EVERYONE loves bubbles, but how much do you really know about bubbles?
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Grade 5/6 students at Stawell's St Patrick's Primary School had fun learning about the science of bubbles.
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute RACI Bubble-mania program introduces students to some serious science while they have a lot of fun.
Students learn bubble geometry, physics and chemistry before they take on the role of formulation chemists to try and produce the best or biggest bubble.
St Pat's principal, Kate Harney said everyone spoke highly about the activity and that the students enjoyed the session.
"It was the first time I have ever seen a bubble bounce and I thought it was amazingly scientific," grade five student Jenul said.
Esha said, "It was the most exciting science lesson that I have ever had and I can relate it to what may be ahead when I partake in science at secondary school."
Grade 5/6 teacher, Melissa Bonney said her students learned a lot about bubbles and their colours.
A bubble usually has lots of colours. The layers a bubble is made of, bend the light in much the same way as rainbows which are formed by water droplets. The colours in bubbles move because the surface of the bubble moves. You can use the colours of a bubble to calculate the thickness of the bubble wall. If you look at a bubble you will often see the colour slowly disappear from the top of the bubble. This happens as the material in bubbles is pulled down by gravity. It is sometimes a good indication that your bubble is about to burst.
The Bubble-mania program was put together by retired teacher and chemist, Matt Corkhill who also presented the program.
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), of which Matt is a member, sponsors the project and assists with resourcing.
Schools interested in the program should contact the RACI.