Bubble fun "Bubblemania" is supposed to be for kids, but on a recent Saturday at the Hawaii Nature Center, dads seemed to be having the most fun.
Youngsters learn a lot
through games with a
pop -- or momBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comPeter Noel, who was with his 4-year-old son Niko, said he was enjoying a "guy's day out."
"I'm an older dad and have more patience and fun. If I was in my 20s, I would probably not be running around blowing bubbles. But today, I was the bubble maker and he was the popper," said Noel.
"The programs are interesting. I've learned things ... strange little things that you never wanted to ask," he added.
Like, how come there are no square bubbles?
That was an easy question for program coordinator Kim Welch to answer. Air molecules within the bubble exert equal pressure in pressing outward, naturally forming a sphere.
Said Welch, "They were all fascinated that they could get their hands and fingers wet, stick it inside a bubble, and it would not pop."
That's because the surface tension wasn't being broken, but merely spread on more water.The art and science of bubbles is what the 11 children and nine adults had gathered to learn, while playing. They created their own pans of soapy concoctions and shaped homemade bubble makers from string and straws, coat hangers, coffee and Spam cans that were open on both ends, even strawberry baskets and old fishnets.
"Basically, this program is for 3- to 5-year-olds and is about having fun with bubbles in nature," said Welch. "Bubblemania" repeats tomorrow, and there are a few places remaining in the class.
At the last session, participants learned about "bubble enemies" as they roamed a grassy area while creating a colorful collage of bubbles that met their demise through human feet, dust, wind, sun and other creatures. It's contact with dry objects and evaporation that cause many a burst bubble.
Parents said the main attraction of these types of workshops is the way they encourage their children to discover new things. Martha Albim was one of the few adults who would admit to wanting to check out the workshop herself, bringing her 4-year-old grandson Darian Muratsuka for cover.
"He loves bubbles, so I knew he would really enjoy it," she said. A giant bubble popped in Darian's eye, but after a good rinsing, all was well.
Jeff Zeller was enjoying the bubble encounter with his 5-year-old daughter Julie. "We go to a lot of different programs ... It's usually, give-Mommy-a-break day. We've been coming here (Hawaii Nature Center) for almost a year. The parents also get to participate, and it's not just educational, but also fun."
Lianne Chan brought her 4-year-old daughter Candace and 7-year-old son Matthew because she feels that the Hawaii Nature Center classes offer a complete learning experience."I'm not the type of person to go out and get down and dirty. We don't have a big yard, so when we come here I have a certain mind-set ... they can touch whatever they want and get real dirty. The kids just love it," Chan said.
"And when you are at home, you end up thinking about all the things that need to be done. At these programs, my attention is focused totally on them," she added.
Human beings are not the only creatures capable of creating bubbles. The gang followed the trail behind the Nature Center in search of animal bubble homes.
We came across skittle bugs residing on plant stems in white foamy bubbles.
Although we may not want to live in our own spit, for the small green critters, this is a lifesaving measure. Welch explained that the skittle bugs build the bubble nests from plant juices to hide from ants and other enemies.
"These are pretty smart bugs," Welch said. The praying mantis also creates an egg sac made out of bubbles. Once the foam bubbles harden, the baby mantises are protected.
Next, we set off to make our own bubble homes. As we gathered around a table, Welch sprayed it down with water. We dipped straws into the bubble solution and blew through the straw to create bubbles, and the bubble city started to grow as the table became covered with a sculpture of connected bubbles.
The keiki also made bubble solution necklaces out of recycled film containers. A colored paper clip was placed inside to be used a bubble wand for the bubble solution inside.
A burst of bubble art ended the extravaganza. Colored bubbles made from a soapy solution and food coloring were the medium for the paper-plate masterpieces.
The keiki dipped drinking straws into the colored bubble solutions and blew the liquid onto the paper. The popping bubbles left Jackson Pollock-like splatters and spots.
"One main thing we try to do is show things that can be used at home. We use a lot of recycled materials people have in their household. We like the parents to participate and get ideas they can pursue on their own. Children learn a lot from play," Welch said.
As long as your family washes dishes, you should have the right solution to make your own bubbles, according to "Bubblemania" coordinator Kim Welch. Formula for fun
Experiment with different types of detergent -- Welch recommends Dawn -- and amounts of glycerin or corn syrup until you find a solution you like.Recipe for bubbles
2 cups of water
5 Tablespoons of glycerin or corn syrup
1/3 cup of dish detergent
When: 9:30 to 11 a.m. tomorrow 'Bubblemania'
Where: Hawaii Nature Center, 2131 Makiki Heights Center
Cost: $12 per parent/child (ages 3 to 5) team
Call: 955-0100
Also at the center
What: "Birds of Makiki," learn about the avians who make their home in Makiki Valley and make bird callers and feeders
When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
Cost: $14 per parent/child (ages 5 and up) team
Call: 955-0100
Click for online
calendars and events.
