exploding soap foam experiment

How To : Make a Crazy Foam Explosion Science Experiment

Check out this video to see our Fantastic Foamy Fountain in action. The experiment uses Hydrogen peroxide and dry yeast. Hydrogen peroxide is similar to water but has an extra oxygen atom. This makes it more dangerous, and only adults should handle the hydrogen peroxide.

When you add the yeast, it acts as a catalyst (a helper) to release the extra oxygen gas, and the soap helps to create all the foam. Try it out yourself!

The second experiment with the giant foam eruption at the end used a more powerful hydrogen peroxide and a different chemical for a catalyst. The reaction happens very fast and gives off quite a bit of heat. It's pure foam fun! I mean pure science.

You Will Need:

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

NOTE: As you can see from the picture, the foam will overflow from the bottle, so be sure to do this experiment on a washable surface or place the bottle on a tray.

What to Do:

• Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and eyes, so put on those safety goggles and ask an adult to pour the hydrogen peroxide into the bottle carefully.
• Add eight drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle.
• Add about one tablespoon of liquid dish soap into the bottle and swish it around a bit to mix it.
• In a separate small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast and mix for about 30 seconds.
• Now the adventure starts! Pour the yeast water mixture into the bottle (a funnel helps here) and watch the foaminess begin!

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Is the 20 -volume hydrogen peroxide cream the same as the liquid?

Why would there be different amounts of foam produced when using different size bottles?

its 30% H202. more lethal

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Fantastic foamy fountain.

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You will need.

• A clean 16 ounce (473 ml) plastic soda bottle or a water bottle.
• 20-Volume hydrogen peroxide liquid (20-volume is a 6% solution that is stronger than what you find in most pharmacies. It is typically used for lightening hair and is found at many beauty supply stores. You can use the 3% hydrogen peroxide found in pharmacies, but the reaction will be a bit smaller)
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml –  one packet) of dry yeast
• 3+ Tablespoons (15 ml) of warm water
• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Food coloring
• Safety goggles

NOTE: The foam could overflow from the bottle, so be sure to do this experiment on a washable surface, or place the bottle on a tray.

CAUTION: The unreacted hydrogen peroxide can irritate skin and eyes. Read the safety information on the hydrogen peroxide bottle and be sure to wear safety goggles.

• 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 and mix for about 30 seconds. It should be about the consistency of melted ice cream – add a bit more warm water if needed.
• Now the adventure starts! Use the funnel to pour the yeast-water mixture into the bottle and watch the foaminess begin!

Can I touch the foam? The reaction typically breaks down the hydrogen peroxide so you are left with mostly just soapy water and yeast. There can, however, be un-reacted peroxide which could irritate skin and eyes. For that reason, it is recommended you do not touch the foam.

(If you use the 3% hydrogen peroxide found in most pharmacies, then the foam can be touched safely.)

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’s Toothpaste – Foaming Hydrogen Peroxide

It's the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide that produces the erupting foam that chemistry teachers love.

Print this Experiment

It’s the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide that produces the erupting foam that chemistry teachers love!

GOOD NEWS! This post contains a recipe for a kid-friendly version of Elephant’s Toothpaste. 

Experiment Videos

Here's What You'll Need

Hydrogen peroxide (30%), sodium iodide crystals (this is a dry chemical that looks like salt.), 250-milliliter beaker, liquid dish soap, food coloring, 1,000-milliliter graduated cylinder, measuing spoons, safety glasses, plastic tarp to cover the demonstration table, rubber gloves, let's try it.

The first step is to put on your safety glasses. Since 30% hydrogen peroxide will burn if it comes in contact with your skin, it’s best to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Fill the beaker with 4 ounces (that’s approximately 120 mL) of room temperature water. Add about a tablespoon of sodium iodide crystals to the water and stir with a spoon until all of the crystals have dissolved. Repeat this several times until the crystals no longer dissolve in the water. When this happens, you have what is called a saturated solution . Label the beaker “Sodium Iodide Catalyst” and set it aside to use later.

Cover the table with the plastic tarp to make cleanup easy at the end of the demonstration.

Measure 2 ounces (that’s 60 mL) of the 30% hydrogen peroxide into the graduated cylinder. Position the graduated cylinder in the middle of the plastic tarp.

Add a squirt (that’s a very technical term meaning about 5 milliliters) of dish soap to the graduated cylinder containing the 30% hydrogen peroxide.

Add a huge squirt of your favorite food coloring to spice things up. Give the solution a quick swirl to mix the contents.

The last step is to pour a tablespoon (that’s about 15 milliliters) of the sodium iodide catalyst into the graduated cylinder and to quickly stand back. Within seconds, the reaction will occur and a mountain of erupting foam will cover the table. Note: You can even take this basic reaction one step further by switching out the graduated cylinder for a large Erlenmeyer flask, creating an even bigger and better reaction.

Everyone will want to touch the foam on the table, but you must keep the eager ankle-biters away just in case some of the hydrogen peroxide did not react with the catalyst. You don’t want anyone to get his or her hands burned or stained by touching the foam. All of the aftermath from this reaction is safe to either throw away in the trash can or wash down the drain.

How Does It Work

You might remember Mom treating your scraped knee or a cut with hydrogen peroxide. H 2 O 2 is the scientific name for hydrogen peroxide, which is made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. H 2 O 2 looks like ordinary water (H 2 O), but the addition of that extra oxygen atom turns the molecule into an extremely powerful oxidizer. The hydrogen peroxide used in this demonstration is ten times stronger than the over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide you can find at the store. Low-grade hydrogen peroxide (3%) will not produce the massive amount of foam seen in this version of the Exploding Toothpaste demonstration. The secret ingredient is actually sodium iodide, which acts as a catalyst (something that speeds up a chemical reaction, and in this case, it’s the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide). When hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) decomposes, it breaks down to form water (H 2 O) and oxygen (O 2 ). The soap bubbles that erupt from the cylinder are actually filled with oxygen. You’ll notice that the foam has a brown tint. This color is due to the presence of free iodine produced by the extreme oxidizing power of the 30% hydrogen peroxide. As the reaction takes place, you’ll also see steam rising from the erupting foam. This shows that the reaction is exothermic , meaning that it gives off heat. Hydrogen peroxide (30% strength) will act as an oxidizing agent with practically any substance. This substance is severely corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Sodium iodide is slightly toxic by ingestion. Given these safety precautions, it’s best to leave this one to the experts. Just befriend a chemistry teacher and ask her to perform the famous Exploding Toothpaste experiment.

Take It Further

Concentration Variations

NOTE: This would make a good science fair project—especially for a teacher to model for the class.

