Frozen Bubble (Wintry Science)

  With the frigid weather we've been having (interspersed with relatively pleasant days that are almost cruel) we've been playing inside a lot. But when I learned that bubbles could freeze I had to get us out there to try it. Only problem: I hate the cold. That's right - hardy New Englander who's intolerant to the cold. My ancestors would be ashamed. But, with both of us bundled up warmly (the whole dressing process took longer than the outside part) and the promise to myself of "just a couple of minutes" outside, we got our "bubble stuff" and headed out. 

  Next problem - Kay has never met a bubble she didn't want to pop. The fact that she was wearing gloves and that we were outside with the sole intention of not popping the bubble didn't affect this almost-compulsive reaction in her, and as quickly as I could catch a bubble, she would pop it. I tried explaining what we were trying to do. Then I got frustrated (it was very cold - have I mentioned that?). But it was like she couldn't help herself. More likely, she couldn't have cared less about this experiment. Eventually I told her she could play around a little while I tried it. 
  Giving up on my frozen bubble, I left the solution in the wand and just watched. Sure enough, after a minute or two, it started to freeze, first the bottom and then climbing up like a vine. It was beautiful. 

  I called Kay over to try to share my excitement with someone. She looked at it, nonplussed, then poked it with her gloved finger. I should have seen that coming.

  Note: The next morning, I went out (alone) to see if I could make this work. (I wanted to see a frozen bubble!) With no one bursting my bubble (haha...get it?! ) I managed to catch one on the wand and let it sit for a minute or two. I watched closely, looking for any sign that the bubble solution was turning more solid, but saw none until...it popped. Five minutes after I stepped outside, I was back inside the warm house.

Ready for some more Saturday Science? My co-hosts are sticking with the chilly theme this week with their posts: 

            Preschool Penguins Science Activities 
                        {Little Bins for Little Hands}
                  Preschool Polar Animals Unit 
                               {Still Playing School}