Here are step-by-step instructions for the Elephant Toothpaste experiment:

Materials:

  • 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (6%)
  • 1 teaspoon dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon warm water
  • Food coloring
  • Dish soap
  • Safety goggles
  • A tray or baking sheet (to contain the foam)

Instructions:

  1. Put on your safety goggles to protect your eyes from any splashes.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into a small container.
  3. Add a few drops of food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide and mix it.
  4. Put a few squirts of dish soap into the hydrogen peroxide and stir it gently.
  5. In a separate container, mix 1 teaspoon of dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved.
  6. Pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide mixture and watch as the reaction takes place! The hydrogen peroxide will decompose into oxygen gas and water, creating a lot of foam.

Tips:

  • It's best to do this experiment in a well-ventilated area, as there will be a lot of oxygen gas produced.
  • Make sure the hydrogen peroxide is 6% - this is what will create the most impressive reaction.
  • You can try experimenting with different amounts of yeast or hydrogen peroxide to see how it affects the reaction.

After the experiment, you can discuss with your child the science behind the reaction. The yeast acts as a catalyst, which speeds up the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it releases oxygen gas and water, creating a lot of foam. The dish soap helps to trap the oxygen gas and create even more bubbles, leading to the "toothpaste" effect.