Because it is often hard for anyone but a chemistry teacher to obtain 30% hydrogen peroxide, you might want to test the effectiveness of other concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. For instance, 3% hydrogen peroxide is the household concentration that would typically be used for cuts and scrapes. It is safe to touch, but powerful enough to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces. Hair stylists can purchase peroxide that is anywhere from 6% to 12% in strength.

To make four different solutions, start with 30% hydrogen peroxide and dilute it by one-half to make a 15% solution. Dilute a small portion of the 15% solution by one-half to arrive at a 7.5% solution. One more dilution will produce a solution that is approximately 3.5%. Now you have the four solutions needed for the experiment. It is possible to purchase various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at drugstores, beauty supply stores, and chemical supply stores, but this dilution method is easy to do if you start with a good supply of 30% hydrogen peroxide.

The most important part of the experiment is that everything stays the same except for the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. This simple process is a very effective way to illustrate how a scientist would control a single variable (the strength of the hydrogen peroxide) to affect the outcome of the reaction. Each cylinder should have 60 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide, an equal sized squirt of dish soap, and an equal amount of the sodium iodide catalyst. The only variable you want to change is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide; otherwise, there is no way to know which variable causes the effect in the experiment. Remember, a good science experiment changes only one variable at a time.

If you don’t have four graduated cylinders, you’ll need to set up the experiment four times and collect the data after each eruption. If you do have four graduated cylinders, it’s easy to observe the differences in each eruption if you add the sodium iodide solution to each cylinder one right after the next. How does the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide affect the amount of foam that is created in each reaction?

A Halloween Twist on the Exploding Toothpaste Experiment The classic Exploding Toothpaste experiment takes a whole new twist when you see it oozing from the face of your jack-o’-lantern!

This is what happens when chemistry teachers get tired of doing the same old Exploding Toothpaste demonstration over and over again. Instead of using a graduated cylinder, simply use a glass beaker to hold the 60 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide along with the squirt of dish soap and the food coloring. Place the beaker down inside a carved-out pumpkin and you’re almost ready to go. The only thing left to do is to make sure your safety glasses are on and the kids in the front row have moved back to the third row. After adding the tablespoon of saturated sodium iodide solution, immediately replace the lid of the jack-o’-lantern and wait for the kids to scream. The foam will ooze from the eyes, nose, and mouth of the pumpkin, and you’ll come away with a new discovery . . . ooze = ooohs!

Safety Information

WARNING! TEACHERS ONLY! The Exploding Toothpaste demonstration requires chemicals that are not available to the public. Teachers and science professionals wanting to perform this demonstration must be trained in the proper way to handle and store concentrated hydrogen peroxide.

Everyone will want to touch the foam on the table, but you must keep the eager ankle-biters away just in case some of the hydrogen peroxide did not react with the catalyst. You don’t want anyone to get his or her hands burned or stained by touching the foam.

All of the aftermath from this reaction is safe to either throw away in the trash can or wash down the drain.

HOW TO GET THE STAINS OUT OF CARPET

If you perform this demonstration enough times, you’ll have a situation where the foam spills over onto the floor. Unfortunately, the iodine that is released as part of the reaction will stain the floor or carpet, unless you know something about removing iodine stains. The secret is OxiClean ® . This oxidizing, stain-removing detergent is available at any grocery store, and it does wonders for removing iodine stains. As the pitchmen say, “Use the power of oxygen to remove stains in an instant!” . . . and it works.

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August 1, 2019

Make Elephant Toothpaste

A bubbly science project from Science Buddies

By Science Buddies & Ben Finio

Squeeze some science: Use a little kitchen chemistry to make a fountain of "toothpaste" almost big enough for an elephant's brush!

George Retseck

Key Concepts Chemistry Biology Reaction Catalyst Surface tension

Introduction Create a giant foaming reaction, and use science to wow your friends with this classic activity. With just a few ingredients you can make something that looks like foamy toothpaste being squeezed from a tube—but so big that it looks almost fit for an elephant!

Background You might be familiar with hydrogen peroxide as an antiseptic used to clean cuts and scrapes, which it does by killing bacteria. But what is it? It is a liquid made from hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms (its chemical formula is H 2 O 2 ). It is available in different strengths, or concentrations. You usually find it in a 3 percent concentration (although higher concentrations are available, they are more dangerous and must be handled carefully). It also breaks down when exposed to light, which is why it usually comes in dark brown bottles. 

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When hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it turns into oxygen (O 2 ) and water (H 2 O). Normally this breakdown happens very slowly. But you can make that reaction happen faster! How? 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!

Empty plastic bottle

Dry yeast (found in the baking section of the grocery store)

Liquid dish soap

3% hydrogen peroxide

Measuring cups 

Measuring spoons

Safety glasses

Large tub or tray to catch the foam 

Location for the activity that can tolerate spills (of hydrogen peroxide as well as possibly food coloring), such as a kitchen or bathroom—or an outdoor location 

Liquid food coloring (optional)

Different-shaped bottles or glasses (optional) 

Preparation

Put on your safety glasses to do this activity because hydrogen peroxide can irritate your eyes. (Note: although the product of this activity resembles toothpaste, it is not toothpaste, so do not attempt to use it!)

Gather your materials in the location where you plan to do your activity. Place your plastic bottle on the tray or tub so that it is easy to clean up all the foam.

Measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and carefully pour it 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 toothpastes, put the drops along the inside rim of the bottle’s mouth. Let them drip down the inside of the bottle, but do not mix. 

In a measuring cup mix together one tablespoon of yeast and three tablespoons of warm water. Stir for about 30 seconds. 

Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle then quickly step back, and watch your reaction go! What happens? How long does the reaction last?

Extra: Try the activity without the dish soap. What happens? How was the result different?

Extra: Try the activity with different-shaped containers. What happens if you use a bottle with a narrower or wider neck—or a cylindrical drinking glass with no neck?

Observations and results You probably saw lots of bubbles and foam in this activity. What makes the foam appear? When the hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the yeast it starts breaking down into water and oxygen. Oxygen is a gas and therefore wants to escape the liquid. The dish soap that you added to your reaction, however, traps these gas bubbles, forming a foam. The reaction continues as long as there is some hydrogen peroxide and yeast left. Once one of them runs out it stops making new foam. If you tried the activity without dish soap, the reaction probably will still made bubbles—but not foam. 

Cleanup Wash the foam down the sink when you are done with the activity. 

More to Explore Enzymes, Foam and Hydrogen Peroxide , from Science Buddies Exploring Enzymes , from Scientific American The Liver: Helping Enzymes Help You , from Scientific American Erupting Diet Coke with Mentos , from Science Buddies Yeast Alive! Watch Yeast Live and Breathe , from Scientific American STEM Activities for Kids , from Science Buddies 

This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies

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Elephant’s toothpaste.

