elephant toothpaste experiment for preschoolers

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Science Experiment: Elephant Toothpaste for Kids

Science Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Bottles Experiment 11 Comments

Exciting elephant toothpaste science experiment for kids that is sure to bring amazement!

Perfect for your little scientist at home. Watch what will happen!

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My daughters and I have done a lot of science experiments over the years. There are so many to choose from!

We’ve tried color-changing milk , learned about what dissolves in water , and experimented with density in liquids . Just to name a few.

Recently, I was in the mood to do a science experiment and asked my daughters which one they would like to do again.

I was (pleasantly) surprised they both said the same experiment: elephant toothpaste.

Not only did they both agree, but I already had all of the supplies on hand!

Make Elephant Toothpaste Experiment: Supplies Needed

How to make elephant toothpaste ingredients for this science experiment for kids

Elephant toothpaste recipe ingredients:

yeast packet (0.25 oz)
1/2 c. 3% hydrogen peroxide
3 Tbsp warm water
food coloring
1/2 c measuring cup
empty water bottle
measuring spoon (1 Tbsp)
small spoon
safety glasses

How to Make Elephant Toothpaste Experiment for Kids

Once you have gathered all your supplies, you can follow the steps below. Which preschoolers can even assist with.

Place the empty water bottle in the cake pan. Put on safety glasses.

Hypothesize what will happen when you mix the ingredients together.

First pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide into the empty bottle using a funnel.

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Then squirt a small amount (about 1 Tbsp) of dish soap into the bottle.

Gently swirl the bottle to mix contents.

Squirt some dish soap in with the peroxide.

Then you can add some drops of food coloring. The more drops you add, the darker the color will be.

Gently swirl the bottle again to mix the contents.

We added yellow food coloring.

The kids hypothesized the yellow food coloring mixed with the green dish soap would create blue elephant toothpaste.

It didn’t. It was still yellow!

Add food coloring to your elephant toothpaste experiment mixture

Next empty the yeast packet into a small bowl.

And then add 3 Tbsps of warm water.

Now mix with a spoon until the yeast is completely dissolved. (My daughter said it looked like chocolate milk when it was ready.)

Your almost ready now to watch the elephant toothpaste for kids in action!

Combine Everything!

Lastly, dump all the contents from the bowl into the bottle using the funnel. Remove the funnel quickly.

Have your kids mix all of the ingredients together to make elephant toothpaste.

Observe & Explore the Elephant Toothpaste with your Kids

Foam and bubbles should ooze out of the water bottle.

Feel the side of the bottle.

It should feel warm because heat is created. (Do not attempt to put any of it in your mouth.)

Elephant's toothpaste science experiment for kids results!

Did what you had predicted happen?

Clean up by pouring the foam down a sink with some water.

Download the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment for Kids Free Printable

It is convenient to have a science experiment in an easy-to-follow print-ready format.

So, below is an easy-to-read file with supplies and directions to make your own elephant toothpaste for kids.

Download and enjoy!

Elephant's toothpaste science experiment for kids!

What is the Scientific Method ?

My daughters fill out lab reports when we do science experiments for school.

But this science experiment was just for fun. No lab reports required!

With that being said, we still seemed to follow (at least most of) the scientific method.

Hypothesize

I did some online research with the kids to explain what had happened with the elephant toothpaste.

There were quite a few technical terms we discovered including “exothermic reaction” and “catalysts”.

Feel free to do your own research for more information.

In simplest terms, however, we learned the bubbles that were created contain oxygen. (They knew oxygen is something in the air we breathe.)

The dish soap helped to make the foam.

And the yeast helped to make the bubbles and foam form faster.

We absolutely loved the elephant toothpaste science experiment for kids! We hope you do too.

What is your favorite science experiment?

Share with us in the comments!

About Brigitte Brulz

Brigitte Brulz is a homeschooling mom of two daughters, wife of her high school sweetheart, and author of Jobs of a Preschooler and Pickles, Pickles, I Like Pickles. She offers free coloring pages and activity ideas on her website at BrigitteBrulz.com .

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11 comments.

peter dufield says

August 4, 2022 at 5:53 am

great really good, but adverts got in way

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Elephant Toothpaste Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

Heat things up with this larger-than-life science lesson.

Tablet with elephant toothpaste experiment materials featured on screen next to a worksheet.

Who knew toothpaste could be so fun? While no actual toothpaste is produced, this experiment is an exciting and hands-on way to bring several science lessons to life. You’ll want to use some caution when performing it with kids. Some of the chemicals used can be irritating and the substance produced is hot, so you won’t want to actually brush anyone’s teeth with the foam, as tempting as that may be! Read on to see how to do the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment, and fill out the form on this page to grab your free recording sheet.

How does the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment work?

This experiment works through a chemical reaction that results from a catalyst (potassium iodide, aka yeast) being introduced into a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen and the catalyst speeds up the reaction, forcing the oxygen into the soap bubbles. The resulting effect is the substance quickly pouring up and out of the container.

What does the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment teach?

This experiment is a crowd-pleaser, but it also serves to teach kids a lot. The concept of a catalyst speeding up a reaction is demonstrated in an obvious and exciting way as the introduction of the yeast forces the foam to explode up and out of the bottle. It also teaches kids about exothermic reactions as the foam coming out of the bottle is hot. Additionally, kids get to see a decomposition reaction as the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide results in the release of oxygen gas.

Is there an Elephant Toothpaste Experiment video?

This video from teacher Hilary Statum will give you the step-by-step instructions for making your own Elephant Toothpaste.

Materials Needed

To do the experiment, you will need:

16-oz. empty plastic soda bottle
Very warm water
3% hydrogen peroxide (6% is better, if available)
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Safety glasses
Safety gloves
Funnel or measuring cup with a lip
Food coloring

Our free recording sheet is also helpful— fill out the form on this page to get it!

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment steps:

1. place the bottle on a large tray and put on your safety goggles and gloves., 2. mix 1 tablespoon of yeast into 3 tablespoons of warm water until you achieve a creamy consistency. place in a small cup and set to the side., 3. use a funnel or measuring cup to pour half a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle., 4. add a bit of food coloring. for a solid color, add directly into the bottle. for stripes, squirt it with the pipettes so it trickles down the sides of the inside of the bottle., 5. add approximately 1 tablespoon of dish soap to the hydrogen peroxide., 6. use a funnel or measuring cup to add the yeast mixture to the bottle., 7. step back and watch the explosion, grab our free elephant toothpaste experiment worksheet.

Elephant toothpaste experiment worksheet.

Fill out the form on this page to get your worksheets. The first worksheet asks kids to make a prediction about what they think will happen. They can use the provided spaces to draw or write their predictions and observations. The second worksheet lists questions for students to answer about the experiment.

Additional Reflection Questions

Elephant toothpaste experiment worksheet with student questions.

Why do we add the yeast to the water?
What do you think would happen if we added more dish soap?
What do you think would happen if we added more yeast to the mixture?
What is the liquid that is left in the bottle?
Describe the reaction that occurs. How long does it last?

Can this experiment be done for a science fair?

Yes! If you want to do the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment for a science fair, we recommend switching up some of the variables. For example: Does the type or shape of the container matter? Does the type of dish soap matter? Does adding more yeast change the reaction? Form a hypothesis about how changing the variables will impact the experiment. Good luck!

Looking for more experiment ideas? Check out our big list of experiment ideas here.

Plus, be sure to subscribe to our newsletters for more articles like this., you might also like.

Examples of outdoor science activities on a green background, including kids exploding a soda geyser and making a rain gauge out of a clear bottle.

61 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Experiments and Activities

The whole world is one big science classroom. Continue Reading

Elephant toothpaste

If an elephant used toothpaste, this is probably what it'd look like! Learn about chemical reactions by watching this heat-producing mixture bubble and overflow for up to half an hour. The experiment comes from pages of the Nat Geo Kids book Try This! Extreme .

DON'T FORGET YOUR SAFETY EQUIPMENT: safety goggles, lab apron, nitrile gloves

Stand the soda bottle in a pan.

Insert funnel in neck of soda bottle.

Add ½ cup peroxide, detergent, and food coloring.

UM, DID YOU SEE THE WARNING ABOVE? Check it out again!

In measuring cup, beaker, or plastic cup, combine yeast and warm water. Combine with plastic spoon.

Pour yeast mixture into soda bottle and remove funnel.

WARNING: In case you missed it the first time, avoid touching or getting the chemicals on skin or clothing. And don't get too close, as heat and steam can be dangerous.

WHAT'S GOING ON

Hydrogen peroxide normally decomposes (breaks down into separate elements), and combining it with detergent and yeast (a catalyst) speeds up the process.

As the oxygen emanates from the reaction, it creates bubbles. The detergent speeds up the foaming. The reaction is "exothermic," meaning it produces heat as well as steam.

WARNING: This experiment uses chemicals that can irritate skin and damage clothes, so make sure to use safety goggles, lab apron, and nitrile gloves. Avoid touching or getting the chemicals on skin or clothing. And don't get too close, as heat and steam can be dangerous.

Science Lab

(ad) try this extreme: 50 fun & safe experiments for the mad scientist in you, (ad) make this: building thinking, and tinkering projects for the amazing maker in you, (ad) try this: 50 fun experiments for the mad scientist in you.

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Elephant Toothpaste: A Spectacular Science Experiment for Kids

Greetings, young scientists!

It’s Calie here, back with another thrilling science experiment that’s both educational and also incredibly fun to witness.

Today, we’re talking about the famous Elephant Toothpaste experiment – a visually stunning reaction that’ll have kids of all ages buzzing with excitement.

This experiment is a fantastic way to explore the concepts of catalysts and exothermic reactions, all while creating an impressive foam explosion reminiscent of toothpaste fit for an elephant!

What You Need:

16-oz plastic soda bottle (or a similar container)
1/2 cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide (This is a 6% solution, which is stronger than what’s usually found in first aid kits. You can purchase it at beauty supply stores or online.)
1 Tablespoon of dry yeast
3 Tablespoons of warm water
Liquid dish soap
Food coloring (optional, but makes it more visually fun)
A small cup (for mixing the yeast and water)
Safety goggles (Always protect your eyes, as hydrogen peroxide can irritate or burn.)

Instructions:

Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your work area with plastic sheets or newspapers for easy cleanup. Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles.
Mix Yeast and Water: In the small cup, mix the tablespoon of dry yeast with the three tablespoons of warm water. Stir for about 30 seconds until most of the yeast dissolves. This mixture will act as your catalyst.
Prepare the Bottle: Pour the 1/2 cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide into the plastic bottle. If you’re adding food coloring, now’s the time to put 8 drops into the bottle. Then, add a good squirt of liquid dish soap into the bottle and swirl gently to mix.
Start the Reaction: Pour the yeast and water mixture into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide and quickly step back. Watch the foamy eruption!

What’s Happening?

As you witness the foam erupting from the bottle, you’re seeing science in action!

The yeast acts as a catalyst, accelerating the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. This rapid release of oxygen gas creates countless tiny bubbles, which get trapped in the liquid dish soap, forming the thick foam you see.

The warmth you feel from the bottle is due to the reaction being exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

This experiment, popularized during our extended time at home in 2020, not only offered a fantastic way for families to engage in learning together but also demonstrated how simple ingredients could create spectacular results.

For a step-by-step visual guide and to see the reaction in all its glory, check out this informative video: Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Video .

