Foamy Chemistry: The Elephant Toothpaste Reaction

SAFETY FIRST! (Read Carefully!)

Your safety is the most important thing. We are working with materials that need respect.

1. GOGGLES ON AND STAY ON: You MUST wear your safety goggles the entire time materials are out, until everything is cleaned up. This is to protect your eyes from any splashes.
2. GLOVES: If gloves are available, wear them to protect your skin.
3. NO TOUCHING, TASTING, OR EATING: Do not touch the materials with your bare hands, and absolutely do not taste or eat anything used in this experiment.

Your Scientist Station – Materials You Will Use:

(Check that your group has these items)

• Safety Goggles (1 pair per person)
• Disposable Gloves (optional)
• 1 empty plastic bottle
• Small amount of Hydrogen Peroxide (3% and 6% concentration)
• Liquid Dish Soap
• Food Coloring (optional)
• 1 packet of dry active yeast
• Small cup with warm water
• Stir stick

Part 1: Your Hands-On Experiment (Working with 3% or 6% Peroxide)

You will perform this experiment with your group at your station.

Step 1: Prepare Your Station

• Make sure everyone in your group has their safety goggles on.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

• The yeast we are using is like a tiny living thing that needs to “wake up.” It contains something special that helps speed up reactions.
• Pour the warm water into your small cup.
• Add the packet of dry yeast to the warm water.
• Stir gently for about 30 seconds. What do you see happening in the cup? (It might get a little bubbly).

Step 3: Prepare the Bottle

• Carefully pour the Hydrogen Peroxide (3% or 6%) into the plastic bottle.
• Add a squeeze (about 2-3 drops) of liquid dish soap to the bottle.
• If you want colored foam, add a few drops of food coloring now. You can swirl the bottle gently to mix the color, but don’t shake it hard.

Step 4: Make Your Prediction!

• You have the peroxide, soap, and colored water (optional) in the bottle, and the activated yeast in the cup.
• What do you think will happen when you pour the yeast mixture into the bottle?
• Share your prediction with your group. What do you think you will see, hear, or feel (by touching the outside of the bottle)?

Step 5: The Reaction!

• Now, it’s time to test your prediction.
• Carefully and quickly pour the entire cup of activated yeast mixture into the plastic bottle.
• IMMEDIATELY step back slightly and watch what happens!

Step 6: Record Your Observations

• Look closely! Use your senses (eyes and feeling the outside of the bottle safely) to be a great scientist.
• What do you see happening in the bottle and the tray?
• Is it happening slowly or quickly?
• What does the foam look like? (Color, size of bubbles, how high it goes?)
• Carefully touch the outside of the bottle (near the bottom) with the back of your hand – does it feel warmer or colder than before?
• Take photos and video and share using the qr code.