Explore the science of this explosive elephant toothpaste experiment, and try your own version at home.

Experiment with some enormous ‘toothpaste’, fit for an elephant.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposes naturally into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). By adding a few more ingredients we can make a huge, bubbly reaction to visualise this process. In this experiment we add dish soap, to help create bubbles, and a catalyst — which is a special chemical that allows us to fast forward a reaction.

We’ve used two different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to show how the strength of a chemical can change the size of the reaction, but you can easily try this experiment at home with just a few household ingredients.

IMPORTANT: Please note, if you try this experiment at home you need to use hydrogen peroxide bleach, NOT a chlorine-based bleach.

What you’ll need:

• Empty plastic bottle
• 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid
• 1/2 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Packet of active yeast

Instructions

• Pour the dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide into your bottle.
• Activate the yeast by stirring in a little warm water, waiting at least 10 minutes for the yeast to “wake up”. The yeast mixture is ready when the yeast has dissolved and the liquid starts bubbling. This will be the catalyst for this reaction.
• When you’re ready to start the experiment, add the yeast and watch how quickly the reaction occurs!

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Elephant Toothpaste: The Science Behind the Foamy Fun

Table of Contents

Elephant Toothpaste is not something you’ll find in the bathroom cupboard, but rather in a science teacher’s toolkit. This foamy experiment serves as a visual spectacle that showcases the concepts of chemical reactions and catalysis. When you mix the right ingredients, including hydrogen peroxide, soap, and a catalyst like potassium iodide, you create an eruption of foam that resembles an oversized squeeze of toothpaste – hence the name.

The reaction is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an educational goldmine, introducing you to exothermic reactions, where heat is released, and the role of catalysts in increasing reaction rates. Safety is paramount; appropriate precautions are necessary to handle the chemicals involved safely. So, as you prepare to witness this foamy marvel, it highlights the fun hidden within the science curriculum, revealing the power of combining the right substances under the right conditions.

Michelle Connolly, founder and educational consultant with over 16 years of classroom experience, observes, “Elephant Toothpaste is a fantastic way to get children excited about science; it’s reactive, it’s over the top, and it really sticks with them.”

Key Takeaways

• Elephant Toothpaste demonstrates a chemical reaction that’s both educational and visually impressive.
• The experiment elucidates on catalysis and the science of exothermic reactions.
• Safety measures should be strictly followed due to the chemicals involved.

The Chemistry Behind Elephant Toothpaste

Before delving into the two key components of this intriguing reaction, it’s essential to understand that Elephant Toothpaste showcases an exothermic reaction where decomposition produces noticeable results.

The Role of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a substance that naturally decomposes into water and oxygen over time. When used in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment , this process is sped up to produce a rapid release of oxygen gas. The breaking down of hydrogen peroxide is the core of this reaction and is responsible for the torrent of foam that gives the experiment its name.

Catalysts in the Reaction

A catalyst serves to accelerate a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. For Elephant Toothpaste, common catalysts include potassium iodide or yeast mixed with warm water. Once added to the hydrogen peroxide, the catalyst breaks it down at a significantly increased rate. This leads to the swift production of oxygen and heat, making the reaction exothermic. Such an enthusiasm in speed is crucial for the rapid expansion of foam.

Michelle Connolly, the founder of LearningMole and an educational consultant with over 16 years of classroom experience, points out, “Elephant Toothpaste not only demonstrates the power of catalysts in chemistry but also captivates young minds with its visual and dynamic nature.” It’s an excellent example of how simple chemical principles can create an unforgettable learning experience.

Essential Ingredients and Alternatives

Before embarking on the fun and educational journey of the elephant toothpaste experiment, it is important to understand the key ingredients required and the possible alternatives, especially if a kid-friendly version is desired.

Standard Ingredients for the Experiment

Hydrogen Peroxide : This is the primary reactant; a higher concentration, such as 30%, is typically used for dramatic effect. Potassium Iodide : Acts as the catalyst to decompose the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas rapidly. Soap : Helps trap the oxygen gas, creating foam. Dishwashing detergent can be used as an alternative. Food Colouring : Adds a visual flair to the foam, making the experiment more visually appealing.

Substitutes and Kid-Friendly Versions

For safer experiments at home, especially with children, you can use a more readily available 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Instead of potassium iodide, yeast mixed with warm water serves as an effective substitute catalyst. “Just ensure the hydrogen peroxide solution is handled with care to avoid irritation,” says Michelle Connolly, founder and educational consultant at LearningMole with over 16 years of classroom experience.

Kid-Friendly Version :

• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) instead of the more concentrated versions.
• Yeast as a safe catalyst substitute.
• Food Colouring and Dish Soap remain the same but ensure to use non-toxic varieties if available.

Step-by-Step Procedure

This section provides a clear and concise guide to creating the exuberant chemical reaction known as Elephant Toothpaste. Please ensure to follow the safety guidelines closely and prepare your materials before starting.

Preparation

To begin, make sure you have safety goggles and protective gloves , as you will be handling a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution which can cause irritation or burns. You will need a clean plastic bottle , ideally placed in a sink or on a tray to catch the overflowing foam. Procure a packet of active yeast as your catalyst and have some warm water ready to activate it. Lastly, ensure you have distilled water to dilute the hydrogen peroxide if needed.

Conducting the Experiment

First, mix the active yeast in a small container with warm water according to the instructions—this will help kickstart the reaction. Next, carefully pour the concentrated hydrogen peroxide into the plastic bottle . Remember, the higher the concentration, the more dramatic your reaction will be.

“Always add the hydrogen peroxide to the water, never the other way around, to minimise the risk of a violent reaction,” advises Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole with extensive experience in practical chemistry.

Add a squirt of dish soap to the hydrogen peroxide to help create the foam. Then, when you are ready for the reaction to take place, pour the activated yeast mixture into the bottle with the hydrogen peroxide and step back to observe the foamy eruption resembling toothpaste large enough for an elephant!

Safety Measures and Precautions

Before you begin the exciting experiment known as Elephant Toothpaste, it’s crucial to prioritise your safety. By adhering to safety guidelines, you’ll ensure a fun and injury-free experience.

Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment

Safety Glasses and Goggles: You must wear safety glasses or safety goggles at all times to shield your eyes from splashes, as chemical exposure can lead to severe eye injury.

Protective Gloves: It’s imperative to wear nitrile gloves to protect your skin from potential chemical burns when handling reactants.

