Update: "Elephant toothpaste" is a science experiment that I used to do with my high school students. It is a strong multi-sensory demonstration that goes great with a lot of chemistry concepts.
It is also very popular with preschoolers and homeschoolers!
The internet loves it too! It has now been read by more than 3.9 million people! This was the post that started the trend on science activity sites across the internet and "irl!" Thank you for being here...I hope you enjoy it as well! 💕
This exciting science experiment works great in a discussion on reactions, as a demonstration, or as an actual experiment. We've also done seasonal twists with "elephant toothpaste" like making it in a pumpkin and using it for "reindeer toothpaste!"
To use it as a science project, perform it once with your child, then ask your child what might happen if you changed the amounts or left out an ingredient.
To use it as a science project, perform it once with your child, then ask your child what might happen if you changed the amounts or left out an ingredient.
Any time you experiment or demonstrate with liquids, heat, or glass you should use protective eye gear -- kids LOVE wearing science goggles!
And like everything else on this site, make sure you safely supervise your children.
Let your kids direct the experiment! Also, the foam created is safe to touch. It is simply water, oxygen gas, and soap, so if your child has no soap allergies, she can experience and experiment with the texture, temperature, and feel of the foam! If your child does have soap allergies or sensitive skin (or if you're just concerned), I'd encourage you to use gloves--you can still enjoy touching it with gloves on!
Elephant Toothpaste:
1. Set a water bottle or soda pop bottle in the middle of a pan to catch the toothpaste.
2. Mix these in a separate container and swirl together for a minute. The yeast will catalyze (or speed up) the reaction. Woo hoo!
** 2 Tablespoons warm water
** 1 teaspoon yeast
3. Mix these in your soda pop bottle:
** 1/2 cup 6% hydrogen peroxide. It is important to use at least 6%. You can use 8% or more (available on Amazon), or you can use Salon Care Professional Stabilized Formula. 20 Volume Clear Developer from Sally Beauty Supply works fine too. 3% from the grocery store will NOT work as well. :)
** 4-5 drops food coloring
** squirt of dish soap
4. Pour the yeast mixture into the soda pop bottle...and be amazed!
The reaction is summarized by this formula:
2 H2O2 --> 2 H2O + 02.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) naturally breaks down into water and oxygen. It is stored in opaque containers to help slow down this process. Catalase (an enzyme in all living things, including yeast) speeds up the reaction. Dish soap catches the oxygen and makes bigger bubbles and the food coloring makes it look cool. The foam and bottle feel warm because the reaction is exothermic--it releases energy as heat.
UPDATE: At the request of many of you, I am providing these amazon affiliate links for 6% hydrogen peroxide for your convenience. You will not pay any more for them, but we will receive a small commission for referring you. I recommend buying a larger container because your kids will want to repeat the activity many times!
And, of course, here are some other supplies for this experiment:
UPDATE: As discussed in the comments, it is called "elephant toothpaste" because it is so foamy it looks as if an elephant could brush with it. Elephants do not actually brush with it. Do NOT actually put it in your mouth, your children's mouths, or any animals' mouths.
What else can you do with this experiment?
1- Discuss decomposition reactions (with older kids)! Look at the formula for the reaction and track where the atoms move from the reactants to the products side. See how the hydrogen peroxide "decomposes" during the reaction!
2- Learn more about enzymes! Here is a great introduction to enzymes and catalase, the enzyme in yeast that speeds up this reaction!
3- Check out this "extreme" version that Imagination Station did! They used a different catalyst on a much larger scale!
More favorites at Preschool Powol Packets:
Are you looking for more experiments, activities, art, and STEM projects for older kids? Then check out my site Teaching Without Chairs!
Would you like more science project ideas for kids? Check out my Kid's Science board on Pinterest. It's full of science experiment fun:
Follow Carla in's board Kid's Science on Pinterest.
Happy Educating,
Carla
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107 comments:
Thanks for letting me know about this change and I think your new blog setup looks awesome!
Lori
Thanks, Lori! I'm so glad you made it over!
Nice new site. Very nice looking. I like it. I'm looking forward to tuesdays hop.
