A workshop on the mathematics of soap films.
This is a hands-on activity investigating how bubbles can provide natural solutions to complex mathematical problems.
To discuss or book this or any of our other workshops, please contact Tally Roberts.
We provide a delivery officer, PowerPoint slides, and the bubble solution and blowers.
We understand that you may prefer to do this workshop outside, in which case we shall bring laminated versions of our presentation slides to use as handouts.
If hosting this session indoors, we would require access to a large screen/projector for the PowerPoint Slides. In these settings we would also recommend sheeting to protect all surfaces that the soap solution may stain/damage.
Learners should have the opportunity to change/protect clothing if there are concerns over damage/staining. Our bubble solution is a simple mix of domestic washing up liquid and water.
This is a 45-60 minute session.
It can be extended to include an activity in creating their own soap film structures.
We scale the content of the maths and physics involved to support KS3 (ages 11-14), GCSE and A-Level.
More workshops based around nature's mathematical genius are currently in development. These will include sessions on fractals, the Fibonacci sequence, and spirals.
We are happy to support these sessions remotely. However, you will need to supply the necessary bubble solution and different 2D and 3D shaped soap film moulds (or blowers). The necessary moulds can be made to match the requirements from wire - such as cut metal coat hangers.
As a remote alternative for GCSE and A-Level students, we have an online activity called Mathematics with Bubbles.
There are several approaches available for this activity. Whether we are simply looking at the effect of pressure on bubble formation, or how foams/soap films link in to traveling salesperson problems, or even how soap films can help determine minimal surfaces.
We also provide some of these materials for public demonstrations at fairs, exhibitions, concerts, and other outdoor events.