At DreamSpark Academy, we believe that science should be fun, hands-on, and a little messy! This summer our students dove into the world of chemistry with an exciting and colorful experiment known as “Elephant Toothpaste.” This foamy eruption amazed everyone, and we’re excited to share the details with you!
What is Elephant Toothpaste?
Elephant Toothpaste is a fun science experiment that demonstrates an exothermic reaction. By mixing hydrogen peroxide, yeast, dish soap, and a bit of food coloring, we create a rapid release of oxygen that turns into a thick, foamy substance that looks like—well, a giant tube of toothpaste fit for an elephant! The foam shoots up and spills over the container, creating a spectacle of color and bubbles that our students couldn’t get enough of.
What We Used
For this experiment, our young scientists used simple materials that you can find at home or at the local store. Here’s what we gathered for our Elephant Toothpaste:
- ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide (20-volume solution for more dramatic results)
- A packet of dry yeast
- A few squirts of dish soap
- Food coloring
- Warm water
- A plastic bottle
- A tray to catch the overflow (trust us, you’ll need it!)
The Experiment: Step-by-Step
Our students gathered around as we set up the experiment. We made sure everyone wore their safety goggles, as safety is always our first priority at DreamSpark Academy. Here’s how we performed the experiment:
- Prepare the Bottle: First, we added a few squirts of dish soap to the plastic bottle. This will help create the foamy texture. Next, we added about ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide to the bottle.
- Add Some Color: We added a few drops of food coloring to the mixture. Some students chose vibrant reds and blues, while others opted for green and purple. The color makes the reaction even more exciting to watch!
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a separate cup, we mixed one packet of dry yeast with a few tablespoons of warm water, stirring until the yeast dissolved. The yeast acts as a catalyst that speeds up the reaction.
- The Big Moment: Finally, we poured the yeast mixture into the bottle and quickly stepped back. In seconds, thick, colorful foam shot up from the bottle’s opening and spilled over the sides. The room was filled with laughter and “wows” as the students watched their creation expand.
What Happened?
The foam produced in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment is the result of an exothermic reaction. When the yeast is added, it breaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The dish soap captures the oxygen as it’s released, creating thousands of tiny bubbles in a dramatic, foamy eruption. The food coloring adds a visual twist, turning the foam into a rainbow of excitement!
Once the kids had a chance to do the experiment on their own, we changed it up and used a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and some potassium iodide crystals to make a larger and faster reaction. Listen to the children react in our video below!*
*(note: We used small amounts of both ingredients because this reaction can get very messy, and it gives off more heat. It also gives off iodine, which can stain, so be careful recreating the reaction this way and use safety equipment.)
Learning Outcomes
This experiment wasn’t just about having fun (although we definitely did that!). Our students learned about chemical reactions, the role of catalysts, and the importance of safety when handling chemicals. They also learned how to follow the scientific method: making predictions, conducting experiments, and observing results.
Here are some of the questions we asked the children before, during and after the experiment:
- What do you think will happen when we mix all these ingredients together?
- Why do you think we are using dish soap and yeast in this experiment?
- What do you notice is happening when we pour the yeast into the bottle?
- Can you describe the foam? How does it look, feel, and smell?
- Why do you think the foam is rising so quickly out of the bottle?
- How would you describe the speed of the reaction? Was it fast or slow?
- What surprised you the most about this experiment?
- What do you think caused the foam to shoot out of the bottle?
- How do you think the yeast helps make the foam?
- If you could change one thing in this experiment, what would it be? Why?
- What do you think would happen if we used less yeast or more hydrogen peroxide?
- What would happen if we tried the experiment using different types of containers?
- Why is it important to wear safety goggles and be careful when doing experiments like this one?
Try It at Home!
Want to try the Elephant Toothpaste experiment at home? It’s a safe and simple way to explore chemistry with your child. Just be sure to use hydrogen peroxide available in most stores, as stronger solutions should only be handled by adults.
Join Us for More STEM Fun!
We love bringing science to life at DreamSpark Academy. Stay tuned for more exciting experiments and activities in our Summer of STEM series. Whether it’s building boats, erupting volcanoes, or launching rockets, there’s always something fun and educational happening here!
At DreamSpark Academy, we believe that the best way to learn is by doing—and sometimes that means making a little mess along the way. Stay curious, stay creative, and keep exploring the world of STEM with us!
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