Ok that looks very cool. Oh we are so trying that. That's just what we love to do.
Veronica @ http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/
ooooh, I cannot wait to try this! I think my kids will absolutely love this!
Thanks, Veronica! I can't wait to see what you link up tomorrow! My kids wanted to repeat this several days in a row!
S, It is a TON of fun--I think I enjoy this one at least as much as the kids!
Looks exciting! We just joined a co-op, but they only meet every other week (to the disappointment of my son today, it was our off week), so I think the opposite week will be spent doing fun science experiments like this!
Brittney
www.moms-heart.blogspot.com
Brittney, That sounds like a great plan! Thanks for coming by!
Oh how fun! I'm a new follower!
I have been waiting to try this out with the kiddos. I love that you added color!
Thanks, Lisa!
Tammy, I bet your kids will love it! My daughter asks to add food coloring to almost everything we do--I love the color too!
Ekkk! This looks SO FUN! But I messed up and bought 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. It's all our store had. I wonder how much of a difference it will really make! :-(
Cassi Crane, It was a BLAST!! 3% should still give you some bubbles, but not nearly as great a show. The reaction is still happening, but much slower. I'd recommend just ordering a 6% (or higher) bottle online or going to a beauty store. Good luck!!
I work at a daycare and my kids love science. I was running out of ideas but I'm so excited to show them this one! Thanks a million
Oh wow, this looks like fun!
This is so darn cool! We're totally doing this! Thanks!
Very cool
I am just hopping over from my Enchanted Thursdays Blog Hop to thank you for linking up this week. I am your newest GFC follower. This looks like a very cool science project! Thank you for sharing.
Safeya, After I showed it to the kids in my home daycare, they've requested it over and over!
Our Homeschool Reviews, It is definitely fun!
Erin, I'm so glad you'll use it!
Thanks, Julia!
Thanks for hosting the hop, Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, and thanks for following! I'm glad you like it!
OOooohhh! That looks so fun. I can just picture my son's eyes so big they nearly pop out of his face. I'm pinning this so I don't forget to do it. Thanks for sharing!
that is super cool.
Deceptively Educational, I'm so excited for you to share it with your son! I've had kids 1-4 years old LOVE it! and Thanks for pinning!!
Thanks, Laura!
I did this today with my Kindergarteners! They loved it sooo much that we did it twice! Thank you so much!
Yay!! Thank you so much for letting me know! I'm so glad you and your class enjoyed it!!
My boys would love me if I did this with them. I am so happy to now be following you. Thanks for the great tips.
You mention a soda pop bottle...can I use an empty water bottle instead? Sorry if that sounds silly, but don't have sodas at the house! :)
Andrea, I'm so glad you came by--I'm sure you and your boys will enjoy it!
Sherrie, I should have mentioned this! I've used both and they both work great. If you look closely, in the pictures I posted here, I actually used a 20-ounce water bottle! It works great--I don't drink soda either, but I do have lots of water bottles! And while I have bought sodas for other experiments, it definitely isn't necessary for this one! Have fun!
thank you for this!! my kids were thrilled!! i used 20 volume cream developer from sally's (i already had it) and it worked AMAZINGLY! the bubbles just kept coming! :) thanks again :)
This is so cool!!!
How cool! I have to do this with my kids. They will love it!
~Tonia @TheGunnySack.com
Melissa, That's awesome!! I am so glad you got to use it already--thanks so much for letting me know!! I do love how the bubbles keep coming! How cool that you have 20 vol developer at your house, too!
Thanks, Rachel!
Tonia, I'm sure you'll all enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by!
Finally!! A science experiment to do with my kids that has an explanation of the chemical reactions..thanks!!
I wanted to let you know that I am featuring this today at The Gunny Sack!
Prairie Mother, I'm so glad you appreciate that! Even though I'm writing it for young children, I hoped someone would be interested in the information! I've also taught high school and junior high school science classes and just can't help including a little "real" science! ;) Thanks for coming by!
Thanks, Tonia! I'm so excited! I love The Gunny Sack!
