Elephant Toothpaste

I love that there are so many simple, fun and educations science experiments. This one is super simple and uses common items that you probably have at home. We did two variations of the experiment so we can observe how changing the type of hydrogen peroxide used effected the results. Plus, I wanted to know if it was really worth purchasing the 6% peroxide. Watch the experiment to see for yourself what happens and then grab the supplies and try it for yourself!

Watch The Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Detailed Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment Step by Step Video

Supplies Needed

• 2 Tablespoons Warm Water
• 1 Teaspoon Yeast
• Food Coloring
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Either 3% or 6%
• Dish Soap
• Empty Plastic Bottle
• Funnel

Helpful Tip: You can find the 3% at most stores, but you will need to either go to a Beauty Supply Store or order the 6% online. In the video I perform the experiment two ways. Once using the 3% peroxide and once using the 6%. It is often recommended to use 6% peroxide, but we actually perfected the reaction that happened with the 3% better.

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Details

Step 1 – Combine two tablespoons of warm water with one teaspoon of yeast and mix until the yeast is completely dissolved in the water.

Step 2 – Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the empty bottle

Step 3 – Add a few drops of food coloring into the bottle

Step 4 – Add a squirt of dish soap into the bottle

Step 5 – Pour the mixture of water & yeast into the bottle

Step 6 – Sit back and watch what happens

Helpful Tip: You may need to gently swirl the bottle in order to get the items to completely combine. We had to do that for the 6% hydrogen peroxide.

How Does the Experiment Work?

When the yeast is mixed with the hydrogen peroxide it causes a reaction which then creates foam that moves up and out of the bottle. We enjoyed doing the experiment and observing the how the two different types of peroxide (3% and 6%) caused a different reaction.

Of course, the kids also liked playing with the foam after the experiment was over. It’s safe to touch, so let your kids have some fun with the foam too. Just be sure to have a towel handy!

I hope you enjoyed the experiment.  Here’s some printable instructions

Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

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Materials

• 2 Tablespoons Warm Water
• 1 Teaspoon Yeast
• Food Coloring
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Either 3% or 6%
• Dish Soap
• Empty Plastic Bottle
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Combine two tablespoons of warm water with one teaspoon of yeast and mix until the yeast is completely dissolved in the water.
2. Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the empty bottle
3. Add a few drops of food coloring into the bottle
4. Add a squirt of dish soap into the bottle
5. Pour the mixture of water & yeast into the bottle
6. Sit back and watch what happens