Handling Chemicals Safely

Chemical Exposure: When mixing chemicals, do it in a well-ventilated area and be conscious of proper dosages to prevent thermal burns and adverse reactions.

Immediate Action: In the case of any spill or skin contact, wash the affected area with plenty of water and seek medical assistance if necessary.

Always follow these safety precautions to enjoy the Elephant Toothpaste experiment without any risks.

Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and an educational consultant with over 16 years of classroom experience, advises, “Experimentation is a brilliant way to learn, but never at the cost of safety. Adequate PPE is as vital to a successful science experiment as the reactants themselves.” Your protection is paramount, so equip yourself with the proper safety gear and knowledge to conduct this reaction with confidence.

Exothermic Reactions Explained

In this section, you’ll uncover the nature of exothermic reactions, including why they release heat and how they are a part of everyday phenomena.

Understanding Heat Release

When a substance undergoes an exothermic reaction , it gives off energy in the form of heat . This transfer of energy occurs because the total energy of the products is less than the total energy of the reactants. The excess energy is released to the surroundings, often raising the temperature and sometimes producing light or steam .

Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and educational consultant, shares that “Exothermic reactions are a foundational concept in chemistry that helps to explain everyday occurrences like combustion and even simple acts like using heat packs to warm your hands.”

Common Exothermic Reactions

Several common reactions are exothermic. Combustion, such as burning wood or petrol, is a reaction that produces large amounts of heat. Reactions in our own bodies, like the breakdown of glucose, also release heat. A familiar classroom demonstration of an exothermic reaction is the ‘elephant toothpaste’ experiment, which produces a sizeable foamy substance along with noticeable warmth, demonstrating an energetic exothermic reaction .

By understanding exothermic reactions, you can better grasp the role of energy in chemical processes and how it affects the world around you.

The Visual Spectacle

You instantly notice the dramatic reaction known as Elephant Toothpaste for its captivating display. It’s a chemistry experiment-turned-performance that never fails to amaze.

Formation of Foam and Bubbles

When hydrogen peroxide reacts with yeast or potassium iodide, a rapid decomposition occurs. Dish soap added to the mix captures the oxygen released, creating an explosive volcano of foam . The cascade of foam is comprised of countless tiny bubbles , each a spectacle in its own right.

Colour and Light Effects

For an extra flair, food colouring transforms the foam into vibrant, eye-catching hues. Under UV light, with a glowing splint , you can even create eerie effects, illuminating the colossal foamy mass from within. This safe, yet thrilling demonstration truly merges science with art.

Catalysis and Reaction Rates

In the world of chemical reactions, catalyst s play the crucial role of increasing the rate at which reactions occur without being consumed in the process. The “Elephant Toothpaste” experiment serves as a classic demonstration of catalysis and reaction kinetics .

How Catalysts Work

A catalyst is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction. It provides an alternative pathway for the reaction to occur, usually with a lower activation energy. Take for instance the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide . In this reaction, an iodide ion acts as a catalyst, rapidly breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. Despite playing a pivotal role, the catalyst emerges unchanged from the reaction it accelerates.

Factors Affecting Reaction Speed

There are numerous factors that influence how quickly a chemical reaction proceeds. The concentration of reactants, the temperature at which the reaction is conducted, and the presence of a catalyst all have significant impacts. In the case of Elephant Toothpaste , the presence of an iodide ion significantly increases the reaction speed , causing a swift catalyzed eruption of foam. This is due to the catalyst’s ability to reduce the activation energy required for the rapid decomposition .

“The effectiveness of a catalyst in increasing reaction speed can make a dramatic difference, as seen in the spectacular Elephant Toothaste experiment,” says Michelle Connolly, an educational consultant with vast experience in the classroom.

The fascinating process of catalysis and its impact on reaction rates is central to our understanding of chemical kinetics.

Variations and Related Demonstrations

Exploring the Elephant Toothpaste experiment offers numerous avenues for variation, each capable of creating different visual and scientific effects. Here’s how you can make this chemistry demonstration more exciting or educational.

Experiment Variations for Different Effects

• Kid-Friendly Approach: An enjoyable variant for children involves using regular household hydrogen peroxide and food colouring. This reaction is safe and creates colourful foam without the need for stronger chemicals.
• Glowing Reaction: For an eerie glow, some add fluorescent dye and conduct the experiment under a black light, turning a simple reaction into a spectacular nocturnal event.

Similar Chemical Demonstrations

• Chemical Volcano: Similar to the Elephant Toothpaste, this demo uses baking soda and vinegar to create an “eruption” with less foam but a similar wow factor.
• Glowing Splint Test: A classic teaching aid for demonstrating oxygen’s presence, involves igniting a splint, extinguishing it, and then introducing it to oxygen-rich environments, like the one created in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment, to watch it re-ignite.

Michelle Connolly, an educational consultant with over 16 years of classroom experience, notes, “Variations in these experiments allow you to tailor the learning experience to different age levels and curricular goals.”

Cleanup and Disposal

When exploring the exciting realm of chemical reactions like Elephant Toothpaste, it’s crucial to manage the aftermath responsibly and safely.

Proper Cleanup Procedures

For clean up , it’s vital to ensure that any spills are promptly and carefully dealt with. If the Elephant Toothpaste experiment has gotten a bit messy, begin by donning gloves and safety goggles. Scoop up the solid remnants of foam with a dustpan or spatula, and transfer them to a plastic bag. Any surfaces that have come into contact with the mixture should be wiped down with paper towels or a cloth. Once the foam is removed, wash the area with soapy water to remove any residual traces of the chemicals.

Disposing of Chemicals Responsibly

The chemicals used in your Elephant Toothpaste recipe , especially if they’re on a larger scale or more concentrated, require careful disposal. Michelle Connolly, the founder of LearningMole and an educational consultant with decades of classroom experience, advises, “Always follow local regulations for the disposal of your science experiment waste. When in doubt, consult a professional.” This might mean neutralising any leftover hydrogen peroxide with a mild acid, like vinegar, and then diluting with considerable amounts of water before pouring down the drain. Remember to check with your local waste management service to ensure proper disposal protocols are followed.

Educational Value and Learning Opportunities

The ‘Elephant Toothpaste’ experiment isn’t just a fun show of foam, it’s a tool for teaching important scientific concepts. This experiment offers a visual spectacle that can captivate children and serves as a practical application of several chemical principles.

Teaching Chemical Principles

The ‘Elephant Toothpaste’ experiment is a classic science experiment that provides a visual demonstration of a chemical reaction, specifically the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. This reaction is catalysed by iodide, which is used in various forms like potassium iodide. The rapid breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas results in the release of energy, evident by the exothermic foam. Here, children can observe how a catalyst works to speed up a reaction without being consumed in the process. By varying the concentration of reactants or the catalyst, students can witness changes in the rate of reaction, providing concrete examples for discussions on reaction rates and catalysis.

