The elephant toothpaste experiment is a classic science demonstration that creates a giant foaming reaction using a few simple ingredients. The experiment requires the following materials:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Warm water
- Liquid dish soap
- Liquid food coloring (optional)
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (can use higher concentrations for further exploration)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Safety glasses
- Large tub or tray to catch the foam, or outdoor location to do the experiment
Instructions for the experiment are as follows:
- Pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
- Add a big squirt of dish soap into the bottle, and swirl gently to mix.
- Add a few drops of food coloring (optional).
- In a separate container, mix together one tablespoon of yeast and three tablespoons of warm water. Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle, then quickly step back and watch the reaction go!
The elephant toothpaste will bubble up out of the bottle, so it is recommended to do the experiment in a tray or tub (or outside) for easy cleanup. Safety glasses should be worn during the experiment since hydrogen peroxide can irritate the eyes. The foam can be washed down the sink when the experiment is done.
The positive aspect of the experiment is that it is a fun and engaging way to teach kids about chemical reactions and the properties of different materials. The negative aspect is that hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous if not handled properly, so adult supervision is required. The ingredients used in the experiment include hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, yeast, and food coloring (optional) .