I already commented after seeing this from somewhere else, but I wanted to thank you for posting on Monday Madness. Hope to see you there again tomorrow.
What a fun reaction!
Found you on Pinterest and just tried this with my kiddos. They LOVED it!!! Thanks so much for the idea.
PS.. we used the 3% and it worked just fine for us....the bubbles kept coming for quite a while.
Thanks, Laura! I love Monday Madness!
Thanks, Steph!
Kristie, I'm so glad you found me! and I'm SO glad the 3% worked for you! Thanks so much for letting me know you and your kids enjoyed it! Knowing that people are using this is one of my biggest motivations to keep posting stuff like this!
Love this! I'm planning to post this on my FB page and pin it!!! It is awesome! I want everyone to see it!
Charity
www.thehelpingbridge.com
Charity, Thanks so much for sharing it--I really appreciate it! I'm so glad you like it!
I can't wait to try this with my kindergarten students! They are going to be so amazed and excited! =D
(found this on pinterest)
I'm sure your kindergartners will love it! I love pinterest, and I'm so grateful for to all the people who've been sharing this on pinterest! Thanks for stopping by!
This is amazing. I pinned it. I hope you'll visit my blog: Kindergarten for Teachers and Parents. Wonderful blog you have! I added your link to my Linky Party page.
Susan, I'm so glad you like it! Thanks so much for sharing it! I'll definitely check out your blog!
The lady at Sally said to be careful getting the developer on hands as it can irritate them - she recommended wearing gloves. Is this something anyone else has experienced or should I not be worried?
It never hurts to wear gloves--some people's hands will even be irritated by the dish soap. I would not recommend actually touching the developer, however, when the foam comes out it is no longer developer. The hydrogen peroxide has dissociated into oxygen and water. I've never had trouble with kids touching the foam and washing their hands afterwards, but if you're concerned about their skin, gloves never hurt. ;)
My experiment didn't work :( kids disappointed. I used a soda bottle volume 20 cream developer, a squirt of dawn. yeast and warm water mixed together. What type of yeast did you use? is the only thing I can think of that may be different. Checking out Steve Spangler's website now I think he has this experiment there too. Thank You.
Anonymous, I'm so sorry it didn't work for you guys! I've done it many times and never had any problems. Since I wasn't with you, I'm not sure what went wrong, but here's a few things to double check:
1- Yeast and water temperature: If the water is too hot you will kill the yeast and it won't work. If it's too cold the yeast won't have a chance to start growing. If the yeast is too old, it won't work as well either, though I've used some very old yeast. ;) You can make sure this combination is right by waiting to see the yeast start to foam and bubble before stirring it in.
2- If your hydrogen peroxide (20Vol Developer works great) is too old, it will have already dissociated into water and oxygen and you won't have any actual hydrogen peroxide left for the actual experiment. This happens faster if you store it in light, a warm place, or a clear container.
I don't remember the brand of yeast I used. I buy it in bulk about once a year.
Good luck! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
Thank you for the reply Carla - we'll try it today or tomorrow!
The reason it didn't work could have been the CREAM developer. I debated using that or the liquid. The cream must have something in it to make it the right consistency, but changes the effect of the experiment. I could be wrong, but that was my first thought.
Great idea, Angela! I've always used the clear developer, which is why I listed it as an option on #3. It makes me want to buy some cream developer and see what happens!
We used the cream developer as well and the reaction was s-l-o-w, but we achieved the same results. I had no idea there was a difference in developers....next time we will try the clear instead of cream. : ) It was a fun experiment - thanks!
No school today and my kids were complaining about boredom. I had pinned this previously, so I pulled it up and suggested we try it. They are having a ton of fun in the dining room right now, and I am so happy to be listening to laughter and not whining. :)
I only had 3% peroxide, but it worked well enough to get a reaction and lots of bubbles to play with. Also, if you had more peroxide after the reaction has stopped, it starts up again, which was further fun.
Marjoriethe7th, Do use clear next time! It seems that the cream has extra oil and other ingredients that could slow it down. Let me know how it goes!
Cheryl, I actually stock some 6% just for this one--the kids just love it too much! Good luck next time!