It’s a great way to prepare for your own experiment and ensure a successful and fun experience.

The Elephant Toothpaste experiment is a fun way to get talking about basic scientific principles like catalysts, reactions, and the properties of gases.

So, gather your materials, don your safety goggles, and get ready for an explosive learning adventure!

For more experiments like these, check out our main article “ 100 Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do At Home “.

Stay curious and happy experimenting!

Warmly, Calie

Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.

Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.

Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.

Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page .

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How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

Last Updated: July 23, 2024

This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA . Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been viewed 1,068,531 times.

Making elephant toothpaste is an easy and fun science experiment that you can do with your kids at home or with students in the lab. It is the result of a chemical reaction that creates a large amount of oozing foam. The movement of the foam looks like toothpaste squirting out of a tube while the amount of foam usually is enough for an elephant to brush its teeth.

Please be aware the concentrated hydrogen peroxide (greater than the household 3%) is a strong oxidizer. It may bleach skin and could possibly cause burns. Do not attempt without proper safety precautions and the presence of an adult. Also, the lab version includes potassium iodide, which can reach hot temperatures. If you are at home, we suggest you use water and dry yeast instead. Have fun with it, but be safe!

Ingredients

Home version.

1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of 6% hydrogen peroxide liquid
1 tablespoon (25.5 g) of dry yeast
3 tablespoons (44 ml) of warm water
Liquid dish washing soap
Food coloring
Plastic bottles of all shapes

Lab version

Liquid detergent
30% hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )
Saturated solution of potassium iodide (KI)
Graduated cylinder
Food coloring (optional)

Preparing for the Experiment

Step 1 Look around your home for all the available resources.

You can use 3% hydrogen peroxide for the experiment, though it may not produce as much foam as a 6% concentration.

Conducting the Home Version Experiment

Step 1 Mix 3 US tbsp (44 ml) of warm water with the yeast and let it sit.

Depending on your child’s age, you can have them use a fun spoon and stirring tool. You can also have the put on goggles and a lab coat. Kid safety goggles can be found at your local hardware store.
Check the yeast packaging to see how hot the water needs to be.

Step 2 Combine dish soap, food coloring, and 1⁄2 c (120 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a bottle.

If your child is too young, have them squeeze the dish soap and food coloring into the bottle. You can also add glitter to make it more fun. Make sure the glitter is plastic and not metal-based because peroxide should not be used with metal. [4] X Research source
Stir the mixture yourself or have your child do it if old enough. Be sure that the hydrogen peroxide is not spilled.

Step 3 Pour the yeast mix through a funnel into your bottle.

The fungi in the yeast immediately cause the hydrogen peroxide to decompose and strip off an extra oxygen molecule. The yeast acts as a catalyst as it causes the hydrogen peroxide molecule to release an oxygen molecule. The stripped off oxygen molecule takes the form of a gas and once it hits the soap it creates fluffy foam bubbles, while the rest stays as water. The gas looks for an escape route and the foam “toothpaste” gushes out of the bottle. [6] X Research source
Make sure the yeast and hydrogen peroxide are mixed well for optimum effect.

Step 4 Change the size and shape of the bottle.

With a regular soda bottle and 3% hydrogen peroxide, you will probably get a cascading effect like a chocolate fountain.

Adjusting the Experiment for a Lab Version

Expert Q&A

You might notice that the reaction produces heat. That's because the chemical process is exothermic, meaning that it releases energy. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
Keep your gloves on when disposing of the elephant toothpaste. You can dump both the foam and the liquid down the drain. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 5
Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) naturally breaks down into water (H 2 ) and oxygen over time. But you can speed up the process by adding a catalyst. And as the hydrogen peroxide releases a lot of oxygen at once in the presence of detergent, millions of little bubbles form quickly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

You can use any type of liquid soap, but don’t use antibacterial soap if you use yeast because the soap will kill the yeast.

Elephant toothpaste can stain! Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 5
The foam will overflow suddenly and quickly, especially in the chemistry lab version. Ensure this experiment is conducted on a washable, stain-resistant surface, and do not stand anywhere near the bottle or cylinder when it foams. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 3
The resulting substance is called elephant toothpaste only because of its appearance. Don't put it in your mouth or swallow it. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 4
This experiment cannot be done safely without goggles and gloves. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 10

Things You'll Need

Safety goggles
Disposable gloves
Plastic soda bottle
Tall graduated cylinder
Liquid or powdered detergent
Saturated solution of potassium iodide
food coloring (optional)

↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-hydrogen-peroxide-good-for/
↑ http://www.funathomewithkids.com/2013/08/fun-science-experiment-for-kids.html
↑ https://sciencebob.com/fantastic-foamy-fountain/
↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/make-elephant-toothpaste/

About This Article

To make elephant toothpaste, mix 3 tablespoons of warm water with 1 tablespoon of yeast in a bowl. Next, add dish soap, food coloring, and 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a bottle and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Then, pour the yeast mixture through a funnel into your bottle. Quickly stand back, remove the funnel, and watch your mixture erupt into a fluffy foam! For tips on adjustments you can make to get other effects, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Make Elephant Toothpaste

You can try this elephant toothpaste experiment with regular household hydrogen peroxide or the more commonly used hydrogen peroxide you need to get at a beauty store or through Amazon. This science experiment explores thermogenic reactions!

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Kids of all ages will love this exothermic chemical reaction using hydrogen peroxide and yeast. The reaction produces a ton of foam and heat!

Watch the Video!

You will need:.

20-Volume hydrogen peroxide, which is 6% (you can also use regular household hydrogen peroxide, but the reaction will be smaller)
1 Tablespoon of dry fast-acting yeast (use the little packet)
3 Tablespoons of warm water
Liquid food coloring (color it for whatever occasion you like)
16 Oz container will work best – You can use an empty plastic bottle or a plastic soda bottle.
Safety goggles

💡Leftover yeast? Try this fun yeast fermentation experiment with sugar.

Instructions:

STEP 1. First, place down a tray to catch the eruption. Then, pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into your container or bottle.

STEP 2. Add about 10-20 drops of food coloring.

STEP 3. Add a squirt of dish soap or about one tablespoon of dish soap and give it a gentle swirl.

STEP 4. Make the yeast mixture. Mix the warm water and yeast in a small container until fully incorporated.

STEP 5. Pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide/soap mixture and watch what happens!

Lots of bubbles or more like a snake of foam that comes out of the opening! Toothpaste for an elephant!

The foam produced becomes a soapy-yeasty mess that you can rinse down the sink.

Is Elephant Toothpaste Safe To Touch?

Can you touch elephant toothpaste? No, it is not safe to touch! This elephant toothpaste experiment uses a stronger percentage of hydrogen peroxide than is usually found in homes, so we don’t recommend touching it! Unreacted hydrogen peroxide can be an irritant.

However, we have safely touched the foam if you use household hydrogen peroxide (3%) found in most stores.

We strongly recommend that adults only handle hydrogen peroxide. It’s not meant for play, and unreacted hydrogen peroxide may irritate skin or eyes! Wash hands thoroughly after the experiment. Wear safety goggles!

💡 Alternative For Younger Kiddos: Want to make a foamy elephant toothpaste with baking soda and vinegar instead? See our baking soda and vinegar experiments.

The Elephant Toothpaste Reaction

The main chemical reaction in our Elephant Toothpaste experiment is the decomposition or breakdown of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen gas (O₂), catalyzed by the yeast.

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In this experiment the yeast contains the enzyme catalase, which speeds up the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide.

The oxygen gas produced in the reaction quickly escapes the solution, but when you add dish soap to it, it traps the oxygen gas, creating a large amount of foam. The foam is a combination of the oxygen, water, and dish soap you added. It really does look like toothpaste being squeezed from a tube, hence the name “Elephant Toothpaste.”

The breakdown of the hydrogen peroxide is called an exothermic reaction, which means it produces heat. You will feel the warmth outside the container because energy is being released.

Extend The Learning

Extend the learning for older students by adding more complex scientific concepts, varying the conditions, and incorporating quantitative analysis.

Vary the Concentrations : Investigate how the concentration of hydrogen peroxide affects the rate of reaction and the volume of foam produced. Use different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (e.g., 3%, 6%, 12%) and measure the height or volume of the foam produced. Record the temperature change using a thermometer.

Change the Catalyst: Compare the reaction using potassium iodide, manganese dioxide, and yeast as catalysts. Measure the foam production and reaction time for each. Explain the role of catalysts in lowering the activation energy and speeding up reactions. Discuss enzyme catalysis when using yeast (catalase enzyme).

Measure the Gas Production : Use a gas collection apparatus to measure the volume of oxygen produced. This can be done by capturing the gas in a balloon or using a gas syringe.

Temperature Effects : Conduct the experiment at different temperatures (e.g., using ice baths, room temperature, and warm water baths) and observe the rate and volume of foam production.

More Fun Chemical Reactions

Check out our list of favorite chemical reactions you can set up at home or in the classroom, including…

Alka Seltzer Rocket
Apple Browning Experiment
Balloon Experiment
Egg In Vinegar
Invisible Ink
Milk and Vinegar
Bake Homemade Bread

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
Science Vocabulary
All About Scientists
Free Science Worksheets
DIY Science Kits
Science Tools for Kids
Scientific Method for Kids
Citizen Science Guide
Setting Up A Science Fair Project
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Science Experiments

Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

Elephant Toothpaste anyone? Although elephants might not be too excited about the idea, your kids will be thrilled with the fun chemical reaction of this super simple science experiment.

With only a few common items that you probably already have at home, kids can see the quick and impressive results of the chemical reaction, feel the heat released from the process, and even play with the “elephant toothpaste” foam afterward.

Below you’ll find detailed and printable instructions, a materials list, a demonstration video, and an easy to understand explanation of why it works!

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works

Supplies Needed

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

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 preferred the reaction that happened with the 3% better.

Elephant Toothpaste Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Elephant Toothpaste Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to make science easy for teachers and fun for students — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Instructions

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. You’ll see here that we have two bottles. The bottle pictured on the left is being filled with 3% hydrogen peroxide while the bottle pictured on the right is filled with 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Step 3 – Add a few drops of food coloring into the bottle. Take a moment to make a few observations. What happened when you added the drops of food coloring?

Note: This step is optional, but adding the color adds a fun element to the experiment. You’ll see that we used a different color of food coloring for each bottle.

Step 4 – Next, add a squirt of dish soap into the bottle. Again, take a moment observe what happened. Did adding the dish soap appear to have any effect on the liquid already in the bottle?

Step 5 – Finally, pour the mixture of water and yeast into the bottle. Watch carefully and observe 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.

Sit back and watch what happens. Write down your observations as you watch the experiment. Can you describe what happens when you add the water and yeast mixture to the bottle. If you are using both the 3% and the 6% hydrogen peroxide like we are, is there a difference between what happens?

Wondering what caused the liquid to react that way? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

Watch the Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment Step by Step Instructions Video

How Does the Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment Work

This experiment shows a very impressive and fast chemical reaction! Hydrogen peroxide is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O2). In this experiment, yeast is a catalyst that helps release oxygen molecules from the hydrogen peroxide solution.

A catalyst is a material that increases the rate of a reaction without itself being consumed

The release of oxygen molecules in this experiment happens FAST! The foam created in this chemical reaction is made up of very tiny oxygen bubbles. These bubbles result when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is broken down by the yeast into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).

