Black Light Bubbles

Objectives

• Discuss why black light makes phosphors glow.

• Create glowing bubbles for hands on creativity.

Materials

• Per Demo or Student Group (for older students):
  Steak knife
  Cutting board
  Neon highlighters or washable fluorescent paint
  Liquid dishwashing detergent
  Water
  Glycerine
  Bubble wands
  Small containers

Key Questions

• Why does the highlighter ink allow the bubbles to glow under the black light?

What To Do

Preparation
Make the two solutions:

Soap Solution
Mix 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent, 15 parts water and 0.25 parts glycerine.

Glow Solution
Cut open a yellow or orange highlighter using a sharp knife and remove the ink soaked felt. Soak it in a small amount of water for a few minutes, then squeeze the felt into the water to extract more ink.

Note: premixed bubble solution and fluorescent paint can be used.

Instructions

1. Mix your glow and soap solution in about a 50:50 ratio. You can adjust this ratio depending on how well your bubbles form/glow under the black light.
2. Dip your bubble wands into the new glowing solution and blow bubbles
3. Turn out the regular lights and use black light to see the bubbles glow in the dark.

Extensions

• Use phosphorescent paint instead. You’ll have to shine bright light on your bubble solution; then you can turn off the lights and make bubbles that glow in the dark.