hydrogen peroxide and dish soap science experiment

Hydrogen Peroxide Experiments

Chemically, hydrogen peroxide has a similar composition to water, except its molecule has an additional oxygen atom. Simple experiments, some of which you can do at home, involve breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, using catalysts to quicken the reaction. Other experiments show the presence of oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide, in combination with other products, can produce visible chemical reactions.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)

You can do simple experiments with drugstore hydrogen peroxide at home, breaking it down into water and oxygen.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Yeast

Hydrogen peroxide is relatively unstable, so over time it breaks down into water and oxygen. In this experiment, yeast is added to hydrogen peroxide to speed up its decomposition process, which is normally slow. You can perform the experiment at home in a sink. You'll need an empty large soda bottle, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide from a grocery store, one packet of active yeast, liquid dish soap and warm water. Mix about 113 grams (4 ounces) of the hydrogen peroxide with 56 grams (2 ounces) of dish soap in the soda bottle. Set aside and mix the packet of yeast with warm water, letting it sit for about five minutes. Pour the yeast mixture into the soda bottle. The reaction produces oxygen gas and the addition of liquid detergent creates foam.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Bleach

The mixture of hydrogen peroxide and bleach creates oxygen gas, salt (sodium chloride) and water. The bleach must contain sodium hypochlorite for this experiment to work. The solutions do not need to be concentrated to get a quick reaction. You will need 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, approximately 6 percent household bleach and a beaker. Pour 56 grams (2 ounces) of bleach into the beaker and the equivalent of hydrogen peroxide. Once the two are mixed, the reaction will occur quickly, producing bubbling.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Burning Sulfur

This experiment doesn't decompose hydrogen peroxide but merely shows that it contains oxygen. You expose a rose to burning sulfur and then dip it in hydrogen peroxide. You'll need two drinking cups, a rose with a small stem, tape, foil, sulfur and hydrogen peroxide. Tape the rose to the inside of the first cup and place a small pile of sulfur on a piece of aluminum foil. Add flame to the sulfur until it starts to smolder — turn the cup with the rose upside down over the burning sulfur. The rose is exposed to sulfur dioxide gas, turning the petals of the rose to white as the gas combines with the oxygen in the colored part of the rose. Remove the rose from the cup and dip it into a cup filled halfway with hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide provides oxygen to the flower, restoring its color.

Safety Considerations

Make sure to wear protective eyewear when conducting any of these experiments, whether at home or in a classroom or lab setting. If hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with your eyes, it can result in damage or blindness. It is imperative to seek medical attention if this happens. Make sure to wear an apron and clothing that covers your skin. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry website, hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation — there may also be skin burns with blisters with exposure to concentrated solutions. The peroxide you buy in the drug store is typically 3 percent, whereas chemists and other professionals might use stronger concentrations of 35 to 50 percent. Flush your skin with water if it is exposed to hydrogen peroxide.

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: ToxFAQs for Hydrogen Peroxide
• Lansing Community College: The reaction of bleach and hydrogen peroxide

Cite This Article

Peralta, Mary Margaret. "Hydrogen Peroxide Experiments" sciencing.com , https://www.sciencing.com/hydrogen-peroxide-experiments-8462947/. 27 April 2018.

Peralta, Mary Margaret. (2018, April 27). Hydrogen Peroxide Experiments. sciencing.com . Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/hydrogen-peroxide-experiments-8462947/

Peralta, Mary Margaret. Hydrogen Peroxide Experiments last modified August 30, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/hydrogen-peroxide-experiments-8462947/

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Fun DIY Science Experiments for Kids at Home| Hydrogen Peroxide

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Essential safety precautions for diy science projects with hydrogen peroxide.

Engaging kids in DIY science projects can be a thrilling family activity, sparking wonder and providing cool science experiments that enrich a child’s learning experience. Conducting fun science experiments at home or in a school lab transforms the theoretical into tangible fun science activities. Hydrogen peroxide, a common household compound found in many medicine cabinets and stores, often stars in these simple and easy homemade experiments due to its reactive properties. However, it’s vitally important to adhere to safety precautions to ensure these fun experiments remain a source of joy and not harm. Let’s explore the essential safety measures that must be followed before embarking on any science experiment involving hydrogen peroxide.

Firstly, children should always be supervised by an adult when conducting any cool science experiment. Kids’ natural curiosity can sometimes lead them to venture into unsafe practices which will need an adult’s guidance to navigate. Simple, yet effective, safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and aprons should be worn to protect skin and eyes from potential splashes during these fun science activities. A lab coat or an old shirt can also serve as a barrier between the children’s clothing and any spills. It is also wise to prepare the experiment area by laying down newspaper or plastic covers, not just for easy clean-ups, but also to protect surfaces from any accidental hydrogen peroxide contact.

When you’re ready to start your homemade fun experiment with hydrogen peroxide, always ensure you’re in a well-ventilated area, whether it’s a room with open windows or outdoors. This helps to dissipate any fumes that may be produced. It’s also crucial to use only the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide recommended in the experiment’s guidelines, which are typically available in a science project book or reputable online resources. Store-bought hydrogen peroxide is usually a 3% solution, which is generally safe for use in these home science experiments but still requires caution.

