Preschoolers will learn engineering and screen free coding through this STEAM Activity for Preschoolers while learning how to make a bubble wand.

How to Make a Bubble Wand

I don’t think I’ve ever met a preschooler that didn’t love bubbles! Hence this step by step DIY on how to make your own bubble wand was a hit. My little Miss E was thrilled for some bubble play time and sneaking in a little engineering for my preschooler while she just thinks she’s playing is a win win in my book!

Ok, confession time, I love doing STEAM activities for preschoolers especially with my little one! Yet, sometimes the thought of pulling out all the craft supplies for an activity makes me cringe. Messy counters and floors and possibly a messy child is more than I want to tackle some days but that was the beauty of this DIY wire bubble wand activity. Only two materials were needed! So on a day when this mom/teacher just didn’t think she could handle a big mess this screen free coding activity came in for the rescue. Making bubble wands and teaching E the beginning steps of engineering for Preschoolers all without the mess that some STEAM activities call for was just what we needed.

We did start by reading a book about Bubbles – focusing on the “letter B” in our preschool time. We then engineered our bubble wand…we did some bubble art as well – but I’ll be posting about that soon – stay tuned!

Materials needed: How to make a Bubble Wand

Pipe Cleaners
Pony Beads

How do you make a Bubble Wand with Pipe Cleaners?

Step by Step Instructions

Let your preschooler separate the pony beads into color groups. (a great way to incorporate more learning exercises here!)
While your preschooler is separating the pony beads by color take the pipe cleaner and fold over one side to create a loop. Twist around the straight edge of the pipe cleaner to secure.
Create a pattern for your preschooler to follow or allow them to create their own pattern with the pony beads as they slip them onto the pipe cleaner. As you create a pattern (or let them, depending on the age and understanding of patterns) you are letting them learn the beginning stages of coding for preschoolers!
Once they have finished their pattern/coding tie off the straight end of the pipe cleaner into a knot so the pony beads don’t slip off.
Grab some bubbles and head outside for some fun!

How do you make a good bubble mixture?

This activity was such a hit that we ran out of bubbles before I realized it. Run out? No problem! Make bubbles at home using ½ c. dish soap, 1 ½ water, and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Gently stir together and then let them go back to enjoying their DIY Bubble Wands!

More on our colored bubbles and bubble art coming up next!

Want to see more of our STEAM Activities for Preschoolers?

Seashell Screen Free Coding for Preschoolers

Earthworm Screen Free Coding for Preschoolers

How to Teach Engineering to Preschoolers

We are a husband and wife team, pairing our strengths together to teach our preschooler in the most fun and engaging way we possibly can. The mister is a high school educator at Northlake Christian school in Covington Louisiana and over the Innovation Center, which is all things STEAM. I am a SAHM that blogs pretty much everything we do in our little paradise, from what we eat, to where we travel to how we teach our little one. We hope you are inspired to incorporate STEAM into learning with your children.