Today we’re doing this elephant toothpaste science experiment for kids. Kids of all ages will love this elephant toothpaste experiment because it’s not only fun, but themed to look like spooky magical potions! How fun! It’s educational, fun, messy, and super cool. It does require adult supervision though! But you can do this elephant toothpaste experiment at home or in the classroom!
Elephant Toothpaste
We’ve all seen the experiment where you add vinegar and baking soda and there is a chemical reaction that is also foamy and explosive? Well, this is the same concept, but it’s much more foamy and the foam is thicker. It’s a fun way to explore chemical reactions in a different way.
Kids will learn about:
- Chemical Reactions
- Gases Forming From Liquids
- How Enzymes Work To Speed Up Processes or Reactions
- What An Exothermic Reaction Is
Parents will need to be involved though considering peroxide is used, but this is a fun and educational science experiment everyone will enjoy. And if you use fun bottles, it’s almost like making potions! Which would make this a fun Halloween science activity as well. Or a just because STEM activity. Either or! Let’s learn science and have a good time!
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Supplies Needed For This Elephant Toothpaste Experiment
Optional If You Don’t Have A Wide Rim Bottle or Jar
Safety Gear
How To Make These Elephant Toothpaste “Potions”
Step 1
Use a funnel and pour 2 tablespoons of the hydrogen peroxide in the bottle or jar.
Step 2
Add a few drops of food coloring.
Step 3
Add 1.5 tablespoons of bubble solution (or dish soap) to your bottle or jar.
Step 4
Swirl the jar/bottle gently.
Step 5
In your cup add 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast with 1 tablespoon warm water. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
Step 6
Carefully pour the year mixture into your jar/bottle. Use your funnel if you don’t have a wide mouth jar or bottle.
Step 7
Step back and watch your potion foam and bubble over. It’s like magic!
Activity Notes:
- Put a tray below the bottles and jars if you’re not doing this outside. It’s a great way for easy clean up.
- The bubble reaction is safe to touch, but younger kids need to avoid sticking their hands in their mouth or eyes.
- Using dish soap will create a stronger reaction.
The Science Behind Elephant Toothpaste
Elephant toothpaste is super cool and is a fun science experiment. It creates a big foamy explosion…kind of like toothpaste!
Hydrogen peroxide which is H2O2 is made of water and oxygen. It looks like water, but is more unstable because it wants to break into both water,H2O, and oxygen which is a gas, O2.
The breakdown is usually slow process. However, when you add yeast the process or reaction, happens fast. This is because yeast contains an enzyme called catalase.
Since the yeast breaks down the hydrogen peroxide fast it releases oxygen gas very quickly. It only takes a few seconds for the reaction to happen. Then, the dish soap traps that oxygen which turns into foam. And the foam comes bursting out!
Exothermic Process
This reaction is called exothermic. Exothermic means a reaction or process gives off heat or energy. That means if you touch the bottle afterwards it might feel warm! Cool, huh?
Materials
- Jar or Bottle (4-8oz)
- Measuring Cup and Spoons
- Food Dye
- Small Glass
- Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
- Active Yeast
- Warm Water
Tools
- Safety Goggles
- Gloves
- Small Funnel
Instructions
Use a funnel and pour 2 tablespoons of the hydrogen peroxide in the bottle or jar.
Add a few drops of food coloring.
Add 1.5 tablespoons of bubble solution (or dish soap) to your bottle or jar.
Swirl the jar/bottle gently.
In your cup add 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast with 1 tablespoon warm water. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
Carefully pour the year mixture into your jar/bottle. Use your funnel if you don’t have a wide mouth jar or bottle.
Step back and watch your potion foam and bubble over. It’s like magic!
Notes
- Put a tray below the bottles and jars if you’re not doing this outside. It’s a great way for easy clean up.
- The bubble reaction is safe to touch, but younger kids need to avoid sticking their hands in their mouth or eyes.
- Using dish soap will create a stronger reaction.
More Science Fun From Kids Activities Blog
How did you like this elephant toothpaste experiment? Wasn’t it cool?
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