By rigorously following these precautions, you can continually create safe and entertaining environments for fun science experiments with kids. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a science enthusiast, fostering a love for science in an easy and responsible manner is a rewarding endeavor. Through these cool science experiments with hydrogen peroxide, children not only learn scientific principles but also the importance of caution and respect for chemicals, even during fun science activities — lessons that are invaluable both inside and outside the lab.

Elephant Toothpaste

How it Works

Elephant toothpaste is a captivating and visually striking experiment that showcases a rapid decomposition reaction. The primary ingredients involved are hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a catalyst typically in the form of potassium iodide (KI), and a surfactant like dish soap. When hydrogen peroxide is mixed with the catalyst, it rapidly decomposes into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and the soap helps trap the oxygen gas bubbles, creating the foamy eruption resembling toothpaste squirting out of a tube. The potassium iodide serves as a catalyst, expediting the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This vibrant and engaging demonstration vividly illustrates the fascinating chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and the catalyst, resulting in an exciting eruption of foam.

What You Need

• 35% hydrogen peroxide
• Food coloring
• A small spoonful of yeast
• Lots of space
• A mixing utensil
• A clear jar/cup

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Safety First: Put on your protective gear – goggles and gloves are a must. Even a small amount of hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, so ensure safety measures are in place.
• Prepare the Workspace: Choose a spacious area as this experiment tends to create a foam eruption. Clear a table or designated space to conduct the experiment safely.
• Gather Materials : Collect all the necessary materials – a clear jar or cup, 3% hydrogen peroxide , food coloring (optional), dish soap, a favorite fragrance (optional), yeast, warm water, a mixing spoon, and a whisk.
• Set Up the Jar/Cup: Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into the clear jar or cup. Add a few drops of dish soap for a colorful effect. Optionally, add a few drops of your chosen fragrance to enhance the experience. Gently mix these components together.
• Prepare the Yeast Solution: Create a yeast solution by mixing yeast with warm water until it’s thoroughly dissolved.
• Combine Ingredients : Once the yeast solution is ready, swiftly pour it into the jar or cup containing the hydrogen peroxide mixture. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring they’re well combined.
• Observe the Reaction: Step back and watch the magical chemical reaction unfold! As the yeast catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, bubbles of oxygen are released, resulting in a dramatic foamy eruption resembling toothpaste.

Caution: Maintain a safe distance and be prepared for the colorful, bubbly eruption that will take over the jar or cup, showcasing the impressive ‘elephant toothpaste’ effect.

Remember, safety precautions are crucial, and handling chemicals should be done with care and attention to prevent any mishaps. Enjoy the exciting visual display of this scientific experiment!

Creating a Volcano Lava Potion

The Volcano Lava Potion experiment demonstrates the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide when mixed with a catalyst. The catalyst initiates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. This decomposition reaction is highly exothermic, releasing heat, and the dish soap helps to trap the oxygen gas released, creating a foamy eruption. The foaming action showcases the liberation of oxygen as the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, resulting in an exciting visual representation of a chemical reaction. This experiment not only entertains but also educates about chemical reactions in a captivating and engaging manner, making it a thrilling learning experience for kids and adults alike.

• Clean bottle
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Catalyst (yeast or potassium iodide)

• Safety First: Ensure safety measures are in place, including wearing safety goggles and preparing the workspace.
• Set Up the Jar/Cup: Take a clean bottle and add a portion of hydrogen peroxide into it.
• Combine liquids : Add a squirt of dish soap into the bottle, which will trap the oxygen released during the reaction and create foam.
• Combine Ingredients: Introduce the catalyst, either yeast or potassium iodide, to kick-start the reaction. You can use a diluted solution of the catalyst for this purpose.
• Observe the Reaction: Observe the awe-inspiring chemical reaction as the hydrogen peroxide decomposes rapidly, generating oxygen, and resulting in a foamy eruption resembling a volcano’s lava flow.

Creating a Piranha Solution

The Piranha Solution may sound fierce, and rightly so—it’s a powerful concoction made by combining concentrated hydrogen peroxide with sulfuric acid.

This mix is no ordinary cleaner; it’s like the superhero of lab cleaning solutions, capable of tackling stubborn residues on glassware and surfaces.

When these two ingredients come together, the sulfuric acid triggers the hydrogen peroxide to break down rapidly. This reaction releases a lot of heat and creates oxygen, which, when unleashed, has a remarkable ability to zap away organic residues, leaving surfaces sparkling clean.

However, a word of caution: think of the Piranha Solution as a fire-breathing dragon. It’s incredibly strong and can cause serious harm if mishandled. That’s why it’s crucial to handle it with the utmost care—gloves, goggles, and protective clothing are your knight’s armor when dealing with this potent mix. Always mix the acid into the peroxide slowly and stir gently to prevent an explosive reaction. And after its superhero duty is done, make sure to properly neutralize and dispose of it according to safety guidelines—this powerful solution needs to be handled with respect.

• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, and protective clothing)
• Hydrogen peroxide (high concentration, typically 35%)
• Sulfuric acid
• Water (for dilution, if necessary)
• Glass or plastic container for mixing
• Stirring rod or glass stirring stick
• Cotton Ball
• Safety First: Prioritize safety by wearing gloves, goggles, and protective clothing before handling any of the chemicals.
• Prepare the Workspace: Choose a well-ventilated area to perform the experiment and ensure a stable work surface.
• Gather Materials : Pour the required amount of hydrogen peroxide into the glass or plastic container. Note: Piranha solution is highly reactive and dangerous; extreme caution is necessary when handling concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
• Combine liquids : Gradually add the sulfuric acid to the hydrogen peroxide. Take extreme care and add the acid slowly while stirring gently with a glass stirring rod or stick. Always pour the acid into the peroxide, not the other way around, to prevent vigorous reactions.
• Observe the Reaction: As the solution reacts vigorously, producing heat and emitting fumes. The mixture will heat up significantly as the reaction progresses, hence the name “Piranha solution.” Next add a cotton ball to the solution. Once the cotton ball comes in contact with the solution it burns right there and then, and the whole jar is taken over a black color. Pretty amazing right? You can spend the whole day adding other fun stuff and watch it burn. Kids love this stuff.

Allow the solution to cool before use, ensuring it’s properly neutralized and safe for disposal according to hazardous waste disposal guidelines

Start a Fire Without Matches

The fascinating reaction that enables starting a fire without matches using hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate involves the oxidation of glycerin by hydrogen peroxide. Though glycerin is not explicitly mentioned in the materials, it’s formed as a byproduct when potassium permanganate reacts with hydrogen peroxide. Glycerin is highly susceptible to oxidation and readily undergoes combustion. When the concentrated hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with potassium permanganate, it rapidly decomposes, releasing oxygen. This oxygen, in turn, reacts with the glycerin formed, causing a quick exothermic reaction that produces heat and smoke, resembling the visual effect of fire. The chemical reaction is an illustrative example of how certain compounds, when combined in the right conditions, can create an exciting spectacle that mimics fire without the need for conventional ignition sources like matches.

• Splash-free goggles
• Potassium permanganate
• White lab coat
• A clear small bowl
• Ceramic plate
• Prioritize safety by wearing splash-free goggles and a white lab coat to protect yourself during the experiment.
• Take a small clear bowl and add potassium permanganate into it.
• Using a syringe, fill it with 35% hydrogen peroxide, ensuring it’s not filled up to the brim.
• Place the bowl containing potassium permanganate onto a ceramic plate.
• Slowly and steadily inject the hydrogen peroxide into the bowl by pressing the syringe gently.
• Once the hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the potassium permanganate, observe as smoke begins to rise, indicating a chemical reaction that mimics fire.
• For a larger-scale experiment, you can use an open large flask following the same procedure as mentioned earlier.
• After completing the experiment, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows to eliminate any burning smell. Additionally, wash the used bowl under lukewarm water to remove any residues.

Potato Catalase Experiment

When hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) comes in contact with an uncooked potato, a fascinating reaction occurs due to the presence of an enzyme called catalase in the potato. Catalase is abundant in living organisms, including plants , and it helps break down hydrogen peroxide into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) gas. This enzyme speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into its constituents, creating bubbles of oxygen gas that you observe as foam. However, in a cooked potato, the high temperature from cooking denatures the catalase enzyme, rendering it inactive. As a result, the cooked potato doesn’t produce the same bubbling reaction with hydrogen peroxide as the enzyme responsible for catalyzing the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide has been altered and can no longer facilitate the reaction.

• Hydrogen peroxide 3%
• Uncooked potato
• Cooked potato
• Cutting board and knife
• Bowl or container for mixing
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Gather the materials: hydrogen peroxide, an uncooked potato, and a cooked potato.
• Place the uncooked potato on a cutting board and carefully cut it into small pieces or slices.
• Take a separate bowl or container and pour some hydrogen peroxide into it.
• Add the cut pieces or slices of the uncooked potato into the bowl containing hydrogen peroxide.
• Observe as the uncooked potato reacts with the hydrogen peroxide, producing bubbles of oxygen due to the presence of the catalase enzyme.
• Next, cut the cooked potato into similar-sized pieces or slices.
• Place the cut pieces of the cooked potato into a different bowl containing hydrogen peroxide.
• Notice that the cooked potato does not produce the same bubbling reaction as the catalase enzyme in the cooked potato has been altered by the cooking process and cannot catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide.

Fingerprint Enhancement

This experiment is an entertaining and straightforward way to engage in mind-stimulating activities with children, creating a scenario resembling a crime scene, complete with different characters, to fully immerse in the experience of revealing hidden fingerprints.When 35% hydrogen peroxide is mixed with a small amount of distilled white vinegar, it creates an acidified peroxide solution. This solution has a remarkable ability to react with the natural oils present in human skin, which are often transferred onto surfaces when a person touches them. These latent fingerprints, typically invisible to the naked eye, become visible when exposed to the acidified peroxide solution, making it a handy method for revealing hidden fingerprints on surfaces.

• Distilled white vinegar
• Measurement jar
• Begin by obtaining a measurement jar and pour 35% hydrogen peroxide into it, filling it up to 400 ml.
• Add a small quantity of distilled white vinegar, precisely 1 ml, into the measurement jar containing the hydrogen peroxide.
• For testing purposes, place the object or material to be inspected—such as a ring or a fake bullet—into the jar containing the prepared solution.
• Allow the material to soak in the solution for a duration of 12 minutes.
• After the allotted time, use gloves to retrieve the material from the jar.
• Inspect the material under bright light, and you’ll observe previously unseen fingerprints become visible all over the surface.

