Make Elephant Toothpaste With Your Kids

This week I found myself walking down a very specific rabbit hole in which I watched video after video of people doing a science experiment with elephant toothpaste. In case you’re unfamiliar, the experiment shows the creation of a large, foamy volcano from water, dish soap, yeast, and hydrogen peroxide – commonly referred to as “elephant toothpaste” due to its enormous toothpaste-like appearance. There is something unusually pleasant about watching fast-moving, oozing foam, which is why I am here to suggest that you create one yourself.

But first, let’s see a few of these videos. Let’s start with the regularversionthat you can try at home :

So it looks fun, safe and doable! What’s even more interesting, but not safe or doable at home, because you’re not a former NASA engineer like this guy – isreplenishing a pool with stuff :

Finally,this video is longer , but it’s worth checking out the history of the project and the final product:

Anyway, back to the small and safe (but still satisfying) version you can make at home. Here’s what you need:

• An empty clean plastic bottle such as 16 oz. soda bottle
• 1 packet (1 tablespoon) dry yeast
• 1/2 cup 20-volume hydrogen peroxide liquid (A 20-volume solution is a 6% solution, which is stronger than what you find in most drugstores, but can usually be found in beauty stores. Science Bob says you can use the more common 3% solution). Hydrogen peroxide is found in drugstores, but the reaction will be slightly less.)
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• Dishwashing liquid soap
• Liquid food coloring (optional)
• A large container, such as a bathtub or tray, to collect foam (if you don’t like the foamy mess).
• Small cup
• Funnel
• Protective glasses

You are now ready to go! Here are the instructions from Science Bob :

1. Using a funnel, carefully pour 1/2 cup (118 ml) hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.
2. Add about 10 drops of your favorite food coloring to the bottle.
3. Add about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of liquid dish soap to the bottle and shake slightly to mix.
4. In a separate small cup, combine warm water and yeast and stir for about 30 seconds. It should be about the consistency of melted ice cream – add a little more warm water if necessary.
5. Now the adventure begins! Use a funnel to pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and watch the foaming begin!

You will be very tempted to touch this foam. If you are using 3% hydrogen peroxide, fear not. However, if you are using the 6% version, Science Bob recommends avoiding contact with it as it can irritate your skin or eyes.

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