During the reaction, feel the bottle. It will feel warm to the touch because it is an exothermic reaction .

An exothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy through light or heat (in this case, heat).

The reaction will continue and foam will be produced until all of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been broken down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2).

**Have fun playing with the foam after the experiment is over! It is safe to touch because all that foam is just soap, water and oxygen. Let your kids have some fun with the foam too. Just be sure to have a towel handy!

Other Ideas to Try

Try adding more or less yeast when doing the experiment again. How does this affect the amount of foam produced?

Try the experiment again, but change the size of the bottle. How does this affect the amount of foam produced?

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Hydrogen Peroxide – Either 3% or 6%

Instructions

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

Reader Interactions

February 7, 2016 at 8:13 pm

do it was a cemical reacin

February 8, 2016 at 1:15 pm

Correct! The yeast is mixed with the hydrogen peroxide causes a chemical reaction.

Which version did you like better, the one that reacted fast or the one that reacted slow?

May 17, 2018 at 12:31 pm

Looks amazing! What is the chemical reaction?

March 24, 2019 at 10:40 am

I’m am going to do that science project and this was super helpful thanks so much

March 24, 2019 at 10:46 am

Thank you so much I am doing this science project and I don’t know what to do and now I know what to do j

September 1, 2019 at 8:09 am

Did you try using more yeast or more 3 % hydrogen peroxide?

Found this explanation: “The yeast acted as a catalyst; a catalyst is used to speed up a reaction. It quickly broke apart the oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. Because it did this very fast, it created lots and lots of bubbles. Did you notice the bottle got warm. Your experiment created a reaction called an Exothermic Reaction – that means it not only created foam, it created heat! The foam produced is just water, soap, and oxygen ” The yeast is not reacting with the hydrogen peroxide. Rather it is acting as a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that causes a chemical reaction to speed up but is not “used” up during the reaction. Hydrogen Peroxide: H2O2 hydrogen and oxygen Baker’s Yeast: C19H14O2 carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

August 18, 2020 at 2:25 pm

My son did this experiment which was great! The only problem was that he played with the foam afterwards and his hands got super itchy. Can you be allergic to the yeast? Just a warning in case this happens to anyone else.

August 11, 2023 at 8:49 pm

Yeah I did this with potassium iodide and 25% hydrogen peroxide in a lab and my fingers went a little white on the tips (I had gloves on after this happened) they did get itchy and I think it was just the hydrogen peroxide bleaching the skin. This is an exothermic reaction so it can get hot not sure how hot with yeast.

January 25, 2022 at 11:25 am

It did not work for me and i don’t know why maybe caused i used rubbing alcohol insted

December 6, 2023 at 3:55 pm

good helpful and fun

Elephant Toothpaste

Create a giant, foaming reaction that will astound kids with this Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment. This simple science experiment is a another erupting science that thrills kids of all ages. Students will learn about chemical reactions that are exothermic. Go beyond baking soda and vinegar reactions and try Elephant Toothpaste.

How To Make Elephant Toothpaste

What you will discover in this article!

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This classic science experiment has been wowing kids for generations. At the science centre or on TV you have probably seen spectacular elephant toothpaste experiments that shoot up feet into the air. Here we provide you with a simple version of Elephant Toothpaste using items from your home.

Check out our video set to music demonstrating Elephant Toothpaste in action!

Watch this fun experiment in action. If you can’t see the video, please turn off your adblockers as they also block our video feed. You can also find this video on the STEAM Powered Family YouTube Channel .

What is Elephant Toothpaste?

Elephant toothpaste is a safe, fantastic foamy science experiment using Hydrogen Peroxide and Yeast. When done in a beaker or bottle that narrows at the top, it oozes out like a great big tube of toothpaste. Perfectly sized for an elephant!

Depending on where you are in the world, Elephant’s Toothpaste has also been called Devil’s Toothpaste, Demon’s Toothpaste

It packs huge wow factor with the kids. It also provides a sensory experience while teaching kids important scientific principles such as:

Chemistry Catalyst Surface tension Exothermic reaction Temperature Liquid/Gas (states of matter) Mixture

Is Elephant Toothpaste Safe?

Elephant Toothpaste is safe when using 3% hydrogen peroxide! The foam is composed of soap, oxygen and water. It makes a great sensory science experience.

NOTE: Although we call this toothpaste, it is not toothpaste and should not be tasted. Ensure appropriate supervision is provided at all times.

Elephant Toothpaste Ingredients

250mL Glass Erlenmeyer Flask or an empty plastic bottle Dry yeast Warm water Liquid dish soap 3% hydrogen peroxide * Liquid food colouring Measuring cups Measuring spoons Safety goggles or glasses Large tub or tray (something with a lip) Funnel (optional – can help kids with pouring) Infrared non-contact thermometer (optional, helps with measuring the exothermic reaction)

*Higher percentage concentration hydrogen peroxide are dangerous and can cause skin irritation. Ensure you are using 3% with your kids in this experiment.

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Pick a place to do this experiment that is easy to clean up. If you do this in a nice big, high lipped tray that should contain most of foam, but in my experience kids love to play and touch the foam, so things can get messy quickly. Have your child put on safety glasses and clothes they don’t mind splashing.

Start by mixing one packet (about 1 tablespoon) of yeast with 1/4 cup warm water in cup to create the first mixture . Let it sit for about 30 seconds while you prep the beaker.

Into the flask add 150 mL of Hydrogen Peroxide, a tablespoon of dish soap (after a few tries we just used a squirt of dish soap, it doesn’t need to be exact), and about 15 drops of food coloring (if desired).

If you are taking temperatures, take a temperature of each of the liquids now.

Now pour the yeast mixture into the hydrogen peroxide solution.

Watch the reaction!

If you are doing temperatures, make sure you take a temperature read during the reaction too!

Elephant Toothpaste Science

The main reactor in this experiment is 3% Hydrogen Peroxide a liquid made from hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms (chemical formula H 2 O 2 ), which is used in first aid as an antiseptic. Normally it comes in a dark bottle because H 2 O 2 or hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light, turning into oxygen (O 2 ) and water (H 2 O). Normally this reaction happens very slowly, but we can speed it up with a little science!

Yeast, which we use to make bread , is an organism that contains a special chemical called catalase that can act as a catalyst to help break down hydrogen peroxide. This means that if you mix yeast with hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide will rapidly break down into liquid water and oxygen gas . During this process energy is also released in the form of heat, which is known as an exothermic reaction .

Elephant Toothpaste Chemical Formula

Here is the chemical reaction for Elephant Toothpaste: 2 H 2 O 2 (aq) → 2 H 2 O (l) + O 2 (g)

Those gas bubbles would normally pop and disappear, but by adding a bit of dish soap, we can trap lots of bubbles thanks to an increase in surface tension . We explore this scientific concept in our Magic Milk experiment . This means the foam is simply soap, oxygen and water. Perfectly safe to touch and explore!

The result is a spectacular eruption of foam known as Elephant Toothpaste.

Elephant Toothpaste Extension Activities

There are a few things you can do to dig deeper into this reaction:

Use an infrared no touch thermometer to measure the exothermic reaction.
Why stop at a single color? Make multi-colored Elephant’s Toothpaste by dropping different colors of liquid food coloring down the inside of the bottle rather than mixing it into the solution. The result will be colored foam stripes.
Try different shaped containers to see how the reaction changes. Maybe a plastic soda bottle or a mason jar with a wider neck. How does the experiment results change?
Alter the ratio of yeast to hydrogen peroxide. What if you increase to one cup of hydrogen peroxide? What effect does it have on the reaction?
What happens if you remove the dish soap?
Visit your local science center and ask when they will be doing their next Elephant Toothpaste demonstration. They use a different reaction that produces spectacular results with lots of foam!
Only do this next extension with responsible middle or high school students, and under direct adult supervision – Visit the hair supply store and get 6% or higher hydrogen peroxide. How does the higher concentration hydrogen peroxide change the results? ( Hint … bigger and messier!)

Don’t forget to try our Valentine’s Day Science Experiment Blooming Roses Elephant Toothpaste !

Valentine's Day Science Experiment - Blooming Rose Elephant Toothpaste

How To Clean Up Elephant Toothpaste

Once you are done with the experiment and playing with the foam, you can wash everything up in the sink . In fact, it cleans up easily thanks to the soap.

Sensory Experience

While doing this experiment ensure you discuss the sensory inputs provided by this fantastic foaming science.

First they will experience the sense of smell from the yeast. Have the kids discuss this smell and what it reminds them of.

Next we have the sensory experience of touch . This is done in two ways. Have them touch the sides of the beaker before and after the experiment starts. This way they can experience the exothermic reaction (the beaker will feel warm, but as long as you are using 3% hydrogen peroxide, it is not hot). You can reinforce this exploration by using a non-contact thermometer. The second touch experience is with the foam. The foam is perfectly safe to touch. As we explored in the science portion, the foam is just soap, water and oxygen.

Elephant toothpaste is a fantastic sensory science experience.

Elephant Toothpaste Classic Science

Creating Elephant Toothpaste is a quick and easy science experiment that can be easily adjusted to suit the learning needs of upper elementary through middle school. It has great WOW factor, and kids around the world have loved creating these foamy fountains we affectionately call, Elephant Toothpaste.

Enjoy this classic science experiment!

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Elephant Toothpaste – Two Ways to Make It

Elephant toothpaste is a chemical reaction that makes a volcano of foam when soapy water traps gases from the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. There are two easy methods for making elephant toothpaste. One makes a giant mountain of foam, while the other produces a smaller effect but is safe enough for kids to touch. The dramatic reaction uses strong peroxide and potassium iodide, while the kid-friendly version uses dilute peroxide and replaces potassium iodide with yeast. Here are instructions for both methods and a look at the chemistry involved.

Why Is It Called Elephant Toothpaste?

First, you may wonder why the reaction has the name “elephant toothpaste.” It’s because the thick column of foam escaping a tube looks like toothpaste big enough for an elephant to use. Also, it’s a lot easier and more descriptive than calling the reaction “rapid decomposition of peroxide”. After all, the point of elephant toothpaste is engaging people in the wonder of science. Even if someone doesn’t understand the chemistry, the project is fun and entertaining.

How to Make Giant Elephant Toothpaste

When you see videos of the world’s largest elephant toothpaste, you’re viewing the classic version of the demonstration.

This version uses concentrated hydrogen peroxide, potassium iodide or sodium iodide, liquid dishwashing detergent, water, and (if desired) food coloring:

30% hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )
Potassium iodide (KI) or sodium iodide (NaI)
Liquid dishwashing detergent
Food coloring (optional)
Large graduated cylinder or Erlenmeyer flask
Tray or tarp to catch the foam

The chemicals are available online, although it’s easier to just pick up the peroxide at a beauty supply store. Choose any tall container for the demonstration, but use glass and not plastic because the reaction generates heat.

Start by putting on proper safety gear, including safety goggles and gloves.

