September 5, 2012 Bubbles Bubbles in the Air

This morning we had lot of fun singing songs and popping bubbles. This is one of our favorite things to do in the infant room because bubbles are exciting and interesting. We often observe the infants looking at the bubbles in awe. Interestingly, Artists since the 18th century, such as Jean-Jacques de Boissieu, Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin and Sir John Everett Millais documented children's use of soap bubbles in play. Marketing techniques used by Pears Soap, featuring Millais' painting "Bubbles" popularized this concept. Inspiring and enchanting many for hundreds of years, bubbles are true natural wonders. Simple in the sense that many can be found in our everyday world, bubbles actually have a complex lifespan. The learning opportunities that bubbles provide are endless; and it is their visual appeal, the challenge they present and the sensory experience they provide that make learning FUN!

"Real science begins with childhood curiosity, which leads to discovery and exploration” with an adult’s help and encouragement (Conezio and French, 2002). In the Bubbles exhibits, children are encouraged to satisfy this curiosity and discover scientific concepts like surface tension, diffraction, light and color.When we use bubbles with the infants we wonder if they are able to see their reflections in the bubbles or if they notice the different colors the bubbles take on as they move through our space. Although we can not be certain of the thoughts the infants are having during this activity we do know that they enjoy it. During our bubble sessions there are lots of laughs, coo's and movements towards the bubbles. We suggest that if you do not already that you add bubbles to the materials you have at home. Bubble time is almost guaranteed fun and is always a great activity.