Jennifer, I am SO glad you and your kids enjoyed it! It's definitely a great boredom-buster! It's wonderful that the 3% worked too! Thanks so much for coming back and letting me know!
My 1st grade son has to do a science experiment in front of his class next week and I thought this would be the perfect thing. However, I cannot find anything more than 3% peroxide anywhere locally. I asked a couple pharmacists and they do not stock it nor do they know where it is available. I'm seeing in previous comments that 3% doesn't work as well. I did pick up fresh packets of yeast today, so maybe we'll give it a try and see how it works. Just wondered if anyone has actually seen 6% peroxide anywhere. Thanks.
Hi Barb! This is a lot of fun to do with a class! The only places I've seen to get 6% or more hydrogen peroxide locally (not including the internet or high school store rooms) are beauty supply stores. I've used 20 volume clear developer from Sally Beauty Supplies many times, and I've also heard that Clairoxide hair bleach by Clairol works (though I haven't tried that one). If you have time, Amazon will also send some. ;) Good luck!
Very cool. I am a new GFC follower. Stop by to follow Back.
Thanks for coming by, Amy!
Thanks for this cool idea, my son loves the baking soda and vinegar for volcano's. I know he will love this.
Also, new to the blog world would love for you to come and check me out/follow.
Thanks, Catherine! I'll definitely come visit you!
Thanks for getting the science correct. So many times the explanation is wrong. As a high school chem and physics teacher I really appreciate it. As a mom of two little ones I am super excited to do this without the chemicals I use in school
This experiment looks cool! My son would definitely love to see this. We can try to do this on the weekend. If this can be made into a toothpaste that he can use on his own teeth, that would certainly motivate him to brush even more.
Thanks, tknudtson74! I've actually taught high school IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) and consider the science particularly important! Of course, we talk about it differently with my little ones, lol!
Randy, I'm so glad you can use it! I would definitely NOT use it as toothpaste, though! It would taste absolutely horrible! It gets its name because it looks like the sort of toothpaste you would imagine an elephant using. ;)
Love this idea for my preschool class.
Just curious, because let's face it, the little ones will get the "toothpaste" all over them when they play in it; will the HP bleach their hair should they happen to get the mixture in it? As a preschool teacher I would have some very unhappy parents.
I would be more concerned about the food coloring dying their hair than the HP bleaching it. Food coloring also stains clothes, so unless you have some pretty intense smocks, you might want to just leave the food coloring out. ;) The actual foam doesn't have HP in it--the HP has dissociated to water and oxygen. I suppose it's always possible that a little HP from inside the bottle could get carried out into the foam on the bubbles, but I haven't had any trouble with that. Good luck!
My daughter was so excited to try this experiment for her 3rd grade science fair project. We used both 3% and the developer from Sally's to see the difference. She hypothesized whether changing the % and ingredients would change experiment. We also tried it with a soda to see if it is just bubbly liquids or the chemical reaction of the peroxide that creates the explosion. She loved it but wanted what looked like the consistency of toothpaste from the first picture. Did I do it wrong or is it just the photography? Thanks for an exciting experiment we gathered the entire family around for!
Heather, it sounds like you had a wonderful set of experiments! It's hard to know exactly what happened without doing it with you, but the thick foam usually settles into smaller bubbles. I only get the thick foam when I use 6% or more hydrogen peroxide. Both pictures in the post are from the same experiment--I snapped the top one at the beginning and the bottom one about 3-4 minutes later. There's no special photography--all my pictures are actually taken with a simple point and shoot (I think it's a Canon Powershot, but I'd have to double check). ;) Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment--I'm so glad your family was able to enjoy it! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Why is it called "Elephant Toothpaste"?
Hi Lyndi! As it comes out of the bottle, it looks like you would imagine elephant's toothpaste might look! ;)
This great I just wouldn't let your children touch it the peroxide could give them a nasty reaction if they have sensitive skin. I know this because I am a hairdresser and have this reaction myself. So be careful! :)
It's true, the peroxide can be harsh on skin (it's not very pleasant in eyes, either). Fortunately, the reaction separates the peroxide into oxygen and water so the bubbles are less dangerous. Still, some people are sensitive to soap... gloves never hurt. ;) Thanks for stopping by!!