First, prepare a saturated solution of potassium iodide or sodium iodide in water. In a beaker, dissolve crystals of either chemical in about 120 ml (4 ounces) of water. Continue stirring in the solid until no more dissolves. It takes about a tablespoon of the dry chemical. But, measurements are not critical here. Set aside the solution for now.
Set the cylinder or flask in a tray or on a tarp. Pour about 60 ml (2 ounces) of 30% hydrogen peroxide into the glass tube. Add a squirt (about 5 ml) of dishwashing liquid to the tube. If you want colored foam, add a few drops of food coloring. Swirl the liquids to mix them. Here again, exact measurements are unnecessary.
When you’re ready for the reaction, pour about 15 ml (one tablespoon) of the iodide solution and stand back. Foam forms within seconds and rapidly escapes the tube.
After the reaction ends, wash the contents of the tray and tube down the drain with water.

Kid-Friendly Elephant Toothpaste

The classic chemistry demonstration is for chemistry educators, but the kid-friendly elephant toothpaste is safe enough for parents and children to perform and touch. Also, this version uses easy-to-find ingredients.

3% household peroxide
1-2 packet of dry yeast
Food coloring
Empty plastic soft drink bottle
Cookie sheet or pan to catch the foam (optional)

It’s not necessary to don safety gear for this reaction and it’s fine to use either a plastic or glass container. Just make sure the bottle has a narrow opening because this channels the foam and improves the effect.

Don’t worry about measuring ingredients precisely.

Pour about a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into an empty bottle. If the bottle opening is small, use a funnel.
Add a couple of squirts of dishwashing liquid and a few drops of food coloring to the bottle. Swish the liquid around to mix it.
In a separate container, mix together yeast with enough warm water that the liquid is easy to pour. A paper cup is a great container choice because you can pinch its rim and make pouring the yeast mixture easier. Wait a couple of minutes before proceeding so the yeast has a chance to activate.
When you’re ready, place the bottle on a cookie sheet or pan and pour yeast mixture into the bottle
Clean-up using warm, soapy water.

Is Elephant Toothpaste Safe to Touch?

You can handle the ingredients and the foam from the kid-friendly elephant toothpaste project. However, don’t touch either the ingredients or the foam from the classic giant elephant toothpaste. This is because the peroxide is concentrated enough to cause a chemical burn, while the giant toothpaste is hot enough to cause a thermal burn.

How Elephant Toothpaste Works

The basis for the elephant toothpaste display is the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Hydrogen peroxide naturally decomposes into water and oxygen gas according to this chemical reaction:

2H 2 O 2 (l) → 2H 2 O(l) + O 2 (g)

In a decomposition reaction , a larger molecule breaks down into two or more smaller molecules. The normally slow progression of the reaction is why a bottle of peroxide has a shelf life . Exposure to light accelerates the decomposition, which is why peroxide comes in opaque containers.

Either potassium iodide or the enzyme catalase (found in yeast) acts as a catalyst for the reaction. In other words, either of these chemicals supercharges the reaction so it proceeds very quickly. Breaking chemical bonds in peroxide releases a lot of energy. Only a fraction of this energy goes back into forming chemical bonds making water and oxygen. What this means is that elephant toothpaste is an exothermic reaction or one that releases heat. How hot the reaction gets depends on how much peroxide you start with and how efficiently the catalyst speeds up the reaction. So, the classic version of the project gets hot enough to steam. The kid-friendly version of elephant toothpaste gets warm, but not hot enough to cause a burn.

Producing gas isn’t enough to make a foamy volcano. Adding liquid soap or dishwashing detergent to the mixture traps the gas bubbles. Normally, the reaction doesn’t have much color. Using food coloring makes the foam more interesting. Depending on your choice of colors, it also makes the foam resemble toothpaste.

Dirren, Glen; Gilbert, George; Juergens, Frederick; Page, Philip; Ramette, Richard; Schreiner, Rodney; Scott, Earle; Testen, May; Williams, Lloyd. (1983). Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry. Vol. 1. University of Wisconsin Press. Madison, Wisconsin. doi:10.1021/ed062pA31.2
“ Elephant’s Toothpaste .” University of Utah Chemistry Demonstrations . University of Utah.
Hernando, Franco; Laperuta, Santiago; Kuijl, Jeanine Van; Laurin, Nihuel; Sacks, Federico; Ciolino, Andrés (2017). “Elephant Toothpaste”. Journal of Chemical Education . 94 (7): 907–910. doi: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00040
IUPAC (1997). “Chemical decomposition”. Compendium of Chemical Terminology (the “Gold Book”) (2nd ed.). Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8. doi: 10.1351/goldbook

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At-Home Science Experiments: Elephant's Toothpaste

Create foamy fun with your kids with this diy science project.

The foam your kids will create in this at-home science experiment resembles toothpaste being squeezed from a tube — just be sure they don't get it in their mouth!

What You'll Need:

A clean 16-oz plastic soda bottle
1/2 cup 20-volume hydrogen peroxide liquid (20-volume is a 6% solution; you can get this from a beauty supply store or hair salon)
1 Tablespoon (one packet) of dry yeast
3 Tablespoons of warm water
Liquid dishwashing soap
Food coloring
Safety goggles

What to Do:

Note: Since foam will overflow, be sure to do this experiment on a washable surface, or place the bottle on a tray.

1. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate skin and eyes, so put on those safety goggles! An adult should carefully pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.

2. Add 8 drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle.

3. Add about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap into the bottle and swish the bottle around a bit to mix it.

4. In a separate small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast together and mix for about 30 seconds.

5. Now the adventure starts! Pour the yeast water mixture into the bottle (a funnel helps here) and watch the foaminess begin!

What's Happening:

Foam is awesome! The foam is special because each tiny foam bubble is filled with oxygen. The yeast acted as a catalyst (a helper) to remove the oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. Since it did this very fast, it created lots and lots of bubbles. Ask if your kids noticed the bottle got warm? The experiment created a reaction called an exothermic reaction , which means it not only created foam, it created heat! The foam produced is just water, soap, and oxygen, so you can clean it up with a sponge and pour any extra liquid left in the bottle down the drain.

The experiment can also be done with the hair care version of hydrogen peroxide, or the weaker pharmacy version, although the effect with the pharmacy version will be smaller. Readers should use safety goggles for any experiment, and should have adults read instructions on containers for safety precautions.

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How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

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The elephant toothpaste demo is one of the most popular chemistry demonstrations , in which a steaming tube of foam keeps erupting from its container, resembling a smooshed tube of elephant-sized toothpaste. The classic demo uses 30% hydrogen peroxide, which is not safe for kids , but there is a safe version of this demonstration that is still very cool. It goes like this:

Empty 20-ounce plastic bottle (or other container)
3% hydrogen peroxide solution (available at nearly any store)
Packet of active yeast (from the grocery store)
Liquid dishwashing detergent (such as Dawn™)
Food coloring (optional, but it looks nice)
Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide solution, 1/4 cup dishwashing soap, and a few drops of food coloring into the bottle. Swish the bottle around to mix the ingredients. Set the bottle in a sink, outdoors, or someplace you won't mind getting wet foam everywhere.
In a separate container, mix a packet of active yeast with a little warm water. Give the yeast about five minutes to activate before proceeding to the next step.
When ready to start the demo, pour the yeast mixture into the bottle. The reaction occurs immediately upon the addition of the yeast.

Chemistry Behind Elephant Toothpaste

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a reactive molecule that readily decomposes into water (H 2 O) and oxygen:

2H 2 O 2 → 2H 2 O + O 2 (g)

In this demonstration, yeast catalyzes the decomposition so it proceeds much more rapidly than normal. Yeast needs warm water to reproduce, so the reaction won't work as well if you use cold water (no reaction) or extremely hot water (which kills the yeast).

The dishwashing detergent captures the oxygen that is released, making foam . Food coloring can color the film of the bubbles so you get colored foam.

In addition to being a nice example of a decomposition reaction and a catalyzed reaction, the elephant toothpaste demo is exothermic, so heat is produced. However, the reaction makes the solution warmer, but not hot enough to cause burns.

Christmas Tree Elephant Toothpaste

You can easily use the elephant toothpaste reaction as a holiday chemistry demonstration. Just add green food coloring to the peroxide and detergent mixture and pour the two solutions into a Christmas tree-shaped container.

A good choice is an Erlenmeyer flask because it has a cone shape. If you don't have access to chemistry glassware, make a tree shape by inverting a funnel over a glass or make your own funnel using paper and tape (which you could decorate, if you like.)

Comparing the Original Reaction With the Kid-Friendly Recipe

The original elephant toothpaste reaction, which uses a much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, can cause both chemical and thermal burns. While it produces a larger amount of foam, it's not safe for kids and should be performed only by an adult using proper safety gear.

From a chemistry perspective, both reactions are similar, except the kid-safe version is catalyzed by yeast, while the original demonstration is usually catalyzed using potassium iodide (KI). The kid's version of elephant toothpaste uses chemicals that are safe for children to touch.

The lower concentration of peroxide can still discolor fabrics. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion because the project includes detergent, which can cause vomiting.

Key Takeaways

The elephant's toothpaste chemistry demonstration produces heated foam when chemicals are mixed.
The original demonstration results from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by potassium iodide. The detergent solution captures gases to form the foam. The kid-friendly version uses a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, with the decomposition catalyzed by yeast.
While both versions of the reaction may be performed for a young audience, the original version uses concentrated hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidizer, and potassium iodide, which may not be readily available.
The kid-friendly version uses chemicals that are safe for children to touch, in case of a splash.
As with all chemistry demonstrations , adult supervision is recommended.
Dirren, Glen; Gilbert, George; Juergens, Frederick; Page, Philip; Ramette, Richard; Schreiner, Rodney; Scott, Earle; Testen, May; Williams, Lloyd. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry. Vol. 1. University of Wisconsin Press, 1983, Madison, Wis.
" Elephant's Toothpaste ." University of Utah Chemistry Demonstrations . University of Utah.

“ Toxic Substances Portal - Hydrogen Peroxide .” Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Kid-Friendly Elephant’s Toothpaste

A kid-safe version of the classic elephant's toothpaste.

Print this Experiment

This is a kid-safe version of the popular Exploding Toothpaste demonstration using materials that are easier to find. A child with a great adult helper can perform this activity safely, and the results are wonderful.

Experiment Videos

Here's What You'll Need

1-liter plastic soda bottle, hydrogen peroxide (12%) (this is found at a store that sells hair care products. ask for hydrogen peroxide that is labeled 40-volume. this is the same as a 12% solution.), liquid dish soap, food coloring, package of dry yeast (found at the grocery store), measuring spoons, construction paper, markers, and some creativity, safety glasses, plastic tarp to cover the demonstration table, rubber gloves, let's try it.

Let’s start with the arts and crafts part of the activity by making a decorative wrap to cover the plastic soda bottle. Since the activity is called Exploding Toothpaste, use your creativity to make a wrap that looks like a tube of toothpaste.

Put on your safety glasses and rubber gloves.

Cover the demonstration table with the plastic tarp.

Use a funnel to add 4 ounces (120 mL) of 40-volume hydrogen peroxide to the 1-liter soda bottle.

Add a squirt of dish soap and some food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide in the bottle. Give the solution a quick swirl to mix the contents.

Carefully cover the bottle with the toothpaste wrap that you made previously. It’s best to have someone help you with this step to prevent you from accidentally tipping over the bottle.

The next step is to prepare a kid-friendly catalyst for the reaction by mixing an entire package of dry yeast with 4 tablespoons of very warm water in a small plastic cup. Stir the mixture with a spoon. If the mixture is too thick or paste-like, add a small amount of warm water to thin it out.

Here comes the fun part. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and watch what happens. It may take a few seconds to react, but the result is well worth the wait.

