Planet Bubbles / Teachers' Notes
This is so simple but hugely effective and you can use these craters and planets as a backdrop for work on space. You could get more arty with them and possibly add some aliens.
When you have added the paint to the washing up liquid, try blowing it into bubbles. If it won’t bubble up, you need to add a little water and stir, just to thin it out. Be cautious, you won’t want much water at all. Similarly, when you print off your first planet, if the colour is not strong enough, add some more paint.
We found that green definitely worked best, but red is really fiery. Silver was rather gorgeous on black paper, although it is a little harder to blow into bubbles. You will have to experiment a little as all paint and brands of washing up liquids behave slightly differently.
Try with a smaller bowl, but remember it has to be quite shallow. Don't judge the results until they are completely dry. Sometimes a faint looking print can glow once it is dry. You have to wait and see.
All this experimenting is essential to get the best from this simple, fun project - get blowing!
This type of printing, taking an original print each time is called MONOPRINTING.
Build up a whole cosmos of different shapes and sizes of planet, make them larger on a scanner or photocopier.
How about colouring the Planet Bubble Dude featured below?
Aims, Objectives & Outcomes
- Test how different paints react in different solutions of detergent
- Observe how different actions change the appearance of bubbles
- Develop a basic printing technique that children can easily do at home
- Splatter paint far and wide, but mostly on your nose!