My daughter-in-law did this with my grandson (3) and he loved it. I got your site from her. I can't wait to do it with my 5th graders next year. Thanks so much for the scientific breakdown. So many experiments are so cool but then you have to look all over for the explanations.
If you insert a glowing splint into the fresh bubbles, the splint will re-ignite due to the oxygen. Also, never let a bottle of hydrogen peroxide dry out - be sure to rinse it out when it is empty.
Anon, Thanks so much for letting me know your grandson enjoyed it! I'm so glad! Have fun with your 5th graders next year! And I'm glad you appreciated the explanation--as a former science teacher, it's hard for me to put up a reaction without an explanation. ;)
Linda, I've never tried a glowing splint--thanks for sharing!!
If you only use 3% hydrogen peroxide, use a much narrower bottle (like a 12 oz water bottle or the small SmartWater bottle) and you will get a better reaction. This is also great for 6 & 8 year-olds. Very safe, very clean, very minimal small. My niece & nephew loved it. Called the green "slime."
I bought 30 clear developer by mistake. Will it still work?
Thanks for the tip, Raegan! The narrow neck forces the reaction through a smaller space, so it would look more explosive with any concentration of hydrogen peroxide!
Anon, I'm no expert in hair products, but I believe that 30 volume is 9% hydrogen peroxide. I would expect it to work wonderfully! Let us know how it goes!
Is this toxic? My preschoolers put everything in their mouths.
This looks like tons of fun and I can't wait to try this with my kids! I linked this to my blog http://cmommygo.blogspot.com/ . If you mind I'll take it down.
Thanks for explaining the chemistry aspect. It is necessary for older kids. Thanks for sharing!
Just stopping by with congratulations! Your project was in the top 5 most popular posts for May (Yes, trying to get caught up!) on Fun Family Crafts! Thanks for sharing your creativity and we hope you'll submit more. If you would like to see the post and grab a TOP 5 button, you can see it here http://funfamilycrafts.com/may-2012-top-posts/ Thanks!
Anon, the final bubbly product is not toxic, though I'd recommend trying to keep it out of their mouths. The soap can act like a laxative and the food coloring can stain. Definitely make sure they don't eat the hydrogen peroxide before you mix it all together.
Thanks, Jessica! I don't mind you linking to it at all!
I think it's important, too, Mrs. Crisostomo! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, Amanda!! I'll definitely pick up the button!!
If you use the developer instead of peroxide, is it still safe for the kids to play in?
Hi Kirsten, Generally, yes, the bubbles made after the reaction is safe to touch. Some children have sensitive skin and may need to wear gloves, though I haven't had this problem. Remember the actual foam doesn't have hydrogen peroxide/developer in it--it has dissociated to water and oxygen. If you are concerned, you can let them wear gloves.
Definitely do **not** let your children play in the developer before the reaction. ;)
I did this at a camp over the summer and I would know it works on older kids too. There were probably 50+ kids that were over the age of 12 and when the professor did that everybody loved it , it was really cool!!!
I would love to use the top photo with a link under it to your blog on my Halloween Science Recipes blog. Is that all right? Thank you!
Yes, of course, Susan! I love it when people share! Please be sure to use only one photo and link it back to this page. Thanks!
I tried the experiment several times (my daughter loved it) However, I found that using the 40 developer from Sally's gets a much better reaction. All the times I tried with 20 just came out too runny. Also, if you drip red food coloring into one side of the bottle, and blue into the other it really looks like the classic Colgate toothpaste :) Thanks for posting this cool experiment!
Anon, The red and blue sound like a super fun effect! Thanks for sharing!
im 11 and this was so fun!!! I loved this experiment and my sister and I decided to make it even more fun by leaving the cap on! :) Once it started rising, we slowly untwisted the cap and it started exploding EVERYWHERE!!! Thanks for the idea on my boring day off from school! :D I appreciate it and I hope some of you try what I tried. :D
hi jan 23 4:38 pm :D. Lots of fun!!!
