Science Sam of Marlow

At several recent Cub Scouting events, I have stolen the show with my Giant Bubbles. As I promised other scouting leaders and parents, here are the materials and formula for making these at home or at your scouting events:

Dawn Dish Soap: Dawn Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap (24 Fl Oz - 3 Pack)
     The 3 pack makes 9 gallons of bubble solution.

Guar Gum: Guar Gum Powder (10 Oz)
     One bag will last a long time.

Baking Powder: Baking Powder (8.1 Oz)
     One can will last a long time too.

Bubble Wands: Bubble Wands - Stainless Steel Telescopic (2 Pack)
     These telescoping wands look interesting. If you use them, let me know how well they work. At our parties we use plastic or homemade wands.

You will also need a 5-gallon bucket, a stirring spoon or stick, and 3 gallons of water.

Now for the formula:

Empty one bottle of Dawn Dish Soap into the bucket.
Stir in 1 heaping tablespoon of Guar Gum. Stir it in very well.
Slowly add in a gallon of water and stir slowly.
Once mixed well, add in the other 2 gallons of water in the same manner.
Finally, stir in 3 tablespoons of Baking Powder (any brand). This neutralizes the mixture and makes the bubbles last longer.

I suggest pouring the mixture into smaller buckets, especially if you are expecting a large group. Holding the two rods of the wands together, dip the cords entirely into the mixture. Pull the rods straight up while still together. Then spread them apart and hold them up high. If there isn't any wind, walk or spin about.
For the absolute best bubbles, make them on a cool damp day. Mornings are best. If there is a heavy dew on the grass, the bubbles will land and not pop. Imagine your yard covered in bubbles.
Most important of all: Have fun!!!

Disclaimer time:
#1 The formula above and the giant wands that I made for camp are based on a YouTube video by NightHawkInLight. The video link is: How to Make Giant Bubbles with Guar Gum This YouTuber does a lot of experiments and makes a lot of items that may not be kid friendly, so please watch any of his other videos first.
#2 I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Any fees that I earn go to support my scouting and STE(A)M efforts and do not add to the price of the item.