If you didn’t already know, Pinterest is more than just a platform for sharing recipes and home decor ideas; it’s also a treasure trove of DIY projects perfect for kids. If your children are fans of STEM activities, you’ll discover an abundance of creative options to explore. While many ideas may require multiple trips to various stores or a Ph.D. in science, we’re here to share an easy and entertaining project that’s both fun and educational—say hello to elephant toothpaste!
So, what exactly is elephant toothpaste? It’s a delightful chemical reaction involving hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and yeast (yes, the same yeast you use for baking). The outcome resembles a giant squirt of toothpaste, hence the playful name. Just a quick note: this isn’t something you should brush your teeth with—seriously! We just want to clarify that you shouldn’t even think about using dish soap for dental hygiene. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s delve into how to make this exciting science project!
Gathering Your Materials for Elephant Toothpaste
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up some elephant toothpaste with your little science enthusiasts:
- Yeast (found in the baking aisle)
- Dish soap (the classic blue variety works best)
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Warm water
- An empty container (a plastic soda bottle is great, but feel free to experiment with different shapes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A large spoon for mixing
- Safety glasses (safety first!)
- An apron (optional, but it helps keep clothes cleaner)
- A large tray or tub to catch any overflow—science can get messy!
- Liquid food coloring (optional but adds a fun touch)
Finding the Right Location
Choose a space where spills are manageable. While the kitchen can work, doing this activity outside, especially on a nice day, is a better option.
Steps to Create Elephant Toothpaste
- Put on your safety gear—safety is key!
- Prepare your supplies to avoid any mid-experiment runs for missing items. Lay out your tub or tray, ensuring you have everything:
- Containers
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into your container.
- Add a generous squeeze of dish soap and stir well to combine.
- Here’s where the fun begins! If you want a single color of elephant toothpaste, add a few drops of food coloring and mix. For a striped effect, place drops of food coloring around the rim of the container and let them trickle down.
- In a separate measuring cup, combine three tablespoons of warm water and one tablespoon of yeast. Stir for about 30 seconds to activate the yeast.
- Now, add the activated yeast to the hydrogen peroxide and dish soap mixture and watch the reaction unfold! You’ll see a foamy eruption resembling giant toothpaste.
Once you’ve enjoyed the spectacle, don’t forget to capture your child’s reactions and share them on social media! We’d love to see their awe-inspiring faces.
Safety Considerations
While elephant toothpaste generates heat during the reaction, it’s not hot enough to cause burns. This is known as an exothermic reaction. Although it’s not toxic, it’s crucial to ensure that participants wear safety goggles and gloves, and remember: it should never be ingested.
Exploring Devil Toothpaste
Want to take your fun to the next level? Consider trying “devil toothpaste,” which produces a more dramatic reaction. It uses potassium iodide or yeast, along with hydrogen peroxide and soap, to create a massive foamy explosion.
For more engaging content, check out this other blog post and resources on artificial insemination kits and what to expect during your first IUI.