Elephant Toothpaste
Experience a colorful and foamy eruption with the Elephant Toothpaste experiment, a fun and educational hands-on activity that demonstrates basic chemistry principles.
Ingredients
Materials
- 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide (liquid) Commonly available at drugstores.
- 1 packet or tbsp dry yeast Can be found in the baking section.
- 3 tbsp warm water Use warm but not boiling water.
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap Regular dish soap works well.
- as desired Food coloring (optional) Use different colors for unique effects.
- 1 clean plastic bottle or flask A funnel can help pour ingredients in.
- 1 Tray To catch the overflow.
- optional Safety goggles Recommended for eye protection.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all materials in a clear, accessible workspace.
- Put on safety goggles if desired for extra protection.
Mix the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the dry yeast with the warm water.
- Stir gently for about 30 seconds until dissolved and set aside.
Prepare the Catalyst Solution
- In the plastic bottle, add the cup of hydrogen peroxide.
- Stir in the dish soap until well combined.
- If desired, mix in a few drops of food coloring for visual flair.
Combine the Solutions
- Using a funnel, pour the yeast mixture into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide solution.
Watch the Magic Happen!
- Step back and observe as the foam erupts from the bottle.
- Enjoy the colorful, bubbly reaction as it creates a 'toothpaste' for an elephant!
Notes
Swap out the food coloring for different colors to create unique effects. Experiment with varying the concentration of hydrogen peroxide for different foam effects. Add glitter or biodegradable confetti for an extra festive touch. Use different types of containers to see how the shape affects the foam’s height.