6 Fun Ways to Make Elephant Toothpaste

Introduction to Elephant Toothpaste

Elephant toothpaste is a fun and educational science experiment that creates a colorful, foamy substance that resembles toothpaste. The reaction is caused by the mixing of hydrogen peroxide and yeast, which produces a large amount of oxygen gas. This experiment is perfect for kids and adults alike who are interested in chemistry and want to try something new and exciting. In this article, we will explore six fun ways to make elephant toothpaste.

Materials Needed

Before we dive into the different methods, let’s take a look at the materials you will need to make elephant toothpaste:

• Hydrogen peroxide (30% or higher)
• Yeast (active dry or instant)
• Dish soap
• Food coloring
• A large container or bottle with a wide mouth
• A dropper or straw
• Optional: baking soda, vinegar, and a timer

Method 1: Classic Elephant Toothpaste

This is the most basic method of making elephant toothpaste. It requires only a few ingredients and is a great way to get started.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Quickly pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide and stand back.

The mixture will start to foam and rise, creating a colorful, toothpaste-like substance.

👀 Note: Make sure to do this experiment in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting the mixture on your skin or in your eyes.

Method 2: Elephant Toothpaste with Baking Soda

This method adds a new twist to the classic recipe by incorporating baking soda.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda into the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Quickly pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide and stand back.

The baking soda will react with the hydrogen peroxide to produce more oxygen gas, creating an even bigger foam.

Method 3: Elephant Toothpaste with Vinegar

This method uses vinegar to create a more explosive reaction.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Quickly pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide and stand back.

The acid in the vinegar will react with the base in the hydrogen peroxide to produce a more intense reaction.

Method 4: Elephant Toothpaste with a Timer

This method adds a fun twist to the classic recipe by incorporating a timer.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Set a timer for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Quickly pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide and start the timer.
• When the timer goes off, the mixture will erupt, creating a big foam.

Method 5: Elephant Toothpaste with a Dropper

This method uses a dropper to create a more controlled reaction.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Use a dropper to slowly add the yeast mixture to the hydrogen peroxide.
• The mixture will start to foam and rise, creating a colorful, toothpaste-like substance.

Method 6: Elephant Toothpaste with a Straw

This method uses a straw to create a more exciting reaction.

• Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm water in a small bowl.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to the yeast mixture and stir.
• Pour 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the large container or bottle.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and stir.
• Use a straw to blow air into the mixture, creating a big foam.

This method is a fun way to add a bit of excitement to the experiment.

In conclusion, making elephant toothpaste is a fun and educational science experiment that can be done in many different ways. Whether you use the classic recipe or one of the variations, you are sure to have a blast creating this colorful, foamy substance.