The Takeaway

The experiments detailed above offer engaging and accessible experiences suitable for conducting at home with children, serving as wonderful entry-level introductions to scientific exploration. Safety precautions are paramount when dealing with chemicals, ensuring a secure environment for both you and your children during experimentation. Selecting the appropriate high-quality hydrogen peroxide, specific to the required concentration for these experiments, is crucial. While hydrogen peroxide is commonly found in households, acquiring the right grade and concentration is key to achieving optimal and safe results. Prioritizing purity and quality is essential for a secure and successful experiment.

So, why wait? Secure your kit today for a fulfilling and safe science exploration journey!

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Fun Science for Kids: Elephant Toothpaste!

What am I doing wrong that my toothpaste is so slow? It still comes out and looks like yours but it's really sllllooooww. Could it be too much Dawn? I have everything else with the right measurements. Either way this was FUN!!!!!! Thank you for posting!!

Hi Connie! Hm, I would suspect that it was either old yeast (like not active enough) or you didn't get strong enough peroxide (the 6% we used can't be bought in a grocery store - it is kind of a specialty thing) or that the peroxide was old? The reaction with the gas should be fast - and the things that react to make the gas are the yeast and the peroxide - so that would be my best guess? Glad you still had fun! :)

I agree Asia put new yeast in then it will work and Have FUN!!

Bethany like you I thought this was a GREAT experiment

Thank you both! :)

Yeast is activated when mixed with the warm water. If your water is too cold it wont activate correctly, and if its too hot, then it actually kills the yeast. So check your water temperature as well.

I am determined to find a way to do this in my life science class. Maybe a lesson on yeast and inference (what prior knowledge do you have about these ingredients that will help you guess what happens when I mix them together?)... Oh joy! This is going to be fun!

YAY! I used to teach 7th grade Life Science! The kiddos would FLIP over it!!! I hope you find a way to use it!

I teach HS Biology - It's very easily applied to enzymes and chemical reactions. Have the kids determine what enzyme the yeast make (catalase) and why most organisms produce it (peroxide is a toxic metabolic byproduct), as well as the chemical reaction involved. You can use the eruption as a great motivator and the entire lesson can be inquiry based.

Great idea!!!

I plan on using it in Children's church. What an exciting way to show the children how the Holy Spirit can liven up your life and spill over on those around you. Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you, Eileen! I hope the children enjoy it!

can different amounts of dry yeast affect the amount of foam that comes out

I would assume so - my understanding is that the yeast acts as a catalyst. There would then be an upper bound at which it would only be so effective, but less yeast should cause a slower reaction. I hope that helps!

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!. You have the cutest little scientist in your photos -- her excitement is contagious!

Thank you, Darlene!!!! :) :) :)

Peroxide?? Is that even safe

Yes. And yes.

Lower concentrations of peroxide are fine to touch, as the handling time (time in contact with the skin) is relatively low. Having run this experiment at a university level with 30% hydrogen peroxide, and potassium iodide in place of the yeast, safety gloves need to be used both in the preparation stage (hydrogen peroxide is highly corrosive), and during the clean-up stage. Though much of the peroxide has reacted and converted to water and oxygen, the force in which the foam is shot through the container does carry peroxide with it. That being said, at this strength as long as you wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, the most that will potentially happen is the hair on the back of your hands becomes very slightly lighter.

This is really cool, but I cant find any hydrogen peroxide 6%. Where did you get it?

It can be a bit tricky to find the 6%. We found ours at a local beauty supply shop (it's used by hair salons to bleach hair), but you can also buy it on Amazon through the link above. I'd call before going to any stores, just because it can be a specialty item.

Two things to note, 1. Do not add glitter as recommended by the author as at even 6%, hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer which should not be combined with certain metals. 2. Make sure you stay away from 'antibacterial' dish washing liquids as they often contain triclosan (which is chlorine based and should not be combined with hydrogen perodixe)

1. I forgot to clarify that I added plastic glitter - I will amend to reflect that. 2. I don't recommend that, but I will explicitly state to not use that. Thanks!

Where did you find plastic glitter? Is it made from cut up(small pieces) mylar?

We get ours from Discount School Supply. I have no idea, but that is totally possible! It's really cool glitter!!!

Tried it today with the $0.88 Walmart hydrogen peroxide - definitely does not produce as sturdy a foam as in your pictures, but my little guy (almost three) has been playing for half an hour! We tried yellow, blue, and red. He is happily playing away in a a baking pan of seaweed-green looking foam! Thanks for the idea!

Fantastic! And heck, you can't beat $0.88!!!

so should i add glitter or not?

If you know that your glitter is plastic, go for it. Otherwise I'd skip it just to be on the safe side. :)

Hey, I work in a special needs school and am looking at doing this activity for science week. How much yeast and stuff should I be putting in. You said a pack but how big a pack??? oh and what "dawn" soap should I get, I don't know this brand and the amazon link showed quite a few :P If I am planning on doing 3-4 bottles. Using your links, how much stuff should I be buying :) Thanks and sorry about all the questions

Hi! Yeast is usually sold in four little packs all stitched together in the grocery store. Each pack contains 1/4 oz. And any scent of Dawn is fine as long as it's not antibacterial -- I just bought the cheapest type of Dawn at our grocery store. :) If you only want to make 4 bottles, one set of four envelopes of yeast and one bottle of Dawn would be more than enough. Hope that helps!