Stem Activity Integration

STEM activities are integral for a comprehensive education, encouraging students to engage in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning. Integrating the ‘Elephant Toothpaste’ experiment into STEM curriculum promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Children can explore variables that affect the reaction rate, such as temperature and surface area, by conducting the experiment with different conditions and drawing comparisons. Moreover, with resources available online , they can extend their learning beyond the classroom. For instance, a visit to LearningMole allows them to explore a greater variety of STEM activities and related educational content.

Remember, it’s not just about the spectacle; it’s about the learning opportunities that come with it. As Michelle Connolly, founder and educational consultant with a wealth of classroom experience, says, “Every burst of foam is a chance to ignite curiosity and inspire a love for science.”

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, you’ll find answers to common queries about the Elephant Toothpaste experiment, detailing the necessary components, scientific principles, and steps to create this exciting chemical reaction at home or in the classroom.

What ingredients are required for making Elephant Toothpaste?

To create Elephant Toothpaste, you need hydrogen peroxide (typically a 30% solution for dramatic effect), liquid dish soap, food colouring for visual flair, and a catalyst such as potassium iodide or yeast mixed with warm water.

Can you describe the chemical reaction involved in Elephant Toothaste?

The Elephant Toothpaste reaction involves the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas, aided by the catalyst. This oxygen release creates copious foam, resembling toothpaste being squeezed from a tube, but on a much larger scale.

How do you prepare the Elephant Toothaste mixture?

You start by mixing hydrogen peroxide with liquid soap and food colouring. Then, in a separate container, combine the catalyst with warm water. When you’re ready, pour the catalyst mixture into the peroxide blend and observe the reaction.

What is the role of a catalyst in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment?

A catalyst, such as potassium iodide or yeast, accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Michelle Connolly mentions, “Catalysts are like unsung heroes in chemistry, speeding up reactions without being consumed in the process.”

Why does the Elephant Toothaste reaction produce so much foam?

The foam is produced by the rapid release of oxygen bubbles caught in the dish soap within the mixture. As the oxygen tries to escape, it forms bubbles, creating a mass of foam that looks like a giant blob of toothpaste.

Is potassium iodide (KI) necessary for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the Elephant Toothpaste experiment?

While potassium iodide is a common catalyst used for this reaction, it’s not the only one that can be used. Yeast mixed with warm water can also act as a catalyst, emphasising that the key factor is the presence of a substance that speeds up the hydrogen peroxide decomposition.

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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.

Check out these other STEAM activities that are sure to engage, entertain, and educate!

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Elephant Toothpaste Experiment: How-To Plus Free Worksheet

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

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.

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

• 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.

61 Wet and Wild Outdoor Science Experiments and Activities

The whole world is one big science classroom. Continue Reading

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Top 12 Explosive Science Experiments: Ignite Your Curiosity

There’s something thrilling about science experiments that pop, sizzle, and explode. While they must always be conducted with utmost safety, these explosive experiments offer an exhilarating way to explore fundamental principles of chemistry and physics.

Welcome to our list of the top 12, hand-picked exploding science experiments, curated especially for students like you. Brace yourself for mind-blowing chemical reactions, thrilling explosions, and awe-inspiring demonstrations.

These experiments offer an exhilarating blend of entertainment and education, providing an unique opportunity to witness the powerful forces of chemistry in action.

Gear up, embrace the excitement, and let these exploding experiments ignite a lifelong passion for scientific discovery!

Remember, safety is of utmost importance during any scientific experiment.

1. Watermelon Explosion

Beyond the sheer excitement and thrill, this experiment provides a hands-on lesson in pressure, energy transfer, and the scientific principle of potential energy.

So, grab a watermelon, strap on those rubber bands, and get ready for a blast of scientific discovery!

2. Exploding Baggie Burst

With the simple combination of vinegar and baking soda inside a sealed baggie, students can witness the exhilarating moment when the baggie bursts with a loud pop and releases a cloud of gas.

3. Exploding Sidewalk Chalk

Make colorful explosions with the Exploding Sidewalk Chalk experiment! By combining common household materials like sidewalk chalk and vinegar, they can create a fascinating chemical reaction that results in vibrant bursts of color.

4. Water Bottle Popper

Get ready for a popping sensation with the Water Bottle Popper experiment! By combining the forces of air pressure and a quick release mechanism, they can create an exciting burst of energy that launches the cap off a water bottle with a satisfying pop.

Learn more: Water Bottle Popper

5. Colorful Bubble Bombs

Get ready for a burst of colorful and bubbly fun with the Colorful Bubble Bombs experiment! Students should definitely try this engaging and visually delightful activity.

Learn more: Colorful Bubble Bombs

6. Big Toothpaste Eruption

Get ready for a massive eruption of fun with the Big Toothpaste Eruption experiment! Students should absolutely try this engaging and visually stunning experiment.

It’s a fantastic way to foster a love for science, spark curiosity, and learn about the wonders of chemical reactions in a playful and memorable way.

7. Multi-Colored Volcano

Get ready to unleash a vibrant explosion of colors with the Multi-Colored Volcano experiment! By combining baking soda, vinegar, and a variety of colorful substances like food coloring or powdered paint, they can create an extraordinary eruption that paints the volcano in a mesmerizing array of hues.

Learn more: Multi-Colored Volcano

8. Water Bottle Rockets

Prepare for a thrilling blast-off with the Water Bottle Rockets experiment! Students should absolutely try this exhilarating and hands-on activity. By constructing their own rockets using simple materials like plastic bottles, fins, and a pressurized air source, they can witness their creations soar into the sky.

9. Milk Color Explosion Science

Get ready for a mesmerizing explosion of colors with the Milk Color Explosion experiment! Students should definitely try this captivating and visually stunning activity.

By combining milk, food coloring, and dish soap, they can witness an extraordinary display of swirling, vibrant colors bursting to life right before their eyes.

10. Microwave Ivory Soap

Get ready for a foamy explosion with the Microwave Ivory Soap experiment! Students should definitely try this exciting and hands-on activity.

By placing a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave, they can witness an astonishing transformation as the soap rapidly expands into a fluffy cloud of foam.

11. Exploding Lava Science Bottle

Get ready for an explosive and mesmerizing adventure with the Exploding Lava Science Bottle experiment! Students should absolutely try this captivating and hands-on activity.

