6 Demonstration: Elephant’s Toothpaste

Supplies:

Tray or small tub

Graduated cylinder or small clear soda bottle

Small cup for mixing

1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide

Dish soap

Food coloring (optional)

1 tbsp yeast

3 tbsp warm water

Question: What do you think will happen when we add yeast to hydrogen peroxide?

Directions: Add yeast and warm water to small cup and swirl for 30 seconds. Place small bottle in tray or tub to catch the overflow. Add hydrogen peroxide to bottle and a big squeeze of dish soap. Add food coloring and swirl. Add the yeast mixture and stand back. The reaction should rapidly foam and overflow out the top.

Theory: When the yeast mixes with the hydrogen peroxide, oxygen and water are produced. The oxygen is trapped in the soap, creating bubbles.

Grades: 1st – 4th

Time: 5 minutes

Clean Up: All contents can go down the drain.

Notes and Hints: Use fresh yeast. If foaming does not happen, have baking soda and vinegar on hand to put in the bottle. A similar reaction should occur.

Image Credit: https://teachbesideme.com/elephant-toothpaste/