When you are finished , it is safe to dispose of all of the demonstration materials either by throwing them away in the trash can or by washing them down the drain.

How Does It Work

Similar to what happened in the adult version of Exploding Toothpaste, the yeast works as a catalyst to release the oxygen molecules from the hydrogen peroxide solution. The oxygen-filled bubbles, which make up the foam, are actually the remainder of what happens when the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water (H 2 O) and oxygen (O 2 ). The bottle will feel warm to the touch because this is an exothermic reaction in which energy, in the form of heat, is given off.

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Written by Brenda • Dec 15, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Easy Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Check out this simple elephant toothpaste experiment . The chemical reaction that children will observe is exciting to see.

I love simple science experiments, and making elephant toothpaste is one of my kids’ favorite science activities (and it’s a lot of fun for me, too!). Elephant toothpaste is an illustration of an exothermic reaction, meaning that the reaction creates heat. As you make this, you can feel the warmth of the reaction and see it producing a puff of smoke right as the mixtures combine.

However, it doesn’t get so hot that it is dangerous for kids to be around. Keep reading to learn how to do your own elephant toothpaste experiment.

Safety Note:

Elephant toothpaste uses an intense version of hydrogen peroxide that is used to dye hair. It will dye fabrics and kids should not get it on their hands. This is a science experiment that a parent should do as a demonstration and children can observe the process.

Make sure that that your child wears gloves if they are going to touch the elephant toothpaste experiment and keep an eye on them to ensure that they don’t put it in their mouth. Parental supervision is needed for this experiment.

Elephant Toothpaste Video Tutorial:

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Materials

40 volume hydrogen peroxide or hair developer
Food coloring (optional)
liquid dish soap
Tall container (jar or bottle)
Large tray or plate (to catch the overflow)
Safety goggles
a funnel is optional

I will show you how each of these items is used in the elephant toothpaste experiment steps.

The Science: Elephant Toothpaste Reaction

When hydrogen peroxide and yeast mix, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. Oxygen is a gas, so it forms gas bubbles that get trapped inside the soap. This makes the foamy texture of the mixture. After all of the hydrogen peroxide is converted into water and oxygen, the mixture stops bubbling over and you’re left with foam… Hence the toothpaste experiment.

This is an example of an exothermic reaction because the process of the chemicals reaction creates heat.

Normally this process is slower but the yeast acts as a catalyst to speed up the process. The yeast contains an enzyme called Catalase that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into oxygen gas and water.

The oxygen gas gets trapped by the soap and that’s when it starts to bubble.

Directions to make this Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Add 1 cup of the developer to your bottle. Squeeze in a big squirt of dish soap and gently swirl to combine the two ingredients.

Add in a few drops of food coloring and stir.

Put on those safety glasses.

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment and explanation

Mix 2 tablespoons of yeast from the packet and 6 tablespoons of warm water (but not hot). Stir for about 30 seconds. The mixture may be goopy, if it is, add a bit more water until you can pour it.

Pour the yeast mixture into the developer mixture.

The mixture will start to bubble and foam and overflow the jar. You will see lots of bubbles.

After a few minutes, the reaction will stop but a lot of foam will be left behind! At this point, if kids wear gloves, they can touch the foam, but an adult should check that the mixture has cooled before kids touch the foam. I’d err on the side of caution and not touch the foam. Do not allow kids to eat the foam.

Like this simple elephant toothpaste experiment? Check out more of our favorite simple science experiments:

5 STEM Activities For Kids To Do At Home While Schools are Closed
Sink Or Float Experiment + Worksheet
Baking Soda Volcano Experiment
Rain Cloud In A Jar Science Experiment
Fruit DNA Extraction Lab Science Experiment

Brenda MacArthur is a STEM curriculum writer, STEM author, and STEM accessibility advocate. She founded the site STEAMsational.com in 2012 which offers hands-on STEM activities for kids and STEM lesson plans for teachers.

View all posts from this author

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Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment With Kids

By: Author Agnes Hsu

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

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This post was first published June 2018 and updated Jan 2023.

Scroll all the way down to watch the video below for the step-by-step video in how to create this cool Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more fun videos!

Have you ever heard of the classic science experiment called Elephant Toothpaste ? It looks just as it sounds – foaming toothpaste so big an elephant could brush its teeth with it! And we can assure you that kids get as much of a kick making it as the name.

Why We’re Investing Time into Science Experiments

My son Kian (age 7) is a huge fan of science and in fact, it’s his favorite subject. Because he’s naturally curious and also loves sharing his knowledge and being in front of the camera, he’s starting a new video series all about how kids can re-create classic science experiments at home ! Kian’s World of Science is what we’re calling it for now (let us know if you have any fun suggestions for names!).

Before STEM was the latest craze, there were classic science experiments parents remembered making as kids. Experiments like elephant toothpaste, baking soda volcanos and magic milk experiments to name a few.

That’s why we’re excited for our new video series making classic science cool again! Let’s get to the science of what you need to make elephant toothpaste.

ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE – MATERIALS:

1/2 a cup of Hydrogen peroxide*
A packet of dry yeast (one packet is approximately 1/4 oz)
3 Tablespoons warm water
Food coloring
A cylinder (at least 500 ml) or you can use a flask
A tablespoon of dish soap (any will do)
Safety goggles

*We used 40 volume hydrogen peroxide with is 12% available in beauty supply stores as “hair developers.” Most recipes call for at least 6% (20 volume) for a good foam reaction. The ones you get at the drug stores, won’t be as foamy as they are 3% but you can still try it!

**Hydrogen peroxide can burn and irritate skin so please only have adults pour and handle this step.

There are tons of recipes for elephant toothpaste online but we adjusted and followed this one .

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1. Gather your materials. Wear safety goggles. Place your cylinder in your tray. Have an adult pour the hydrogen peroxide into the cylinder.

Step 2. Have your child add two pumps or about a tablespoon of dish soap into the cylinder.

Step 3. Add several drops of ONE color of food coloring (we tried more than one color and it just turns gray!). One color we found was best and if you want to create those classic toothpaste looking stripes, add the color to various sides of the cylinder.

Step 4. Mix your yeast with the warm water for at least 30 seconds.

Step 5. Pour the yeast into the cylinder, step back and watch the foamy magic happen! D ON’T TOUCH THE FOAM AS IT’S AN EXOTHERMIC REACTION AND IS HOT! After several minutes, it does cool down.

The foam does dissipate from its lofty volume rather quickly in minutes and after several minutes, is not hot to the touch. However, to be extra cautious, please don’t have children touch and play with the foam in case all the hydrogen peroxide has not broken down from the catalyst (yeast).

This is super cool to watch the foam slowly come out and erupt. The food coloring adds cool stripes to the foam making it look just like elephant toothpaste!

When you are done, you can simply rinse out all ingredients in the sink as they are safe to drain.

What’s the science behind elephant toothpaste?

The science behind elephant toothpaste is interesting, to say the least. Hydrogen peroxide is composed of water and oxygen.

The yeast is a catalyst that takes the oxygen away from the hydrogen peroxide, which then gets trapped by dish soap, creating lots of bubbles!

Fun Variations of the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

One of the great things about this experiment is that there are plenty of ways to make it even more fun! For example, you can try experimenting with different colors of food coloring.

The coloring adds bold stripes to the foam making it look just like elephant toothpaste! When you are done, you can simply rinse out all ingredients in the sink as they are safe to drain.

You can also try adding glitter, sequins, or waterproof confetti to the mixture to make it sparkle. Adding different scented essential oils to the mixture can also give it an even more unique scent.

For a twist, use different types of yeast (fast acting or regular and observe the differences in the foaming reaction. With simple variations, this experiment is sure to be a hit!

However, to be extra cautious, please do not have children touch and play with the foam in case all the hydrogen peroxide has not broken down from the catalyst (yeast) as well the foam is hot to the touch since it is an exothermic reaction.

Benefits of Doing Fun Science Experiments Like Elephant Toothpaste with Kids

Simple but fun experiments, such as the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment, are excellent for introducing children to the world of science.

Not only are they fun, but they’re also educational and can be rewarding. They can develop and strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

They can also build confidence in their ability to understand and explain scientific concepts.

In addition, science experiments can help kids build persistence and problem-solving skills as they figure out how to make the experiment a success.

Science experiments are also a great way for kids to become engaged in the subject and to gain an interest in different kinds of fun science topics.

Elephant Toothpaste science is a fun experiment to make with kids with explosive learning!

Have you tried making elephant toothpaste with kids? Watch the process video in this post on how to make elephant toothpaste with kids.

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive a small affiliate commission. Regardless, we give our promise that we only recommend products or services we would use personally and believe will add values to our readers.

Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.

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Elephant Toothpaste | STEAM Experiment for kids

by Emily | Jan 28, 2020 | STEAM Experiments , STEAM for Kids | 14 comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. You may read my disclosure here .

The newly crowned Miss America 2020, Camille Schrier from Virginia, did a chemistry demonstration for her talent. It was an elaborate version of the classic elephant toothpaste experiment. This was the first time a Miss America participant has ever won with a science experiment for their talent.

Unfortunately, I have seen people criticize her talent as “something my elementary school kid can do” and “a simple science experiment”, but I think they are looking at it the wrong way. Yes, this is a simple science experiment, simple enough that I am presenting it in this post for your to try it with your toddlers and preschoolers. But, how could she do anything more complicated that would have as big of an impact in the short time period allowed? I think she did a fantastic job choosing an experiment that surely got many young girls interested and excited about science!

Camille has the knowledge to back her experiment too. She double majored in biochemistry and systems biology for her undergrad at Virginia Tech and is currently working towards her doctorate in Pharmacy at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the kind of role model we need to see more of for our daughters. She’s smart, talented, passionate about STEM, and beautiful. She is showing girls that they can like STEM subjects and be beautiful and girly too.

View this post on Instagram I want every little girl to see that princesses don’t always wear pretty dresses…sometimes they wear lab coats 💕 #missvirginia A post shared by Camille Schrier (@camilleschrier) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:23pm PST

Below I’ll show you how to do a similar elephant toothpaste at home and wow your kids as much as Miss America wowed the crowd during her demonstration. But first…

Let’s talk about the science behind elephant toothpaste.

When I first heard about elephant toothpaste I had a few questions:

Why is it called elephant toothpaste?
How does it work?
Is it safe to do at home?

In case you have the same questions, here’s my short answers:

Why is it called elephant toothpaste? No, this isn’t really the same toothpaste zookeepers use on elephants’ teeth. It’s named this because when the reaction expands out of the bottle it looks kinda like toothpaste, especially if you add coloring to make stripes. But it’s much larger than toothpaste humans use on our teeth, it’s big enough for elephants! I love the cheekiness behind this creative name. 🙂
How does it work? This experiment is the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. There are two important scientific processes that make this experiment work: a catalyst and exothermic reaction. -A catalyst is an element that speeds up a reaction. In this case the catalyst is the yeast. The yeast works as a catalyst to release oxygen molecules from the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is breaking down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). As the oxygen releases and begins to travel out of the solution, it gets trapped in the dish soap creating the foamy bubbles. -An exothermic reaction is a reaction that releases heat. The decomposition from hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat. This means the foam (or “elephant toothpaste”) will be very hot after the experiment!
Is it safe to do at home? Yes, as long as you closely follow my safety recommendations .