3% does work, and the result was awesome! I wish I took a video. :)
It's probably a good idea to make a note in the text of your original post that the 30%hydroxide solution purchased at Beauty Supply Stores can cause burns and eye damage. Some readers may not scroll down through ALL of your comments to get that point. I'd recommend the children wear asfety goggles if a high concentration is used.
I have this experiment on my blog too, it's great for little hands I agree. I always say elephant toothpaste can be used instead of the usual baking powder and vinegar to do this project: http://anordinary-life.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/volcano-experiment.html Another great and safe hands on experiment! :D
The 2 h2o2 = 2 h2o + o2 doesnt scientifically explain the whole reaction. That just explains why peroxide is in dark bottles. Whats the actual chemical reaction. Its missing the yeast (catylst) and the soap. Any idea what the rxn is??
The 2 h2o2 = 2 h2o + o2 doesnt scientifically explain the whole reaction. That just explains why peroxide is in dark bottles. Whats the actual chemical reaction. Its missing the yeast (catylst) and the soap. Any idea what the rxn is??
Dear MK,
The equation {2 H2O2 --> 2 H2O + 02} does actually summarize the whole reaction. Catalysts are often not included in equations because the reaction will happen whether or not they are present. In this case, the yeast contains catalase, which is an enzyme that will make the hydrogen peroxide separate into water and oxygen faster. The soap is not in the chemical equation because it is not part of it. It is a simple physical reaction. Have you ever blown bubbles with a straw into a cup of water? The gas you blow into the water makes a bubble which quickly pops. Blow the same air into a cup of soapy water and you will have bubbles, just like the oxygen from the reaction discussed above makes bubbles in the soapy water in your water bottle. Combined, of course, the soap and the hydrogen peroxide reaction make a fabulous show! :D
I'm a kid how do I hydrogen perxoode. Iknow u can gettin. On amazon
Has anyone in the UK tried this and if so, what products have you used in place of the recommended hair care ones, as the brands listed are US products, not available here.
Also does it matter what kind of yeast you use, freeze dried, fast acting, brewers yeast etc?
Tried this today it worked grea my boys loved it but it did not look quite like yours did in the picture...did i do something wrong?
Hi Anon! I would need to know what yours did look like and exactly what you did before I could even guess why they would be different. ;)
We practiced this for my daughter's science birthday party. We had so many bubbles with one squirt dish soap, but kept playing with it to get the more "toothpaste" look. We ended up with 8 squirts of dish soap and thought it looked nice. We put the food coloring on the inside edges of bottle to make it more of the toothpaste look fancier with two colors. Great post. Thank you!
Hi Melissa! I love the idea of using two colors! Thanks so much for sharing!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic post! Eincher.me
This is an exothermic reaction. It is dangerous and should only be performed as a demo!!! Yes the final product is not dangerous but the heat generated during the reaction could be dangerous. You should have on gloves and goggles! I have a masters in science.
Hi Lee! Thanks so much for sharing -- I'm so sorry that deleted--sometimes technology is crazy!
Hi ScienceTeacher08! I appreciate you stopping by and your concern -- please forgive me for not approving all 5 of your comments (they were a little repetitive). ;) I also appreciate you pointing out your expertise -- I also am a former science teacher with a masters degree in science! I disagree with some of your points, and here is my reasoning: 1- ALL activities I suggest on this blog are to be done with close adult supervision and appropriate safety gear. Goggles are a good idea any time you use liquids, glasses, or heat. 2- With appropriate supervision, there is no reason why children cannot experiment with this reaction. 3- If you use the amounts I've suggested, the heat generated is not dangerous. 4- In the original instructions, I pointed out the dangers of touching hydrogen peroxide -- even with gloves, I would not encourage anyone to touch it!
Finally, if I were teaching in a classroom, I would not divide the children (even teens) in groups to do this. That would not be appropriate supervision. But I would absolutely invite 1-2 children to the front of the room to help with the demonstration. And finally, in a small group setting (like a homeschool), parents will be closely supervising (if not performing) the activity.
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