“Surface Tension Inquiry with Soap Films” by Daniel Sinkovits

Edited by Carol Baker

The lesson begins with a guided discussion of the phenomena of surface tension and how a detergent acts to reduce surface tension. Students will get into small groups to explore the different shapes of soap film that are formed when wire frames are dipped in the soap solution. The groups will discuss what rules govern the formation of the soap films, and how the action of surface tension leads to those rules.