Soap Bubbles and Freezing Weather

It’s been so cold this winter, sometimes forcing everybody to stay indoors and even skip recess. But here’s a neat trick that you can do only when it drops below zero.

When there is a cold snap here in Anchorage, I take my class outside and blow bubbles. It is best at Minus 10 or below, because you can see the bubbles freeze right in front of your eyes.

They are all shimmery and irridescent one second, the next they cloud over. Some continue to float, gradually decending. Some shatter in a shower of crystals. When it is really cold (-20F) I’ve seen bubbles decend to the ground and then roll in the breeze.

I’ve done this with my class for years, but just recently looked online for references. Here’s bubble article at Wikipedia.

Of course, depending upon the winter gear in your classroom, this activity can last minutes to longer. Sunshine tends to spoil the freezing, so a shady spot or before sunrise can give you the best effects. Good luck!