Monash Memo - 18 July 2001

Back to this edition's story list

Bubble, bubble ... no trouble

About 20 children explored the world of soap bubbles at Clayton campus last week during a school holiday program run by the Monash Science Centre.

Coordinated by Dr Burkard Polster from the Mathematics department, the 'Bubblemaths' session taught the children about math principles using soap film, frames made from straws and lots of laughter.

Some children created square and triangular bubbles while others encased themselves in massive bubbles.

They also scrutinised the soap solution to ascertain what makes the best bubbles and investigated the enemies of bubbles ­ dust and evaporation.

Dr Polster said it was important to encourage children to see mathematics and science as enjoyable.

"With these sessions, we are trying to say to kids that science is a lot of fun. For many this is their first exposure to science and we want to make it memorable," he said.

'Bubblemaths' was one of several exciting sessions during the program, which included 'What's at the bottom of the ocean?' and 'Almost edible chemistry'. For more information on Science Centre activities, visit the website at www.sci.monash.edu.au/msc/.

Kie Fujihara enjoys the Monash Science Centre's 'Bubblemaths' session.