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Bubbles and Balloons

giant bubble childWe explore the best bits about bubbles and balloons. From blowing them up to bursting them, discover all the amazing things you can do in between. Make a bubble last forever or make it square. Can you stick a skewer in a balloon or turn it into a helicopter? The perfect introduction to science, through these fun demonstrations the audience can gain a basic understanding of materials and their properties and have their curiosity aroused. The show features audience interaction, lots of demonstrations and is an experience they will remember.

 

Curriculum Links

Key Stage 1

  • Use first-hand experience and simple information sources to answer questions
  • How the shapes of objects made from some materials can be changed by some processes, including squashing, bending, twisting and stretching
  • Pushes and pulls are examples of forces
  • Recognise that when things speed up, slow down or change direction, there is a cause [for example, a push or a pull.

Key Stage 2

  • Compare everyday materials and objects on the basis of their material properties, including hardness, strength and flexibility
  • Some materials are better thermal insulators than others
  • Recognise differences between solids, liquids and gases, in terms of ease of flow and maintenance of shape and volume
  • Changes that occur when materials are mixed
  • That when objects are pushed or pulled, an opposing pull or push can be felt

 

Learning Objectives

Key Stage 1

After watching the show Key stage 1 pupils should:

  • Develop investigative skills asking how? Why? What will happen if?
  • Be able to use experiences from the show to answer questions
  • Understand that gravity is a force that pulls things down
  • Understand that bubbles contain air
  • Understand that forces can make things move or change direction
  • Describe simple physical properties of water, rubber, air and soap
  • Appreciate that air is a substance

Key Stage 2

After watching the show Key stage 2 pupils should:

  • Be able to name some simple 2D and 3D shapes
  • Recognise that bubbles are spheres
  • Understand that bubbles are made from air, soap and water
  • Make hypotheses based on experience
  • Describe the effects of simple forces on bodies
  • Understand that air has mass

 

Duration

30 or 45 minute versions available

Suggested audiences

  • Early years
  • 5-11 year olds
  • Festivals and events
  • Maximum audience: 100

We will need the venue to provide

  • Two long tables
  • Drinking water for the presenter

Please note this show contains demonstrations that use water and water will be spilled on the floor. Please ensure your chosen venue is suitable to house such a show.

What people say about us

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    • “Zoe was very pleasant, enthusiastic and engaged the children throughout each show. A very enjoyable day, everyone commented on Zoe’s enthusiasm”
      Uplands Junior School
    • “You had an attentive and appreciative audience, quite an achievement when you consider that there were eight hundred 14-16 year olds in the auditorium”
      R. Newby, The Training Partnership
    • “We all thoroughly enjoyed the two different shows that you put on for us! The children were all talk about them the following day! The teachers were too!”
      Mary Mother of Hope School, Dublin
    • “Your contribution has drawn extremely positive comments from all sections of the school community – pupils and staff, parents, governors and others”
      K. Geary, Marlwood School, Bristol
    • “David was very clever, funny and kept the children engaged.”
      Cross Gates Primary School
    • “The show was organised, professional and creative. Many thanks for your hard work and commitment.”
      J. Ford, Barry Comprehensive
    • “Both the staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed watching the shows and taking part; it was a very welcome addition to our Science Day which provided and opportunity to present science to the children in an exciting way.”
      Thomas Jolyffe Primary School
    • “There is no doubt at all that you made a big impact on the pupils, on the parents and indeed on all those who were privileged to be present”
      R. Court, Birkdale School, Sheffield