If anyone is reading this now, I just got a 1-gallon jug of peroxide at our local Sally Beauty Supply for $4.99!! It was on sale, so it was actually cheaper than the 1/2 gallon and perhaps even the one smaller than that! I guess I'll be doing this experiment a lot! A question about the Dawn - can you use other dish soap? I forgot to buy Dawn and I normally use other stuff for dishes.

Whoa - that is an amazing deal!!! Yes, you can use other dish soap - just make sure it doesn't include triclosan (antibacterial soap). :)

I am going to try this with a bunch of kids for my son's mad scientist birthday party. I am thinking of having the peroxide/soap in the bottles already and prepping the yeast/water ahead of time and putting it in little paper cups. then when the time is right the children can pour in the color they choose and then the yeast mix. do you think this will work with having the peroxide and yeast sitting in open containers? or should it be done all at once?

SO fun! You may have some trouble pre-mixing the yeast as if it cools/dries too much it may inactivate some of the yeast. Mixing the soap and peroxide ahead of time is perfect and I think I'd measure out the dry yeast and then pour warm water into the cups for the children when you were ready to go to ensure the yeast stays awake and active enough for a good reaction. Hope that helps! And happy birthday to your son!!!

Hi, will this work with the cream type of peroxide or does it have to be clear? I have both 6% in cream or 3% in clear and don't want to disappoint my 4yo :) - Tom, Australia (apologies for double post if you received the first)

Is it Benzoyl Peroxide that you have? That's a different chemical than the one we need for this reaction - hydrogen peroxide. As far as I know hydrogen peroxide is only available in a liquid. Hope that helps!!

It does say Hydrogen Peroxide in the ingredients list. I was more considering whether all of the extra stuff in it could potentially prevent the reaction, or that the viscosity might be too slow the reaction. It's ok, we'll just go with the 3% :) Thanks for replying!

Oh how interesting! I would worry about the viscosity, the amount you'd have to use (if it's a cream, there's likely just a small amount of hydrogen peroxide added since it's a liquid), and also whether or not you'd inadvertently create a bad chemical by accident (with the other cream ingredients reacting in a way we don't anticipate).

Do you have the chemical reaction that goes along with this? thanks!!

The yeast acts as a catalyst. It's just the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, but sped up (due to the yeast) and more bubbly (due to the gas being trapped in soap): 2H2O2 → 2H2O(l) + O

tried this about 6 times with my my family it was great until the kitchen got dirty that was when we stopped but love this

Hahahahha that's so awesome!!! And hey, the soap should help with the mess? :) :) :)

I just did this with my 7 and 5 year old siblings. I only had 3% H2O2 but after concentrating it, the experiment work wonderfully!

May I ask how you concentrated the H2O2? Thanks!

Need help, how do I do this as a life science fair project? My teacher says it's not related to Life science..

Focus on the yeast -- it's a living organism and what drives the reaction. :)

Well, hello there!

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8 Fun Science Experiments for Kids You Can do at Home ...

If you're interested in finding some science experiments for kids you can do at home, then you've come to the right place! Conducting science experiments is a great way to have fun, as well as learn, with your kids. There's no better way for a child to learn than by seeing and doing things in the real world. That's why these 8 fun science experiments for kids you can do at home are the perfect weekend activity!

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1. Elephant Toothpaste

This idea is one of the science experiments for kids that would work great in a discussion about reactions. No worries, the foam created in his experiment is safe to touch! It is simply water, oxygen gas, and soap, so let your child touch the foam to feel texture. What this experiment shows is that hydrogen peroxide naturally breaks down into water and oxygen. It is stored in opaque containers to help slow down this process but the enzyme catalase speeds up the reaction. Dish soap catches the oxygen and makes bigger bubbles and the food coloring makes it look cool. The foam and bottle feel warm because the reaction is exothermic--it releases energy as heat!

Instructions:

The Elephant Toothpaste experiment is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of reactions and exothermic energy. It is simple to do, and all you need is hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, food coloring, and a bottle. When the ingredients are combined, they produce a foam that is safe to touch and feel.

The reaction occurs when the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, with the help of the enzyme catalase. The oxygen is then caught by the dish soap, creating larger bubbles, and the food coloring adds a fun visual element. The foam and bottle will feel warm due to the exothermic reaction, which is the release of energy as heat.

This experiment is an exciting way to engage children in science and help them understand reactions and the transfer of energy. It is also a great opportunity to explore the concept of opacity, as hydrogen peroxide is usually stored in opaque containers to slow down the reaction process.

1. Set a Soda Pop Bottle in the Middle of a Pan to Catch the Toothpaste

Kids love to do science experiments at home, and a soda pop bottle in the middle of a pan is a fun and easy one! This experiment is great for children of all ages, and is a great way to teach kids about the principles of air pressure.

To begin, you will need a soda pop bottle, a pan, and a small amount of water. Fill the pan with water, and place the soda pop bottle in the middle of the pan. The bottle should be able to float in the water.

Next, have your child put their hand over the top of the bottle. As they do this, they will feel the pressure of the air inside the bottle pushing against their hand. Explain to them that the air pressure inside the bottle is stronger than the air pressure outside the bottle, which is why the bottle is able to stay afloat.