Learn more: Exploding Lava Science Bottle

12. Exploding Rainbow Easter Egg

Students can experiment with different colors and proportions to create their own unique bubble bombs. It’s a hands-on and interactive way to learn about the wonders of chemistry while enjoying a playful and colorful experience.

Learn more: Exploding Rainbow Easter Egg

12. Exploding Pumpkin

Get ready for an explosion of colors with the Exploding Rainbow Easter Egg experiment! Students should definitely try this exciting and visually captivating activity.

Learn more: Exploding Pumpkin

Similar Posts:

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• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• 37 Water Science Experiments: Fun & Easy

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Exploding Soap Experiment: A Microwave Marvel For Kids

Hey there, science enthusiasts!

It’s Calie, your guide to fun and fascinating experiments that you can do right at home.

Today, I’m super excited to share with you an experiment that’s as astonishing as it is simple: the Exploding Soap experiment.

Yes, you read that right.

With just a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave, you’re all set to witness an incredible transformation that’s bound to amaze everyone, from the littlest learners to the grown-up kids at heart.

What You’ll Need

• A bar of Ivory Soap (it’s important to use Ivory soap as it has the unique properties needed for this experiment)
• A microwave
• A microwave-safe bowl

Steps to an Explosive Discovery

• Prep Your Soap : Unwrap a fresh bar of Ivory soap. This experiment is a great opportunity to talk about the properties of the soap and why you think Ivory, in particular, might have been chosen for this experiment.
• Microwave Magic : Place the bar of soap in the microwave-safe bowl. Then, heat it on high power for two minutes. Stand by and watch as the soap begins to expand and grow in a mesmerizing display.
• Cool Down : After the microwave timer goes off, give the soap (now a fluffy mass) and the bowl a couple of minutes to cool down before handling them. This ensures everyone’s safety and makes the next part of the experiment more enjoyable.

The Science Behind the Foam

What you’re witnessing in the microwave is a fantastic demonstration of physical change. Ivory soap is known for being “whipped” during its manufacturing process, which means it contains tiny air bubbles trapped within the soap.

When you microwave the soap, the water molecules in these bubbles get heated and turn to steam, expanding in the process. The heat also makes the soap itself soften and become more pliable, allowing the expanding steam to push the soap into a fluffy mass.

Unlike other soaps, Ivory’s unique composition, full of air pockets, allows for this dramatic expansion. The soap expands because of the air bubbles, and it stays in its expanded form because the soap cools and hardens again after the microwave is turned off.

Similar Experiments

Elephant Toothpaste

Orange Fizz Science

Baking Soda & Vinegar Color Experiment

100 Easy Science Experiments For Kids To Do at Home

This experiment is definitely a fun party trick, but it’s a clear and engaging way to introduce concepts like physical changes, the effects of heat on different substances, and the properties of materials.

For families and educators, the Exploding Soap experiment is a great way to engage children in science. It shows that science isn’t confined to laboratories or textbooks; it’s all around us, in everyday items waiting to reveal their secrets.

So, next time you’re looking for a captivating science activity, remember that all you need is a bar of Ivory soap and a microwave.

The results are sure to “expand” your understanding and appreciation of science in the most unexpected ways.

Happy experimenting, 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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Last Modified: Jan 7, 2024 by Tara Gerner Leave a Comment

Exploding Ivory Soap - An Easy Kids Science Experiment

You know how something can be super fun and exciting until someone tells you that you have to do it? And then it loses all its luster and seems like something that is boring and hateful?

That's what happened to Super Science Summer.

My kids love science, and they begged me to let them do experiments all the time.

And then I decided to do a super cool 11-week series of summer science on my blog, and they balked. By week three, they were all like, " Do we have to do science again? " and " I would rather just watch tv, Mom. "

So Joe and I did a few experiments on our own and then quickly petered out, and that's why there hasn't been anything new for a while now. No involvement on the part of the people who were meant to enjoy all this sciencey summer fun made for a big zero.

Go with the flow, right? What else can I do?

I did, however, turn the tv right off. They haven't quit complaining about that, and it's been a couple of weeks.

So anyway, I have snuck in a couple of fun science activities in the weeks since they began boycotting all things interesting. They each went to science camp for a whole week (two different weeks, for their respective age groups), and they have done some vinegar and baking soda explosions out on the back porch in the evenings. Other than that, though, it's been a summer of doll houses and American Girl dolls and lots and lots of Usborne books.

Back to this particular science experiment . This is an oldie but goodie that I have seen over and over again in different books and on different websites.

• Ivory soap - Must be Ivory name brand, no other will work. Also, you will want at least a 6-pack because once or twice simply isn't enough.
• Microwave-safe plate

Instructions

• Unwrap soap.
• Place soap in the center of plate.

• Let the soap cool for a minute or so. Be careful for any hot spots. If there is any un-exploded soap chunks, they will be super hot. We removed those and tossed them back in the microwave to re-explode them.
• Remove soap from microwave and marvel at its shapes.

The Science

Microwaves make water molecules get excited, vibrate, and move really fast. Molecules that are moving really fast bump into each other a lot and move really far apart.

When the water molecules start moving fast and getting further apart, they stretch out the spaces in the soap and make it expand in all sorts of fun and interesting ways, as you see below.

Extend the Experiment

I asked my girls how we could change the experiment, and Allie's suggestion was to cut the soap into little pieces. I expected this to totally ruin the experiment, but the results were pretty cool.

I'm not going to tell you what happened. You'll have to do it and find out for yourself.

One last thing. I cannot get the smell of Ivory soap out of my microwave. It's not a bad smell, but it is odd to smell mingled with the scent of yummy food cooking. Just thought you'd want to know ahead of time.

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The YouTuber behind the viral, jaw-dropping foam explosion explains the clean-up process and why he's hoping for a 'foam arms race'

• After his gargantuan, record-breaking elephant-toothpaste experiment in David Dobrik's backyard shot to viral fame, the science YouTuber Nick Uhas told Insider what it was like to clean up the aftermath.
• Uhas said he and Dobrik decided to triple the size of their previous attempt, which became the most viral TikTok of 2019, to secure their title ahead of the fellow YouTuber Mark Rober's experiment .
• The two are "kind of hoping it turns into a little bit of a foam arms race," Uhas said, but a contender hasn't arrived — yet. In the meantime, Uhas is planning more practical science collaborations for 2020.
• Uhas described the jaw-dropping foam volcano as environmentally friendly and said the team recycled the plastic wrap it laid down afterward. Dobrik's house, however, is still stained.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Surprisingly, the neighbors didn't seem to notice when the science YouTuber Nick Uhas exploded a massive blue-foam volcano in David Dobrik's backyard.

