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Bubble Ink

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Ever wondered how to reveal hidden messages? In this fascinating experiment, we'll use a bubble solution to write secret words on paper. After drying, we'll dip the paper in water - and voilà! Watch the magic happen as the words reappear.

Materials Needed

Thin coloured paper
Paintbrush
Washing-up liquid
Glass of water
Measuring cup
Tray

Arranged on a light woodgrain table are art or craft supplies. A white rectangular tray holds a light blue square of paper or card, a small paintbrush or thin wooden stick, and a small beige squeeze bottle or tube. Beside the tray, a clear glass filled with water and an empty, clear, shorter cylindrical container, possibly another glass or jar, are visible. This image likely depicts the setup for a painting, drawing, or other craft activity.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Pour 30ml of water into the glass, add 10 drops of washing-up liquid, and mix well.

A hand pours a clear, viscous liquid from a beige, plastic squeeze bottle with a white flip-top cap into a small, clear glass beaker or measuring cup. The beaker sits on a light woodgrain surface and has a 60mm marking, likely indicating its diameter. A small amount of liquid is already present in the bottom of the beaker. This image likely depicts a step in a science experiment, craft project, or other activity requiring precise measurement of liquids.

Step 2

Using the paintbrush, dip it in the mixed solution and write or draw on the coloured paper.

On a light-colored woodgrain surface, a hand holds a small paintbrush and writes the word Tinkerer in orange paint on a bright orange square of paper. The hand is in the process of completing the last letter. This image likely represents a craft activity or DIY project.

Step 3

Pour a glass of water into the tray.

A hand pours water from a clear drinking glass onto a white rectangular tray. The water is spreading across the tray's surface. The tray rests on a light woodgrain table or countertop. This image could be depicting part of a science experiment, a cleaning process, or an art project.

Step 4

Once the water marks on the paper have dried, place it in the water. Watch carefully as the invisible writing reappears.

A hand holds a bright orange piece of paper over a white tray. The word Tinkerer is faintly visible, written in a darker orange on the paper. The tray sits on a light woodgrain surface. A small paintbrush and a clear glass or jar of water are visible beside the tray. This scene appears to be part of an art or craft activity. A test tube rack with colorful liquids is visible in the background, suggesting a science experiment or demonstration as well.

The Science Behind It:

The soap in the bubble solution creates a film on the paper, with thicker layers forming where you write. This film is water-absorbent, and when the paper dries, residue remains more concentrated in the written areas. When placed in water, these areas absorb water differently from the surrounding paper, making the writing visible.

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.