Want more information about elephant toothpaste and more experiment ideas? Here are a few helpful and informative resources about elephant toothpaste I found on the web:

Amazing Science: How to Make Elephant Toothpaste

DIY Elephant Toothpaste!

Elephant Toothpaste – Safe Easy World Record Recipe

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

This is a great experiment for an adult to demonstrate to toddlers and preschoolers. If you have elementary school aged children who are good at following directions, they can attempt this experiment themselves with adult help and supervision.

It is very important to follow my safety instructions to prevent possible chemical or heat burns. 40 volume solution hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and burns to the skin . Always wear gloves and safety googles when working with this solution.

The foam released in this reaction is hot . Do not touch it right away, wait a few minutes until it has cooled, then you and the children many touch it with gloves on .

If the hydrogen peroxide or the foam touches your skin, immediately wash it with soap and water.

Prepare a space for your experiment. Either do the experiment outside in the grass or on a sidewalk that can easily be washed down, or if doing inside put down a plastic tarp to cover your table and/or do the experiment inside a large disposable tray.

Clean up the experiment immediately after finishing so young kids can’t get into the hydrogen peroxide, and the yeast will start to smell if left out too long. It is safe to dispose of the experiment materials in the trash or wash it down your sink.

Materials Needed:

Empty plastic 2L bottle ( I suggest a 2L soda bottle, it worked much better than a 1L water bottle for us)
Food coloring ( optional, but recommended )
4 oz (1/2 Cup) 40 volume /12% Hydrogen Peroxide (40 volume solution can be found on Amazon for ~$15, or it’s much cheaper > $5, at your local Sally Beauty Supply)
Funnel ( optional but recommended )
1 packet (1/2 Tbsp) of active dry yeast
4 oz (1/2 Cup) very warm water
Large disposable roaster pan or plastic tarp ( optional but recommended – for easy clean up and disposal)
Safety googles
Plastic gloves

Find a good spot to do your experiment. I recommend doing it outside on a patio or grass that can easily be hosed down, or in a large disposable tray that can easily be moved to the trash bin after the experiment is complete.

2. Set the bottle on a flat surface

3. Put on your gloves and safety goggles

4. Add a few squirts of dish soap to the bottom of the bottle

5. Measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide

6. Pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle (preferably using a funnel to avoid spills)

7. Gently swirl the dish soap and hydrogen peroxide together

8. Measure and pour 1/2 cup of very warm water into a small bowl

9. Add the yeast, and stir to dissolve it completely in the water (this is a great step to let your kids get involved)

10. Tilt the bottle to squirt food coloring in a steam along the slide, rotate the bottle and do this a few more times with different colors, as shown in the photo below

11. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle (preferably using a funnel), remove the funnel and move back

12. Enjoy watching your elephant toothpaste foam out of the top of the bottle

13. After allowing the foam to cool for a few minutes, you and your kids may touch the foam with gloves on

14. Clean up the experiment by disposing of all materials or washing them in the sink (leaving gloves on until you have finished the clean up)

What Happened:

You and your kids witnessed an exothermic reaction. The yeast acted as a catalyst to speed up the release of oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. The released oxygen got trapped in the dish soap and made awesome foam (aka the elephant toothpaste). The food coloring attached to foam making it look like the stripes that you sometimes see in toothpaste. The foam is hot because of the heat released in the reaction.

My kids were “wowed” by this spectacular experiment. I had to repeat my demonstration several times for them because they were so excited about it and wanted to watch it over and over again! I let them wear gloves and touch the foam – they were surprised by how hot it was!

Although this experiment may seem intimidating, I was surprised to find that after I gathered all the materials needed for the experiment, this was actually a very simple and quick experiment to perform. This made it easy to repeat over, and over, and over for my kids. 🙂

By doing exciting experiments like this one with our kids we are teaching them that science can be interesting, cool, and fun. They are learning science is for everyone.

Have you tried making elephant toothpaste before? I’d love to hear your experience and tips in the comments below!

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Science experiment: elephant toothpaste.

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Elephant Toothpaste:

107 comments:

Thanks for letting me know about this change and I think your new blog setup looks awesome! Lori

Thanks, Lori! I'm so glad you made it over!

Nice new site. Very nice looking. I like it. I'm looking forward to tuesdays hop. Ok that looks very cool. Oh we are so trying that. That's just what we love to do. Veronica @ http://watchmeplaynlearn.blogspot.com/

ooooh, I cannot wait to try this! I think my kids will absolutely love this!

Thanks, Veronica! I can't wait to see what you link up tomorrow! My kids wanted to repeat this several days in a row! S, It is a TON of fun--I think I enjoy this one at least as much as the kids!

Looks exciting! We just joined a co-op, but they only meet every other week (to the disappointment of my son today, it was our off week), so I think the opposite week will be spent doing fun science experiments like this! Brittney www.moms-heart.blogspot.com

Brittney, That sounds like a great plan! Thanks for coming by!

Oh how fun! I'm a new follower!

I have been waiting to try this out with the kiddos. I love that you added color!

Thanks, Lisa! Tammy, I bet your kids will love it! My daughter asks to add food coloring to almost everything we do--I love the color too!

Ekkk! This looks SO FUN! But I messed up and bought 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. It's all our store had. I wonder how much of a difference it will really make! :-(

Cassi Crane, It was a BLAST!! 3% should still give you some bubbles, but not nearly as great a show. The reaction is still happening, but much slower. I'd recommend just ordering a 6% (or higher) bottle online or going to a beauty store. Good luck!!

I work at a daycare and my kids love science. I was running out of ideas but I'm so excited to show them this one! Thanks a million

Oh wow, this looks like fun!

This is so darn cool! We're totally doing this! Thanks!

I am just hopping over from my Enchanted Thursdays Blog Hop to thank you for linking up this week. I am your newest GFC follower. This looks like a very cool science project! Thank you for sharing.

Safeya, After I showed it to the kids in my home daycare, they've requested it over and over! Our Homeschool Reviews, It is definitely fun! Erin, I'm so glad you'll use it! Thanks, Julia! Thanks for hosting the hop, Enchanted Homeschooling Mom, and thanks for following! I'm glad you like it!

OOooohhh! That looks so fun. I can just picture my son's eyes so big they nearly pop out of his face. I'm pinning this so I don't forget to do it. Thanks for sharing!

that is super cool.

Deceptively Educational, I'm so excited for you to share it with your son! I've had kids 1-4 years old LOVE it! and Thanks for pinning!! Thanks, Laura!

I did this today with my Kindergarteners! They loved it sooo much that we did it twice! Thank you so much!

Yay!! Thank you so much for letting me know! I'm so glad you and your class enjoyed it!!

My boys would love me if I did this with them. I am so happy to now be following you. Thanks for the great tips.

You mention a soda pop bottle...can I use an empty water bottle instead? Sorry if that sounds silly, but don't have sodas at the house! :)

Andrea, I'm so glad you came by--I'm sure you and your boys will enjoy it! Sherrie, I should have mentioned this! I've used both and they both work great. If you look closely, in the pictures I posted here, I actually used a 20-ounce water bottle! It works great--I don't drink soda either, but I do have lots of water bottles! And while I have bought sodas for other experiments, it definitely isn't necessary for this one! Have fun!

thank you for this!! my kids were thrilled!! i used 20 volume cream developer from sally's (i already had it) and it worked AMAZINGLY! the bubbles just kept coming! :) thanks again :)

This is so cool!!!

How cool! I have to do this with my kids. They will love it! ~Tonia @TheGunnySack.com

Melissa, That's awesome!! I am so glad you got to use it already--thanks so much for letting me know!! I do love how the bubbles keep coming! How cool that you have 20 vol developer at your house, too! Thanks, Rachel! Tonia, I'm sure you'll all enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by!

Finally!! A science experiment to do with my kids that has an explanation of the chemical reactions..thanks!!

I wanted to let you know that I am featuring this today at The Gunny Sack!

Prairie Mother, I'm so glad you appreciate that! Even though I'm writing it for young children, I hoped someone would be interested in the information! I've also taught high school and junior high school science classes and just can't help including a little "real" science! ;) Thanks for coming by! Thanks, Tonia! I'm so excited! I love The Gunny Sack!

I already commented after seeing this from somewhere else, but I wanted to thank you for posting on Monday Madness. Hope to see you there again tomorrow.

What a fun reaction!

Found you on Pinterest and just tried this with my kiddos. They LOVED it!!! Thanks so much for the idea. PS.. we used the 3% and it worked just fine for us....the bubbles kept coming for quite a while.

Thanks, Laura! I love Monday Madness! Thanks, Steph! Kristie, I'm so glad you found me! and I'm SO glad the 3% worked for you! Thanks so much for letting me know you and your kids enjoyed it! Knowing that people are using this is one of my biggest motivations to keep posting stuff like this!

Love this! I'm planning to post this on my FB page and pin it!!! It is awesome! I want everyone to see it! Charity www.thehelpingbridge.com

Charity, Thanks so much for sharing it--I really appreciate it! I'm so glad you like it!

I can't wait to try this with my kindergarten students! They are going to be so amazed and excited! =D (found this on pinterest)

I'm sure your kindergartners will love it! I love pinterest, and I'm so grateful for to all the people who've been sharing this on pinterest! Thanks for stopping by!

This is amazing. I pinned it. I hope you'll visit my blog: Kindergarten for Teachers and Parents. Wonderful blog you have! I added your link to my Linky Party page.

Susan, I'm so glad you like it! Thanks so much for sharing it! I'll definitely check out your blog!

The lady at Sally said to be careful getting the developer on hands as it can irritate them - she recommended wearing gloves. Is this something anyone else has experienced or should I not be worried?

It never hurts to wear gloves--some people's hands will even be irritated by the dish soap. I would not recommend actually touching the developer, however, when the foam comes out it is no longer developer. The hydrogen peroxide has dissociated into oxygen and water. I've never had trouble with kids touching the foam and washing their hands afterwards, but if you're concerned about their skin, gloves never hurt. ;)

My experiment didn't work :( kids disappointed. I used a soda bottle volume 20 cream developer, a squirt of dawn. yeast and warm water mixed together. What type of yeast did you use? is the only thing I can think of that may be different. Checking out Steve Spangler's website now I think he has this experiment there too. Thank You.

Anonymous, I'm so sorry it didn't work for you guys! I've done it many times and never had any problems. Since I wasn't with you, I'm not sure what went wrong, but here's a few things to double check: 1- Yeast and water temperature: If the water is too hot you will kill the yeast and it won't work. If it's too cold the yeast won't have a chance to start growing. If the yeast is too old, it won't work as well either, though I've used some very old yeast. ;) You can make sure this combination is right by waiting to see the yeast start to foam and bubble before stirring it in. 2- If your hydrogen peroxide (20Vol Developer works great) is too old, it will have already dissociated into water and oxygen and you won't have any actual hydrogen peroxide left for the actual experiment. This happens faster if you store it in light, a warm place, or a clear container. I don't remember the brand of yeast I used. I buy it in bulk about once a year. Good luck! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

Thank you for the reply Carla - we'll try it today or tomorrow!

The reason it didn't work could have been the CREAM developer. I debated using that or the liquid. The cream must have something in it to make it the right consistency, but changes the effect of the experiment. I could be wrong, but that was my first thought.

Great idea, Angela! I've always used the clear developer, which is why I listed it as an option on #3. It makes me want to buy some cream developer and see what happens!

