Who knew toothpaste might be so enjoyable? Whereas no precise toothpaste is produced, this experiment is an thrilling and hands-on option to convey a number of science classes to life. You’ll wish to use some warning when performing it with children. A few of the chemical compounds used may be irritating and the substance produced is sizzling, so that you received’t wish to truly brush anybody’s enamel with the froth, as tempting as that could be! Learn on to see easy methods to do the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment, and fill out the shape on this web page to seize your free recording sheet.
How does the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment work?
This experiment works by way of a chemical response that outcomes from a catalyst (potassium iodide, aka yeast) being launched into a combination of hydrogen peroxide and dish cleaning soap. The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen and the catalyst accelerates the response, forcing the oxygen into the cleaning soap bubbles. The ensuing impact is the substance rapidly pouring up and out of the container.
What does the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment train?
This experiment is a crowd-pleaser, nevertheless it additionally serves to show children loads. The idea of a catalyst dashing up a response is demonstrated in an apparent and thrilling approach because the introduction of the yeast forces the froth to blow up up and out of the bottle. It additionally teaches children about exothermic reactions as the froth popping out of the bottle is sizzling. Moreover, children get to see a decomposition response because the speedy decomposition of hydrogen peroxide ends in the discharge of oxygen gasoline.
Is there an Elephant Toothpaste Experiment video?
This video from instructor Hilary Statum will provide you with the step-by-step directions for making your individual Elephant Toothpaste.
Supplies Wanted
To do the experiment, you’ll need:
- 16-oz. empty plastic soda bottle
- Very heat water
- Dish cleaning soap
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (6% is best, if obtainable)
- Dry yeast
- Massive tray
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Security glasses
- Security gloves
- Pipettes
- Funnel or measuring cup with a lip
- Meals coloring
Our free recording sheet can also be useful—fill out the shape on this web page to get it!
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment steps:
1. Place the bottle on a big tray and put in your security goggles and gloves.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon of yeast into 3 tablespoons of heat water till you obtain a creamy consistency. Place in a small cup and set to the facet.
3. Use a funnel or measuring cup to pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
4. Add a little bit of meals coloring. For a strong colour, add straight into the bottle. For stripes, squirt it with the pipettes so it trickles down the edges of the within of the bottle.
5. Add roughly 1 tablespoon of dish cleaning soap to the hydrogen peroxide.
6. Use a funnel or measuring cup so as to add the yeast combination to the bottle.
7. Step again and watch the explosion!
Seize our free Elephant Toothpaste Experiment worksheet!
Fill out the shape on this web page to get your worksheets. The primary worksheet asks children to make a prediction about what they suppose will occur. They will use the supplied areas to attract or write their predictions and observations. The second worksheet lists questions for college students to reply concerning the experiment.
Extra Reflection Questions
- Why can we add the yeast to the water?
- What do you suppose would occur if we added extra dish cleaning soap?
- What do you suppose would occur if we added extra yeast to the combination?
- What’s the liquid that’s left within the bottle?
- Describe the response that happens. How lengthy does it final?
Can this experiment be accomplished for a science truthful?
Sure! If you wish to do the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment for a science truthful, we suggest switching up a few of the variables. For instance: Does the sort or form of the container matter? Does the kind of dish cleaning soap matter? Does including extra yeast change the response? Kind a speculation about how altering the variables will influence the experiment. Good luck!