"Every time I pull into David's house, I swear by happenstance the neighbor is pulling out and is always waving and smiling, so I feel like we're off to a good start," Uhas told Insider. "The thing that I was actually most surprised about is we did not get a phone call."

The world record-breaking elephant-toothpaste experiment that Uhas uploaded on Thursday has millions of views across platforms, but it hasn't elicited a response from either the neighborhood or the pair's competition — yet.

Uhas and Dobrik first tried the experiment earlier this year, and the resulting TikTok took off, becoming the most viral clip on the short video-sharing platform of 2019. It was an attempt to dethrone the YouTuber Mark Rober, who filled a swimming pool with multicolored foam earlier this year.

But there was some contention over whether the pair's red-foam attempt actually produced more cubic meters of foam than Rober's. So Uhas and Dobrik redid the stunt with three times the ingredients, and the resulting mass of foam spilled over Dobrik's backyard balcony and rose above the roof of his California home.

"We're kind of hoping it turns into a little bit of a foam arms race but we don't know, nothing has happened so far," Uhas, who has performed the experiment hundreds of times in his career, said.

Some viewers wondered whether the experiment was wasteful, so Uhas clarified that it was environmentally sound

The video ends with Uhas and Dobrik celebrating their gargantuan foam payoff. But how did they clean it up? Well, Uhas told Insider the reaction was "self-cleaning."

"The foam bubbles start to pop, and what happens is the oxygen is released back into the air," he said. "You end up with soapy water that's on the plastic wrap. They get towels, they sop up the soapy water that has the potassium iodide in it, that gets washed — and that's all drain safe — and then we recycle the plastic."

The only thing that's difficult to clean up? The blueish-green color that covered Dobrik's white couch, along with the plaster on the outside of his house that the foam touched. The iodine that gets created in the chemical reaction makes for a pervasive stain, which Dobrik is well aware of, because it stained the ceiling inside his house.

"We did this inside once," Uhas said. "They repainted it something like eight or nine times and it kept bleeding through the paint. What happens is the iodine just keeps seeping through the paint. That's where I throw my hands up and go, 'I don't know dude, I'm the chemistry guy, not the paint guy.'"

Here’s a time lapse to show how we clean up the worlds largest elephant toothpaste experiment! The foam actually “cleans itself” by decomposing back into soapy water (with blue food coloring dye). We then recycle all the plastic and attempt to scrub out the color from David’s walls 😬🤪🤓 - - - #science #sciences #scienceart #sciencefacts #edu #educational #education #stem #steam #chemistry #chem #chemicals #youtube #youtuber #video #videos #experiment #experiments #nickuhas #elephanttoothpaste #foam #worldrecord #record #blue #elephant #toothpaste #giant #reaction #largest #daviddobrik A post shared by NICK UHAS (@nickuhas) on Dec 21, 2019 at 10:12am PST Dec 21, 2019 at 10:12am PST

Uhas uploaded a time-lapse video of the cleanup job to his Instagram page, but as far as he's aware, Dobrik's house still has a "minimal paint job" from the iodine stain.

Now that Uhas' part in the experiment has concluded, he's looking forward to his next projects. As the host of Netflix's "Blown Away," a glassblowing competition show, he'll be filming season two early next year. He's also gotten a lot of other YouTubers interested in practical science videos, and he says he has collaborations planned throughout 2020.

"I thought it would do well, but I didn't think it would do this well," Uhas said. "Some people were like, 'This is CGI,' and I was like, 'Wow, we created something so impressive that people literally think it's computer generated.' That's kind of awesome."

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25 Spectacular Explosion Experiments for Kids

July 14, 2022 Mary Malcolm

Do you want to have fun while learning with your kids? Encourage your child’s love of learning with these awesome and fun Science experiments with explosion!

These easy science experiments are great, and often don’t require much more than common household items or simple ingredients. Nor do they require complex science kits or anything of the sort. instead they are just fun science activities and cool science experiments which any kid will gawk at! after all, is there anything better then explosions?

These 25 Spectacular Explosion Experiments for Kids are so much fun that your kids won’t even know they are learning. Between exploding apples and erupting ice, there is enough fun here to last for weeks! Encourage that love of science with these awesome and simple experiments. Enjoy!

25 Bright And Spectacular Science Experiments with Explosions For Kids Of All Ages

1. mind blowing water bottle popper experiment.

In this simple experiment by Housing A Forest, your child will watch a bottle blow its top …just by twisting it! With this simple trick, the kids will be so amazed!

2.Awesome Erupting Dinosaur Eggs Experiment For Science Fair

Your little paleontologists will love hatching these erupting dinosaur eggs by Parenting Chaos. Some of the items needed are baking soda, cup of water, cup of vinegar, coffee grounds, sand and green food dye or Kool-Aide. Your children would love to learn more about prehistoric dinosaurs through this spectacular experiment!

3. Big Bursting Elephant Toothpaste Experiment

Abraca-xplosion! With just a handful of household ingredients like yeast, 3 tablespoon of water, bottle, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and food colouring, you and your child can make elephant toothpaste by Hallecake. But be careful with the big mess this explosion could make inside the house!

4. Cool Alternative Explosion Experiment

Volcanoes are so yesterday. Today’s kids are all about alternative explosions by Little Bins for Little Hands…like this apple. You won’t believe how far the core flies! This lowkey helps your children learn about rocket science.

5. Colored Vinegar OR Water Explosion Experiments

Instead of a simple vinegar and water explosion, why not add food coloring and make this art by Learn Play Imagine Blog! Just imagine how happy your kids will be with these colorful explosions!

6. Exploding Eggs For Easter Science Experiment

This egg not only bounces, it explodes ! You won’t believe how it’s done, either. This spectacular experiment by Momma’s Fun World will be so fun to do after Easter Egg Hunting. What a blast!

7. Stunning Glow In The Dark Explosions Experiment

With just the right ingredients added to the bag, you can make this unbelievably pretty glow in the dark explosions by Growing a Jeweled Rose! Enjoy with your kids this spectacular sight to see! This makes for an excellent science lesson for the classroom, and can set students on a course to become STEM masters!

8. Colorful Erupting Sidewalk Chalks Experiment

Don’t just draw on sidewalks, use erupting sidewalk chalk by Learn Play Imagine and watch the watercolors come to life. This awesome experiment will leave you wanting for more!

9. Wonderful Color Exploding Gelatin Bombs

The color gelatin bombs by Fun At Home With Kids are gorgeous as they fizz. How many colors will your children want to make?

10. Dropping and Exploding Colorful Paint-Filled Balloons

For a really big bang, add paint to a balloon and drop it by Science Sparks on a hard surface. The splatter is amazingly fun and your kids will love mixing the colors. This mixture of colors makes for a spectacular end result. It’s like a color tornado!

