While Zome's geometric precision and flexibility is enough to knock the socks off your average
rocket scientist, to a true bubblehead, Zome is only a framework, the supporting
structure for something greater...
Magic of Bubbles
Bubbles are not only fun and fascinating they help understanding important scientific concepts. Bubbles are minimum surfaces. Normal bubbles enclose the maximum volume of air with the minimum bubble solution, so they're always round. Zome bubbles are also minimum surfaces, but when they are stretched between Zome struts, they take on amazing shapes. Catch a round bubble inside a Zome model, and it will take on that shape. So you get a "square" bubble inside a Zome cube.
Bubbles form because of the surface tension of water. Water is polar: hydrogen atoms in a water molecule are attracted to oxygen atoms in other water molecules. So water molecules cling together. (That's why drops are round.)
The surface tension of water alone is too strong to make good bubbles. Adding soap to water reduces surface tension and adds an oily film that slows evaporation for longer-lasting bubbles.
How to Zome Yourself a Brilliant Bubble!
- Simpler structures make the best bubbles.
- BE SURE you tighten your structures securely before you dip them into the solution.
- Glycerin helps most when your play area is drafty.
- When it IS windy, try adding more detergent to the solution... then wave the model in the air to make long, wild bubbles!
Bubble Recipe:
Start with 2 gallons of warm water in a bucket or deep sink. Ideally, use a container at least 1 foot in diameter and at least 1 foot deep. A large bucket is ideal, or try a rectangular file box (from any office store).
Add 1/2 cup of Dawn™ (or similar) liquid dishwashing detergent.
Mix the bubble solution gently with your hand. Get rid of all excess foam.
If the water is hard in your area, add extra detergent.
Download a PDF file of bubble building instructions.
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