Embedded Files
Materials:
Materials:
1 bar Ivory Soap
Microwave - safe plate
A microwave
Directions:
Directions:
Place 1 bar of Ivory Soap onto a microwave-safe plate, and then place it into the microwave.
Microwave the soap on high heat for 1-2 minutes, observing closely.
Within 15-20 seconds you will notice the soap beginning to expand, and after just a minute the entire plate will be covered in a beautiful, soapy explosion!
You can heat your soap for up to 2 minutes. It can't be overcooked in that time, but it will stop expanding at a certain point before the microwave stops.
Soap Explosion Exploration
Once your soap is fully expanded carefully remove it from the microwave and allow kids to examine it up close.
Once the soap is cool enough kids can examine and explore the soapy clouds with their hands.
The Science Behind the Fun
Why Does the Soap Expand?
The answer is simple- air pockets!
Tiny pockets of air are actually whipped INTO the soap as it is made. You can't see them, but they are there!
These air pockets contain water molecules.
When those molecules are heated by the microwave it causes the pockets of air to expand.
As those pockets of air expand the soap becomes fluffy and grows in size.
Why Does Ivory Soap Float?
The pockets of air in the soap cause it to be less dense than water, which makes it float!
Extend the Fun
Place your soap clouds into a sensory bin with water, and kids will surely have a blast!
Use your soap clouds to make ghost mud.
Try putting other items in the microwave. Do they expand?
Ideas of safe items to try:
Marshmallows
Popcorn
Carrots
Apples
Which items expand and which do not? Why?
Page updated
Report abuse