Hands-on experiments are a fun, engaging way to foster a love of science and exploration in kids. The elephant toothpaste experiment is one of the most popular, fastest and easiest ways to spark imaginations for students aged 4 to 11. Let’s get started!
Why Make Elephant Toothpaste?
This experiment helps kids learn more about catalysts and chemical reactions.
A catalyst is a substance that supplies the necessary energy to create a chemical reaction and produces faster results than would naturally happen. These substances play a vital role in chemical reactions that occur in our bodies, like digestion. They also help generate desirable chemical reactions in other applications, such as the catalytic converters in automobiles that help reduce harmful emissions.
Studying catalysts helps promote a better understanding of vital chemical reactions and what factors can influence them. During this experiment, kids also sharpen their critical thinking skills and connect scientific concepts with life.
What Do I Need to Make Elephant Toothpaste?
These are the ingredients you’ll need for the elephant toothpaste experiment:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A large baking sheet or tray to contain foam
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast (a 0.25-ounce packet)
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- 3 tablespoons of warm water
- ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide
- Food coloring
- Safety goggles
- A small cup
- A clean, empty plastic or glass bottle
- A funnel (optional)
Changing some ingredients can yield different results for kids to observe. For example, substitute regular 3% hydrogen peroxide with a 20 volume version — a 6% solution you can find at hair salons and beauty supply stores. Vary the sizes of the clear glass or plastic bottles, or try different food colors for visual interest.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Elephant Toothpaste
Follow these steps for a safe and fun experiment:
1. Prepare the Space
Clear a spot on a large, flat surface where kids can gather close enough to participate safely and observe the results. Place the clear plastic or glass bottle in the middle of the baking sheet or tray. For convenience, gather the remaining tools and ingredients nearby.
2. Have Everyone Put Their Safety Equipment On
It’s always best to prioritize safety when conducting any scientific experiments. Have all students don their glasses before going to the next step.
3. Measure and Mix the First Solution
Allow one student to add 1 tablespoon of dish soap and another to add the hydrogen peroxide to your clear vessel. Gently mix the solution before adding 10 drops of the food coloring you chose. Return the bottle to the baking sheet or tray.
4. Prepare the Catalyst Slurry
Use a separate cup to mix the yeast packet with the warm water and stir until uniform. The yeast should slightly bubble as it starts to bloom.
5. Add the Slurry to the Bottle and Step Back
Quickly pour the slurry into the glass or plastic bottle, using a funnel if necessary. Step back and watch the foaminess start!
6. Discuss Results and Observations
Encourage kids to engage their senses as they watch the experiment and take notes about their experiences and observations. Asking open-ended questions will also help them explore the experiment’s results and encourage deeper thinking. Options include:
- What did you see happening?
- Why do you think that occurred?
- What reaction did you expect when we started this experiment?
- How did the results differ from what you initially anticipated?
- How do you think changing the catalyst, container or the amounts of the materials would impact the results?
Provide tools for kids to record their observations and the results. You can also have students share their findings and thoughts with classmates for additional discussion and critical thinking practice.
7. Clean Up
The foam contains only soap, water and oxygen. It’s harmless to the touch but not safe to eat, so supervise students carefully during cleanup. Easily wipe up any excess with a damp rag or sponge. You can also safely throw the “toothpaste” away or rinse it down the drain. Rinse any residue from clothing or skin with cool water, and clean the measuring tools and bottle in warm, soapy water or a dishwasher.
How Does the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Work?
Yeast is a catalyst in this experiment and generates an exothermic reaction. An exothermic reaction is a type of reaction that releases heat, so the bottle and foam you produce will feel warm to the touch. As the yeast interacts with the hydrogen peroxide, it removes the oxygen from the molecules. The catalysis is fast, rapidly creating all the oxygen-filled bubbles that make up the foam!
Inspire Young Minds With Science Explorers
Science Explorers empowers learning for children ages 4-11 through inquiry-based science programs that build on their natural curiosity. We’ve brought our programs to thousands of kids throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, helping develop a lifelong love of scientific exploration and learning. All of our camps, clubs and assemblies follow strict academic protocols to ensure engaging and enriching experiences.
Register for your preferred program today, or connect with our team for more details and help choosing the best option for your students.