We used the cream developer as well and the reaction was s-l-o-w, but we achieved the same results. I had no idea there was a difference in developers....next time we will try the clear instead of cream. : ) It was a fun experiment - thanks!

No school today and my kids were complaining about boredom. I had pinned this previously, so I pulled it up and suggested we try it. They are having a ton of fun in the dining room right now, and I am so happy to be listening to laughter and not whining. :) I only had 3% peroxide, but it worked well enough to get a reaction and lots of bubbles to play with. Also, if you had more peroxide after the reaction has stopped, it starts up again, which was further fun.

Marjoriethe7th, Do use clear next time! It seems that the cream has extra oil and other ingredients that could slow it down. Let me know how it goes! Cheryl, I actually stock some 6% just for this one--the kids just love it too much! Good luck next time! Jennifer, I am SO glad you and your kids enjoyed it! It's definitely a great boredom-buster! It's wonderful that the 3% worked too! Thanks so much for coming back and letting me know!

My 1st grade son has to do a science experiment in front of his class next week and I thought this would be the perfect thing. However, I cannot find anything more than 3% peroxide anywhere locally. I asked a couple pharmacists and they do not stock it nor do they know where it is available. I'm seeing in previous comments that 3% doesn't work as well. I did pick up fresh packets of yeast today, so maybe we'll give it a try and see how it works. Just wondered if anyone has actually seen 6% peroxide anywhere. Thanks.

Hi Barb! This is a lot of fun to do with a class! The only places I've seen to get 6% or more hydrogen peroxide locally (not including the internet or high school store rooms) are beauty supply stores. I've used 20 volume clear developer from Sally Beauty Supplies many times, and I've also heard that Clairoxide hair bleach by Clairol works (though I haven't tried that one). If you have time, Amazon will also send some. ;) Good luck!

Very cool. I am a new GFC follower. Stop by to follow Back.

Thanks for coming by, Amy!

Thanks for this cool idea, my son loves the baking soda and vinegar for volcano's. I know he will love this. Also, new to the blog world would love for you to come and check me out/follow.

Thanks, Catherine! I'll definitely come visit you!

Thanks for getting the science correct. So many times the explanation is wrong. As a high school chem and physics teacher I really appreciate it. As a mom of two little ones I am super excited to do this without the chemicals I use in school

This experiment looks cool! My son would definitely love to see this. We can try to do this on the weekend. If this can be made into a toothpaste that he can use on his own teeth, that would certainly motivate him to brush even more.

Thanks, tknudtson74! I've actually taught high school IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) and consider the science particularly important! Of course, we talk about it differently with my little ones, lol! Randy, I'm so glad you can use it! I would definitely NOT use it as toothpaste, though! It would taste absolutely horrible! It gets its name because it looks like the sort of toothpaste you would imagine an elephant using. ;)

Love this idea for my preschool class. Just curious, because let's face it, the little ones will get the "toothpaste" all over them when they play in it; will the HP bleach their hair should they happen to get the mixture in it? As a preschool teacher I would have some very unhappy parents.

I would be more concerned about the food coloring dying their hair than the HP bleaching it. Food coloring also stains clothes, so unless you have some pretty intense smocks, you might want to just leave the food coloring out. ;) The actual foam doesn't have HP in it--the HP has dissociated to water and oxygen. I suppose it's always possible that a little HP from inside the bottle could get carried out into the foam on the bubbles, but I haven't had any trouble with that. Good luck!

My daughter was so excited to try this experiment for her 3rd grade science fair project. We used both 3% and the developer from Sally's to see the difference. She hypothesized whether changing the % and ingredients would change experiment. We also tried it with a soda to see if it is just bubbly liquids or the chemical reaction of the peroxide that creates the explosion. She loved it but wanted what looked like the consistency of toothpaste from the first picture. Did I do it wrong or is it just the photography? Thanks for an exciting experiment we gathered the entire family around for!

Heather, it sounds like you had a wonderful set of experiments! It's hard to know exactly what happened without doing it with you, but the thick foam usually settles into smaller bubbles. I only get the thick foam when I use 6% or more hydrogen peroxide. Both pictures in the post are from the same experiment--I snapped the top one at the beginning and the bottom one about 3-4 minutes later. There's no special photography--all my pictures are actually taken with a simple point and shoot (I think it's a Canon Powershot, but I'd have to double check). ;) Thanks for taking the time to come back and comment--I'm so glad your family was able to enjoy it! Let me know if you have any other questions!

Why is it called "Elephant Toothpaste"?

Hi Lyndi! As it comes out of the bottle, it looks like you would imagine elephant's toothpaste might look! ;)

This great I just wouldn't let your children touch it the peroxide could give them a nasty reaction if they have sensitive skin. I know this because I am a hairdresser and have this reaction myself. So be careful! :)

It's true, the peroxide can be harsh on skin (it's not very pleasant in eyes, either). Fortunately, the reaction separates the peroxide into oxygen and water so the bubbles are less dangerous. Still, some people are sensitive to soap... gloves never hurt. ;) Thanks for stopping by!!

My daughter-in-law did this with my grandson (3) and he loved it. I got your site from her. I can't wait to do it with my 5th graders next year. Thanks so much for the scientific breakdown. So many experiments are so cool but then you have to look all over for the explanations.

If you insert a glowing splint into the fresh bubbles, the splint will re-ignite due to the oxygen. Also, never let a bottle of hydrogen peroxide dry out - be sure to rinse it out when it is empty.

Anon, Thanks so much for letting me know your grandson enjoyed it! I'm so glad! Have fun with your 5th graders next year! And I'm glad you appreciated the explanation--as a former science teacher, it's hard for me to put up a reaction without an explanation. ;) Linda, I've never tried a glowing splint--thanks for sharing!!

If you only use 3% hydrogen peroxide, use a much narrower bottle (like a 12 oz water bottle or the small SmartWater bottle) and you will get a better reaction. This is also great for 6 & 8 year-olds. Very safe, very clean, very minimal small. My niece & nephew loved it. Called the green "slime."

I bought 30 clear developer by mistake. Will it still work?

Thanks for the tip, Raegan! The narrow neck forces the reaction through a smaller space, so it would look more explosive with any concentration of hydrogen peroxide! Anon, I'm no expert in hair products, but I believe that 30 volume is 9% hydrogen peroxide. I would expect it to work wonderfully! Let us know how it goes!

Is this toxic? My preschoolers put everything in their mouths.

This looks like tons of fun and I can't wait to try this with my kids! I linked this to my blog http://cmommygo.blogspot.com/ . If you mind I'll take it down.

Thanks for explaining the chemistry aspect. It is necessary for older kids. Thanks for sharing!

Just stopping by with congratulations! Your project was in the top 5 most popular posts for May (Yes, trying to get caught up!) on Fun Family Crafts! Thanks for sharing your creativity and we hope you'll submit more. If you would like to see the post and grab a TOP 5 button, you can see it here http://funfamilycrafts.com/may-2012-top-posts/ Thanks!

Anon, the final bubbly product is not toxic, though I'd recommend trying to keep it out of their mouths. The soap can act like a laxative and the food coloring can stain. Definitely make sure they don't eat the hydrogen peroxide before you mix it all together. Thanks, Jessica! I don't mind you linking to it at all! I think it's important, too, Mrs. Crisostomo! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Amanda!! I'll definitely pick up the button!!

If you use the developer instead of peroxide, is it still safe for the kids to play in?

Hi Kirsten, Generally, yes, the bubbles made after the reaction is safe to touch. Some children have sensitive skin and may need to wear gloves, though I haven't had this problem. Remember the actual foam doesn't have hydrogen peroxide/developer in it--it has dissociated to water and oxygen. If you are concerned, you can let them wear gloves. Definitely do **not** let your children play in the developer before the reaction. ;)

I did this at a camp over the summer and I would know it works on older kids too. There were probably 50+ kids that were over the age of 12 and when the professor did that everybody loved it , it was really cool!!!

I would love to use the top photo with a link under it to your blog on my Halloween Science Recipes blog. Is that all right? Thank you!

Yes, of course, Susan! I love it when people share! Please be sure to use only one photo and link it back to this page. Thanks!

I tried the experiment several times (my daughter loved it) However, I found that using the 40 developer from Sally's gets a much better reaction. All the times I tried with 20 just came out too runny. Also, if you drip red food coloring into one side of the bottle, and blue into the other it really looks like the classic Colgate toothpaste :) Thanks for posting this cool experiment!

Anon, The red and blue sound like a super fun effect! Thanks for sharing!

im 11 and this was so fun!!! I loved this experiment and my sister and I decided to make it even more fun by leaving the cap on! :) Once it started rising, we slowly untwisted the cap and it started exploding EVERYWHERE!!! Thanks for the idea on my boring day off from school! :D I appreciate it and I hope some of you try what I tried. :D

hi jan 23 4:38 pm :D. Lots of fun!!!

3% does work, and the result was awesome! I wish I took a video. :)

It's probably a good idea to make a note in the text of your original post that the 30%hydroxide solution purchased at Beauty Supply Stores can cause burns and eye damage. Some readers may not scroll down through ALL of your comments to get that point. I'd recommend the children wear asfety goggles if a high concentration is used.

I have this experiment on my blog too, it's great for little hands I agree. I always say elephant toothpaste can be used instead of the usual baking powder and vinegar to do this project: http://anordinary-life.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/volcano-experiment.html Another great and safe hands on experiment! :D

The 2 h2o2 = 2 h2o + o2 doesnt scientifically explain the whole reaction. That just explains why peroxide is in dark bottles. Whats the actual chemical reaction. Its missing the yeast (catylst) and the soap. Any idea what the rxn is??

Dear MK, The equation {2 H 2 O 2 --> 2 H 2 O + 0 2 } does actually summarize the whole reaction. Catalysts are often not included in equations because the reaction will happen whether or not they are present. In this case, the yeast contains catalase, which is an enzyme that will make the hydrogen peroxide separate into water and oxygen faster. The soap is not in the chemical equation because it is not part of it. It is a simple physical reaction. Have you ever blown bubbles with a straw into a cup of water? The gas you blow into the water makes a bubble which quickly pops. Blow the same air into a cup of soapy water and you will have bubbles, just like the oxygen from the reaction discussed above makes bubbles in the soapy water in your water bottle. Combined, of course, the soap and the hydrogen peroxide reaction make a fabulous show! :D

I'm a kid how do I hydrogen perxoode. Iknow u can gettin. On amazon

Has anyone in the UK tried this and if so, what products have you used in place of the recommended hair care ones, as the brands listed are US products, not available here. Also does it matter what kind of yeast you use, freeze dried, fast acting, brewers yeast etc?

Tried this today it worked grea my boys loved it but it did not look quite like yours did in the picture...did i do something wrong?

Hi Anon! I would need to know what yours did look like and exactly what you did before I could even guess why they would be different. ;)

We practiced this for my daughter's science birthday party. We had so many bubbles with one squirt dish soap, but kept playing with it to get the more "toothpaste" look. We ended up with 8 squirts of dish soap and thought it looked nice. We put the food coloring on the inside edges of bottle to make it more of the toothpaste look fancier with two colors. Great post. Thank you!

Hi Melissa! I love the idea of using two colors! Thanks so much for sharing!

Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn't show up. Grrrr... well I'm not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic post! Eincher.me

This is an exothermic reaction. It is dangerous and should only be performed as a demo!!! Yes the final product is not dangerous but the heat generated during the reaction could be dangerous. You should have on gloves and goggles! I have a masters in science.

Hi Lee! Thanks so much for sharing -- I'm so sorry that deleted--sometimes technology is crazy!

Hi ScienceTeacher08! I appreciate you stopping by and your concern -- please forgive me for not approving all 5 of your comments (they were a little repetitive). ;) I also appreciate you pointing out your expertise -- I also am a former science teacher with a masters degree in science! I disagree with some of your points, and here is my reasoning: 1- ALL activities I suggest on this blog are to be done with close adult supervision and appropriate safety gear. Goggles are a good idea any time you use liquids, glasses, or heat. 2- With appropriate supervision, there is no reason why children cannot experiment with this reaction. 3- If you use the amounts I've suggested, the heat generated is not dangerous. 4- In the original instructions, I pointed out the dangers of touching hydrogen peroxide -- even with gloves, I would not encourage anyone to touch it! Finally, if I were teaching in a classroom, I would not divide the children (even teens) in groups to do this. That would not be appropriate supervision. But I would absolutely invite 1-2 children to the front of the room to help with the demonstration. And finally, in a small group setting (like a homeschool), parents will be closely supervising (if not performing) the activity.

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How to Make Kid-Friendly Elephant Toothpaste at Home

While some science experiments are best left to experts (or no one ), others are safe enough to try at home with kids . One that falls in the latter category is known as “elephant toothpaste”—and the recipe might not even require a trip to the store.

Why Is It Called Elephant Toothpaste?

First off, elephant toothpaste has nothing to do with actual elephants or toothpaste. It’s a kind of foam that, as it explodes out of a cylindrical container, looks a bit like toothpaste being squeezed out of a tube. And because there’s way more foam than you could fit in a regular-sized toothpaste tube , it seems like an animal much larger than a human—say, an elephant —would use it.

How the Elephant Toothpaste Chemical Reaction Works

As Scientific American explains , elephant toothpaste results from speeding up the reaction that occurs when hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) breaks down into water and gaseous oxygen. To do this, you need a catalyst: a substance that makes a chemical reaction happen at a quicker-than-normal rate. The catalyst in this case is dry yeast, which harbors a certain enzyme—catalase—known for swiftly breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

But before you add the yeast, you toss in some dish soap, which increases the surface tension across the hydrogen peroxide. Then, when the yeast causes oxygen to break off and form bubbles, they won’t burst right away—and the foamy concoction will pour forth from its receptacle.

A Kid-Friendly Elephant Toothpaste Recipe

By this point, you’ve probably already gathered that you’re going to need hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and dry yeast. In Science Bob’s recipe , he recommends 6 percent hydrogen peroxide over 3 percent (which won’t generate quite as impressive an eruption). You’ll also need a 16-ounce plastic bottle, 3 tablespoons of warm water, and food coloring. Safety goggles are recommended for safety purposes, plus a funnel for easy pouring.

First, pour 3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide into your bottle, and then squeeze in roughly 10 drops of food coloring. ( Scientific American suggests adding your food coloring toward the top of your bottle, so it runs down in streaks along the inside. That way, your foam will have toothpaste-like stripes.) Next, pour in about a tablespoon of dish soap and swirl your bottle so it gets evenly distributed throughout the hydrogen peroxide. Mix your 3 tablespoons of warm water with one tablespoon of dry yeast and then pour that concoction into the bottle, too. After that, just step back and watch the magic happen.

Elephant toothpaste is an exothermic reaction—meaning it generates heat—so don’t touch the foam or the bottle during or right after the eruption. There could also be leftover hydrogen peroxide that didn’t break down, so if you used the heavy-duty, 6 percent stuff, it’s best if you keep your hands off the foam altogether.

See Science Bob’s full recipe and demonstration here .

[h/t Scientific American ]

Science Bob

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Fantastic foamy fountain.

How does it work?

Foam is awesome! The foam you made in this classic Elephant’s Toothpaste reaction is extra-special because each tiny foam bubble is filled with oxygen. The yeast acted as a catalyst; a catalyst is used to speed up a reaction. It quickly broke apart the oxygen from the hydrogen peroxide. Because it did this very fast, it created lots and lots of bubbles. Did you notice the bottle got warm? Your experiment created a reaction called an Exothermic Reaction – that means it not only created foam, it created heat! The foam produced is just water, soap, and oxygen so you can clean it up with a sponge and pour any extra liquid left in the bottle down the drain.

This experiment is sometimes called “Elephant’s Toothpaste” because it looks like toothpaste coming out of a tube, but don’t get the foam in your mouth!

Make it an experiment:

The project above is a DEMONSTRATION. To make it a true experiment, you can try to answer these questions:

Does the amount of yeast change the amount of foam produced?
Will the experiment work as well if you add the dry yeast without mixing it with water?
Does the size of the bottle affect the amount of foam produced?

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Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment
Step 3: Add food colouring to the bottle sides (OPTIONAL) To create the toothpaste look, hold the bottle at a slight angle and add 3 drops of food colouring to the inside of the bottle opening. Then let the food colouring drip down the inside of the bottle in a straight line. Once the food colouring has run all the way down the inside of the ...
Science Experiment: Elephant Toothpaste for Kids
Gently swirl the bottle again to mix the contents. We added yellow food coloring. The kids hypothesized the yellow food coloring mixed with the green dish soap would create blue elephant toothpaste. It didn't. It was still yellow! Next empty the yeast packet into a small bowl. And then add 3 Tbsps of warm water.
Elephant Toothpaste
Instructions. Pour 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle. Add a big squirt of dish soap into the bottle, and swirl gently to mix. If you want to make your foam a single color, add a few drops of food coloring directly into the hydrogen peroxide, and swirl the bottle gently to mix. If you want to give your foam stripes like some ...
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment steps: 1. Place the bottle on a large tray and put on your safety goggles and gloves. 2. Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast into 3 tablespoons of warm water until you achieve a creamy consistency. Place in a small cup and set to the side. 3.
Elephant toothpaste science experiment
Step 5. Pour yeast mixture into soda bottle and remove funnel. WARNING: In case you missed it the first time, avoid touching or getting the chemicals on skin or clothing. And don't get too close, as heat and steam can be dangerous. The elephant toothpaste explodes from the bottle after a chemical reaction.
Elephant Toothpaste: A Spectacular Science Experiment for Kids
Learn how to make Elephant Toothpaste at home with this fun and educational science experiment for kids. Discover the joy of chemistry by creating an exothermic reaction that produces a foamy explosion. Perfect for curious minds and family science days, with safety tips and step-by-step instructions
How to Make Elephant Toothpaste (with Pictures)
2. Pour 4 tsp (20 ml) of 30% hydrogen peroxide into a graduated cylinder. This hydrogen peroxide is stronger than any household peroxide. Be sure to handle with care and make sure the graduated cylinder is set on a stable location. 3. Add 3 drops of food coloring. Play with the food dye for fun effects.
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment. Kids of all ages will love this exothermic chemical reaction using hydrogen peroxide and yeast. The reaction produces a ton of foam and heat! Watch the Video! You will need: 20-Volume hydrogen peroxide, which is 6% (you can also use regular household hydrogen peroxide, but the reaction will be smaller) ...
Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment
Elephant Toothpaste Experiment Instructions. 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. You'll see here that we have two bottles. The bottle pictured on the left is being filled with 3 ...
Elephant Toothpaste
Elephant Toothpaste Classic Science. Creating Elephant Toothpaste is a quick and easy science experiment that can be easily adjusted to suit the learning needs of upper elementary through middle school. It has great WOW factor, and kids around the world have loved creating these foamy fountains we affectionately call, Elephant Toothpaste.
Elephant Toothpaste
Set aside the solution for now. Set the cylinder or flask in a tray or on a tarp. Pour about 60 ml (2 ounces) of 30% hydrogen peroxide into the glass tube. Add a squirt (about 5 ml) of dishwashing liquid to the tube. If you want colored foam, add a few drops of food coloring. Swirl the liquids to mix them.
Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment
Elephant toothpaste is a classic science experiment that kids of all ages love recreating over and over again, and with this one, it won't matter how many. Elephant toothpaste is such a fun science experiment that comes together in minutes with just 4 basic ingredients!
At-Home Science Experiments: Elephant's Toothpaste
2. Add 8 drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle. 3. Add about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap into the bottle and swish the bottle around a bit to mix it. 4. In a separate small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast together and mix for about 30 seconds. 5. Now the adventure starts!
Kid-Friendly: How to Make Elephant Toothpaste
How to Make Elephant Toothpaste. Pour 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide solution, 1/4 cup dishwashing soap, and a few drops of food coloring into the bottle. Swish the bottle around to mix the ingredients. Set the bottle in a sink, outdoors, or someplace you won't mind getting wet foam everywhere. In a separate container, mix a packet of active yeast ...
Kid-Friendly Elephant's Toothpaste
Use a funnel to add 4 ounces (120 mL) of 40-volume hydrogen peroxide to the 1-liter soda bottle. Add a squirt of dish soap and some food coloring to the hydrogen peroxide in the bottle. Give the solution a quick swirl to mix the contents. Carefully cover the bottle with the toothpaste wrap that you made previously.
Easy Elephant Toothpaste Experiment
The chemical reaction that children will observe is exciting to see. I love simple science experiments, and making elephant toothpaste is one of my kids' favorite science activities (and it's a lot of fun for me, too!). Elephant toothpaste is an illustration of an exothermic reaction, meaning that the reaction creates heat.
Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment With Kids
One color we found was best and if you want to create those classic toothpaste looking stripes, add the color to various sides of the cylinder. Step 4. Mix your yeast with the warm water for at least 30 seconds. Step 5. Pour the yeast into the cylinder, step back and watch the foamy magic happen!
Elephant Toothpaste
11. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle (preferably using a funnel), remove the funnel and move back. 12. Enjoy watching your elephant toothpaste foam out of the top of the bottle. 13. After allowing the foam to cool for a few minutes, you and your kids may touch the foam with gloves on. 14.
Science Experiment: Elephant Toothpaste
Elephant Toothpaste: 1. Set a water bottle or soda pop bottle in the middle of a pan to catch the toothpaste. 2. Mix these in a separate container and swirl together for a minute. The yeast will catalyze (or speed up) the reaction. Woo hoo! ** 2 Tablespoons warm water. ** 1 teaspoon yeast.
How To Make Elephant Toothpaste With Kids
Learn how to make elephant toothpaste with kids. A fun, foamy and easy science experiment!Get the DIY and materials list: BALLOON DART PAINTING. Fun outdoor ...
How to Make Kid-Friendly Elephant Toothpaste at Home
First, pour 3/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide into your bottle, and then squeeze in roughly 10 drops of food coloring. (Scientific American suggests adding your food coloring toward the top of your ...
Elephant Toothpaste (with recipe) !!
Check out this video where we experiment to find the best recipe for making elephant toothpaste! This is a great experiment to do with your kids at home or a...
The Elephant's Toothpaste Experiment
Use a funnel to carefully pour 3/4 cup (180 ml) of the hydrogen peroxide liquid into the bottle. Add about 10 drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle. Add about 1 tablespoon (15ml) of liquid dish soap into the bottle and swish the bottle around a bit to mix it. In a separate small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast together ...

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