Now, have your child remove their hand from the bottle. As they do this, the air pressure inside the bottle will decrease, and the bottle will sink to the bottom of the pan. Explain to them that this is because the air pressure outside the bottle is now stronger than the air pressure inside the bottle.

Frequently asked questions

2. mix 1/2 cup 6% hydrogen peroxide, 4-5 drops food coloring, and a squirt of dish soap into your soda pop bottle, 3. in a separate container, mix 2 tbsp warm water & 1 tsp yeast and swirl together for a minute.

Once your yeast and warm water have been combined, you'll notice a bit of action happening in your container—tiny bubbles forming as the yeast comes to life! This is a great opportunity to explain to the kids that yeast is actually a living organism, and when it's activated by the warm water, it starts to eat up the sugars and expel carbon dioxide—hence the bubbles. It's not only fascinating to watch, but it's also the perfect segue into a mini science lesson on microbiology and chemical reactions. Encourage the little scientists to take notes or draw what they observe.

4. Pour the Yeast Mixture into the Soda Pop Bottle... and Be Amazed!

2. ivory soap explosion.

This is probably one of the simplest and easiest experiments to perform at home. All you need is a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave! After you and your children watch the reaction of the ivory soap when heated, explore the end result through smell, touch & play! The explanation behind this experiment is that the air bubbles in Ivory soap bars contain water. The expanding effect is caused when the water is heated by the microwave. The water vaporizes, forming bubbles, and the heat causes trapped air to expand. Likewise, the heat causes the soap itself to soften and become pliable.

1. Cut a Bar of Ivory Soap into 4 Pieces

2. put a piece of soap into microwave and heat on medium or high for 1-2 minutes, 3. watch what happens, 3. dissolving egg shell.

This experiment is simple, but involves a lot of observation and patience from your kids. However, the results are really exciting to see and the finale can be lots of messy fun! All you need is 1 white and 1 brown egg, clear cups, water, and vinegar. After only a few hours, you should be able to see that the vinegar eating away at the shell of the brown egg. Leave the eggs in their cups for 7 days and observe them each day. By the 7th day, the eggs that were in the vinegar should be rubbery and shell-less! If you want, allow your child to experiment with the new rubbery egg by trying to bounce it... be warned, it will get messy.

1. Set up 4 Clear Cups

2. put 1 egg into each cup, 3. add vinegar to 1 of each cup containing a white & brown egg, 4. add water to the other 2 cups making sure eggs are covered by liquid, 5. observe… and at the end of 7 days, if you want a messy fun finale, let your kids try to bounce the shell-less eggs, 4. balloon filling.

With this experiment, your children will learn another reaction process that will cause a balloon to inflate. Mixing baking soda and vinegar starts an acid-base reaction that creates carbon dioxide. Gasses need room to spread, so the carbon dioxide fills the bottle and then moves into the balloon, inflating it! Carbon Dioxide gas will inflate the balloons but they do not "fly" like helium inflated balloons as it is not the same kind of gas. Thus, this is meant to be an experiment, and not a fun way for you to blow up balloons for your next party.

This experiment is a great way to teach children about acid-base reactions, gas expansion, and the difference between helium and carbon dioxide gas. It can be done with items that can be found in the kitchen, such as baking soda, vinegar, and a balloon.

To do the experiment, you will need to mix baking soda and vinegar in a bottle. The reaction between the two creates carbon dioxide gas, which then fills the bottle and moves into the balloon, inflating it. The carbon dioxide gas will inflate the balloon, but it will not make it “fly” like a helium-inflated balloon.

This experiment is an excellent way to introduce kids to the scientific method and to help them understand the basics of chemical reactions. It can also help them understand the difference between the two types of gas and why one type of gas can make a balloon fly while the other does not.

It is important to note that this experiment should be done as an experiment and not as a way to blow up balloons for a party. It is also important to ensure that the mixture of baking soda and vinegar is done in a safe environment and that the balloon is not overinflated.

1. Using a Funnel, Pour Vinegar into Your Bottle. You Only Need to Fill about 1/3 of the Bottle

Once you've added the vinegar, gently swirl the bottle to ensure the inner sides are coated. This creates a larger surface area for the reaction later on. Remember, children should always be supervised during this step, especially when dealing with liquids like vinegar. To add a bit of colorful fun, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the vinegar . This won’t affect the experiment’s outcome, but it will make the final reaction more visually exciting for the young scientists taking part!

2. Using Another Funnel, Pour Baking Soda into Your Balloon. Fill the Balloon about Halfway

3. cover the top of the bottle with you balloon. make sure you don't let the baking soda spill into the bottle prematurely, 4. when ready, lift your balloon and let the baking soda fall into the vinegar, 5. watch as the mixture fizzes, bubbles and expands your balloon, 5. rainbow carnations.

This is a fun and colorful way to teach your kids about plant biology. All you need to perform this experiment are white carnations, glass jars, food coloring, and water. Simply add food coloring to each jar and top with water. Then, place one carnation in each jar and let the food coloring do its thing! After 24 hours you should have white carnations that are tinted to the color of the jar that it was sitting in. Coloring the water with food coloring does not harm the plant in any way, but it allows you and your kids to see the movement of water through the stems of the carnation to its top.

