with a friend and count…how many bounces can you get?

Sometimes they pop, sometimes they bounce.

This is a great opportunity to work on problem solving, critical thinking and frustration tolerance!

What makes them bounce?

What makes them pop?

Do you have to blow hard or soft?

Do you need a lot of mixture or a little?

Let’s Talk STEM:

Science: Kids observe how sugar affects bubble strength. Why do gloves help bubbles last longer?

Technology & Engineering: Consider experimenting with different tools to blow bubbles, think pipettes, straws, or homemade bubble wands.

Math: Count bounces, time how long a bubble lasts, or chart how many bubbles pop vs. bounce.

Sensory Benefits:

Tactile exploration: Feeling the soft pop or bounce adds a new layer of sensory experience.
Fine motor skills: Holding a bubble on a gloved hand takes control and coordination.
Visual stimulation: The iridescent surface of a bubble captures attention and wonder.

Materials:

4 cups warm water
2 cups dish soap
1 cup white sugar
Mixing bowl and spoon
DIY Bubble Wands or store bought
Cotton glove or sock

Step 1: Add the sugar to the warm water. Stir until dissolved.

Step 2: Stir in the soap. Mix well.

Step 3: Dip the bubble wands into the mixture and blow bubbles!

Step 4: Put a glove on your hand and gently bounce the bubbles!

Storage Tip: Store bubble in a mason jar or container with a lid.

Why do you need sugar?

Sugar helps create thicker and more durable bubbles by increasing the surface tension of the bubble: they last longer and won’t pop as quickly!

Try These Fun Extension Ideas:

Add a drop of food coloring to your solution for colored bubbles (use with care because it may stain).
Experiment with bubble sizes: are big or small bubbles easier to bounce?
Take it outside on a calm day for some backyard science.

Cleanup Tips:

Sugar can be a bit sticky, so wipe down surfaces after your experiment. Gloves and bubble tools can be rinsed in warm water.

If it’s a warm day, take this play outdoors and watch how the sun reflects off of the beautiful bubbles!

Can they float all the way up the sky?!

Keep paper towels or cloths close by and wear “play” clothes.