This experiment is not only a great way to teach kids about plant biology, but it also introduces them to the concept of capillary action. The food coloring travels up the stem of the carnation through tiny tubes called xylem, which helps transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. This process can also be seen in other plants, such as trees and flowers. Additionally, this experiment can be extended by using different colors and mixing them to create new shades. It's a simple and fun way to engage kids in science and spark their curiosity about the world around them.

6. Diet Coke & Mentos

I'm sure most of you have heard about the reaction that happens when Diet Coke and Mentos are combined, but it is too fun an experiment to not have on this list. This activity is probably best done outside in the middle of an abandoned field, or better yet, on a huge lawn. Open the bottle of Diet Coke and position it on the ground so that it will not tip over. Unwrap the whole roll of Mentos and drop all of the Mentos into the bottle of soda at the same time. Then quickly run away and observe! Each Mentos candy has thousands of tiny pits all over the surface. These tiny pits are perfect places for carbon dioxide bubbles to form. When all this gas is released, it literally pushes all of the liquid up and out of the bottle in an incredible soda blast!

7. Dancing Oobleck

Oobleck is simply a mixture of cornstarch and water. When moved fast it acts like a solid and when allowed to relax it acts like a liquid. You will need a subwoofer, a thin metal cookie sheet, a MP3 of an audio test tone and food coloring. Place the cookie sheet onto the speaker of the sub, and pour in the Oobleck. You can download different test tones and play to see what works best for you. Turn up the sub and watch the Oobleck dance! To make it even more fun for your kids, have them add food coloring while the Oobleck dances. You will all love how the colors dance together!

8. Walking Water

Source: bncsmithson.blogspot.com

This is another experiment that requires a little bit of patience but being able to see water walk is definitely worth the wait! What you need to pull this off is two cups, one full of water, one completely empty, and a paper towel. Make sure to color your water in order to make it a little easier to see. The cup that starts out with the water should be practically empty by the end of the experiment and the cup that was empty in the beginning should be holding all the water. It will take about 2 hours in total and teaches your kids both absorption and gravity.

Just because you're older doesn't mean you've run out of things to learn! Performing scientific experiments with your kids can be a great rainy day or weekend activity for all of you! Allow your children to make observations by sight, smell, or touch. If they ask what would happen if you did something else in the experiment, let them try it out to answer their own curiosity! As long as it's safe of course! Have you and your kids conducted science experiments for fun at home?

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4 Science Experiments You Can Do At Home

Humans are natural-born scientists. Science is a great way to discover new things and better understand the world. Not only that but getting your hands dirty is part of the process and part of the fun! 

Whether you’re an aspiring scientist or just looking for a fun activity, here are four science experiments you can do at home. 

What you’ll need:

• A bin (or sink) 
• Any household items (feather, eraser, toy car, straw, play dough, paper clip, coins, etc.) 
• Paper and pencil

Experiment: Start by filling your bin or sink with water. Gather any household items that would fit into your bin or sink. Write down on your piece of paper which items you think will sink and which you think will float. Then, place the items into the water individually and see what happens! Try each object three times, then record the results and see if your predictions are correct. 

This science experiment teaches children about buoyancy and density . When they are asked to predict whether an object will sink or float, they are encouraged to use their observation and reasoning skills to make educated guesses based on the object’s properties.

What you’ll need: 

• Empty 20-ounce plastic water bottle
• ½ cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution 
• Packet of active yeast 
• ¼ cup Liquid dish soap 
• Food coloring (optional) 

Experiment: Pour the hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring into the plastic water bottle. Close the lid and swirl it around to combine the ingredients. Set the bottle outdoors or somewhere mess-friendly. Mix the active yeast and a little warm water in a bowl, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, pour the yeast mixture into the water bottle and watch what happens!

This science experiment teaches children about chemical reactions, specifically the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and yeast . The children see a chemical reaction occur by observing the reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and yeast mixture, in which the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen gas. They also learn about the role of catalysts in chemical reactions, as yeast acts as a catalyst in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide.

• Drinking glasses 
• Celery stalks (with leaves)
• Food coloring 

Experiment: First, cut the bottom of the celery stalks so they’re fresh. Fill up your drinking glasses about ¾ of the way with water. Add 20 drops of food coloring to the water and put the celery stalks in. Examine the celery every 2-3 hours to observe how the celery changes color. 

This science experiment teaches children how plants absorb water and nutrients through their stems, specifically via osmosis . The children observe how the water and food coloring move up the celery stalks and into the leaves and stalks by immersing them in water with food coloring. The experiment also teaches children the importance of clean water and nutrients for plants to grow and thrive.

• Clear soda 
• Water (or other non-carbonated liquid) 
• 2 clear glasses of water 

Experiment: Fill one class with clear soda and the other with your chosen liquid. Predict what you think will happen to the raisins in the clear soda and the other liquid, and write down your predictions. Place five raisins in one glass and five raisins in the other, and see if your predictions are correct! 

This science experiment teaches children about density and how it affects the movement of objects in liquids. The children observe and compare how raisins behave by placing them in different liquids with different densities. The experiment also encourages children to make predictions and keep track of their findings, which are important aspects of the scientific method.

I f you’re looking for more science experiments to do, come to WonderLab’s BubbleFest event on June 17th and 18th! More information can be found on the WonderLab website. 

About the Authors:  Jess Black, Lauren Reising, and Tess Ryan are Indiana University students partnering with WonderLab for a class at the Media School. They all enjoyed science growing up and especially loved doing experiments. They were excited to write about experiments they remembered doing and wanted to share them with others who might also be interested. 

References 

Anne Marie Helmenstine, P. D. (2020, November 17). This elephant toothpaste recipe is safe for kids . ThoughtCo. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.thoughtco.com/kid-friendly-elephant-toothpaste-demo-604164

Danielledb. (2022, May 29). Dancing raisins science experiment for kids . Fun Learning for Kids. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://funlearningforkids.com/dancing-raisins-science-experiment-kids/

McClelland, S. (2022, June 12). Celery food coloring experiment . Little Bins for Little Hands. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/celery-osmosis-science-experiment/

Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). Easy science: Sink or float? PBS. Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/sink-or-float-experiment   

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Elephant Toothpaste – Fun Kids Science Experiment

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Tired of the same old baking soda and vinegar science experiment?  Here is a cute experiment for making elephant toothpaste that makes lots of colored foam and is fun for kids. It uses stuff you probably have sitting around the house anyway, and while it is not as explosively fast as baking soda and vinegar it produces quite a bit of colored foam.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The experiment is a decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which is a chemical reaction that normally occurs very slowly.  To make it more exciting yeast is used as a catalyst which speeds up the reaction.  I used standard drug store hydrogen peroxide, which is a 3% solution.  You can also buy a 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide at some beauty supply stores, and get an even faster reaction.  But if you are going to do that you need to use gloves and safety goggles, so I decided to keep my experiment more low key.

Here is how to make the Elephant Toothpaste:

• Empty soda bottle
• measuring cup
• packet of yeast
• 1/2 c. hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• 1/4 c. dish soap
• food coloring

Directions:

• Mix the yeast in a small amount of warm water and set it aside to start dissolving.
• Add the hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and food coloring to the soda bottle and swirl to mix.
• Add the dissolved yeast and sit back to watch the foam.
• Clean up the mess.

This is a fun science experiment for the end of the school year!

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

7 thoughts on “Elephant Toothpaste – Fun Kids Science Experiment”

This looks super cool. Haven’t seen that before. Definitely a MUST Try!

This is sooo cool.

That sounds so neat. I think my kids would love it!

I’ve never seen that before and it looks like it has the same consistency of toothpaste when you spit it out, pretty neat.

That’s awesome! I got some Palmolive too! I guess we know what I’ll be doing with it…other than cleaning my pots and pans! LOL

That is super neat! We love doing interesting science projects! May have to throw this one on the list!

How cute this is my elephant clamped his mouth shut when we told him we were making elephant toothpaste, seriously, I think any of these projects that children can do gets them interested in science and why things happen and works, my granddaughters are home schooled and I shared this with my daughter in law, she said maybe they will try it.. LOL thank you for sharing

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Elephant Toothpaste Science Experiment

• Written by Children's Museum Team
• Posted on Friday May 1, 2020

Where Do Elephants Pack Their Toothpaste? In Their Trunk!

This demonstration’s called Elephant’s Toothpaste because the chemical reaction produces a large foamy mess that looks like toothpaste squirting out of a tube. It is so big that only an elephant could use toothpaste this large. It is, of course, not toothpaste so please do not try to brush your teeth with it ! The kids-safe version below is harmless but certainly wouldn’t taste very good.

Vocabulary:

• Baking soda
• Endothermic

Elephant Toothpaste Materials:

 Hydrogen peroxide – 6% if possible. 3% (what is sold in drug stores) will give off a smaller reaction  Yeast  Dish Soap  Liquid watercolor or food coloring (optional)  Medium-sized soda-pop bottle (empty)  Funnel  Tiny scoops & spoons (about ¼-ish teaspoon) + a Tablespoon measure  Pipettes  Tub of water/sink close-by  Safety gloves  Safety glasses

Elephant Toothpaste Directions

• Before you do anything, put the soda-pop bottle on a baking tray or large bowl.
• Mix 1 Tbsp yeast into 3 Tbsp of warm water in a small paper cup. Consistency should be that of melted ice cream. Set aside to get all bubbly and happy (as yeast and warm water always do)
• Using the funnel, carefully pour about ½ cup of the Hydrogen Peroxide into the soda bottle
• Add some liquid watercolor (optional)
• Add about 1 Tbsp of dish soap to the Hydrogen Peroxide
• Use the funnel to pour the yeast mixture into the soda-pop bottle, then step back.

What’s Happening?

When hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it turns into oxygen (O 2 ) and water (H 2 O). Normally this breakdown happens very slowly. But the reaction could be done faster by adding a catalyst. Yeast is an organism that contains a special chemical called catalase that can act as a catalyst to help break down hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is present in almost all living things that are exposed to oxygen, and it helps them break down naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide.  This means that if you mix yeast with hydrogen peroxide, the hydrogen peroxide will rapidly break down into water and oxygen gas. The oxygen gas forms bubbles. These bubbles would usually escape from the liquid and pop quickly. But, adding a little dish soap provides additional surface tension, allowing the bubbles to get trapped and creating lots of foam. This foam looks like a giant squeeze of toothpaste—almost big enough for an elephant! Because this reaction is exothermic, the bottle and the foam will be warm.

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