11. Play Exploding Carwashes With Your Kiddos

Washing cars is fun, but exploding carwashes are awesome fun. Give your kids a fizzy day and they won’t forget to use this amazing experiment by What Do We Do All Day Blog. this fun kitchen science experiment is great for demonstrating chemical reactions and other chemistry concepts!

12. Get Excited With These Magnificent Exploding Treasure Chests!

You can hide coins and jewels in these ‘ treasure chests ‘ by Fun-A-Day and your kids will be so excited to discover the hidden secrets.

13. Exploding Colorful Fireworks Experiment

These exploding fireworks by Toddler Approved make gorgeous artwork that you and your children will want to hang in your house. This vinegar experiment makes for a beautiful result, it almost looks like melted skittles or glitter!

14. Dazzling Fizzy Exploding Paint Art

Let the kids draw on the sidewalk with this paint, and instead of washing it away you can use vinegar to make it fizz up. They’ll love this fizzy paint art Kids Activities Blog!

15. Watch These Marvelous Glow In The Dark Explosions Experiments

Glow in the dark explosions by Growing a Jeweled Rose are awesome to watch, especially when they keep going, and going, and going… Close all the lights and let the fun begin! Turn a bowl into a volcano to make an explosion of colored water and bubbles!

16. Microwave Ivory Soap and Make Explosive Fluffy Foam

Do you know when you microwave Ivory soap you get this? This explosion of fluffy foam by Kids Activities Blog is as soft as cloud and it only takes a little soap to make this huge pile of fluff. This fun physics activity is great at demonstrating how density changes

17. Enjoy Playing With These Stunning and Exploding Frozen Ice Volcanoes

Frozen ice volcanoes by Reading Confetti are fun to explode…especially on hot summer days. Those little scientists who love ice will be so excited to make this!

18. The Most Popular Exploding Mentos Candies Geyser Experiment

You’ve probably already seen the classic Mentos geyser , but have you tried it yet? Seriously, you have to try it. This explosion experiment by I Can Teach My Child a blast. Whatch the Coke go from liquids to a bubbly explosion! Just be ready with some paper towels!

19. Unique And Easy To Make Milk Colors First Explode

Your child is going to be amazed when they see milk colors first explode by Mess For Less, then fill up the container. It’s so easy to make, kids of all ages can do this.

20. Stunning And Cool Peep Geyser Experiment

Maybe you’ve microwaved one Peep before, but did you know you can make a Peep geyser by Housing A Forest when you add a bunch of them to a container? It’s so cool to watch with your kids!

21. Breathtaking Rainbow of Explosions

For those especially colorful kiddos, you can make a rainbow of explosions by She Knows. You could mix the colors to make it more fun!

22. Blow Up A Glove By Putting Pop Rocks Into Soda Experiment

When you add pop rocks to a bottle of soda it creates enough of a gas that you can blow up a glove. This experiment by Lemon Lime Adventures could trickle into the imagination of your kids. How fun is that?

23. Show Your Kids These Extravagant Exploding Geysers!

Add some sparkle to your exploding geysers and the glittery fun will look almost like fireworks. It will be so much fun to pop the bubbles formed on top of this spectacular experiment by Preschool Powol Packets. Great for teaching capillary action!

24. Awesome and Cool Erupting Watermelon Using Kool-Aid

This erupting watermelon experiment by Learn Play Imagine is awesome because it doesn’t use any vinegar to make it explode! The sweet smell of Kool-Aid will make your kids enthusiastic!

25. Make this Exploding Slime With Your Children

Normal explosions are tons of fun, but once this one explodes, it becomes slime. Seriously. This Exploding slime by E is for Explore is about taking things to the next level!

More Bright And Fun Experiments From Play Ideas

• Get ready for Halloween with these Halloween science experiments .
• With the help of Mythbusters experiment , kids could learn why we should practice social distancing.
• The Winter is Coming! Have fun with these exciting winter experiments here .
• Edible science experiments are the best just because kids can EAT it!
• Summer could be so hot, the best thing to ease the heat is to let the your little ones have fun playing with ice .
• Preschoolers will have fun with these balloon experiments .
• Who says science experiments can’t be silly? Laugh a lot with these silly and funny science experiments here .
• Here are some fun shaving cream science experiments and activities you can do at home and with the kids.
• Kids will love these imaginative vegetable crafts, experiments and activities . Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners.

Which of these experiments helped your kids learn more?

"Fiery Foam" experiment

Burning liquid soap

Make fiery foam at home!

Reagents and equip­ment:

• liq­uid soap;
• gas from cig­a­rette lighters;
• rub­ber or sil­i­con hose;
• large bowl;
• cig­a­rette lighter.

Step-by-step in­struc­tions

Pour wa­ter into a bowl and dis­solve liq­uid soap in it. Start to bub­ble the gas through the soapy so­lu­tion un­til a suf­fi­cient amount of thick foam forms. Stop the bub­bling. Wet your hand and place a lit­tle of the foam on it. Bring a lighter up to the foam – the foam quick­ly flares and burns, with­out burn­ing your hand. (Don’t do this near the bowl with the re­main­ing foam, so that it doesn’t catch fire).

Pro­cess­es de­scrip­tion

The gas used in cig­a­rette lighters is a high­ly flammable mix­ture of propane and bu­tane. If it is passed through soapy wa­ter, a foam forms, with bub­bles filled with com­bustible gas. If you wet your hand first, you can set fire to this foam on your hand. The propane-bu­tane mix­ture burns quick­ly, so it won’t burn the ex­per­i­menter’s hand.

Safe­ty pre­cau­tions

Avoid burns – make sure your hand is wet! Wear pro­tec­tive glass­es. Don’t con­duct the ex­per­i­ment near flammable sub­stances and ob­jects. Fire-ex­tin­guish­ing equip­ment should be at the ready. Fol­low gen­er­al safe­ty rec­om­men­da­tions. Chem­i­cal ex­per­i­ments must be car­ried out in full com­pli­ance with the leg­is­la­tion of your coun­try.

Warn­ing! Sub­stances of this ex­per­i­ment are tox­ic and high­ly dan­ger­ous for your health. Do not try this at home. Only un­der pro­fes­sion­al su­per­vi­sion.

Dozens of experiments you can do at home

One of the most exciting and ambitious home-chemistry educational projects The Royal Society of Chemistry

Cool Foam Experiment For Kids – Fun and Easy

Many kids love science experiments where there are mild explosions or something is changing dramatically. My son, Cory, loves the Coke and Mentos and Magic Balloon experiments because of this fact. The experiment I will show you today is a cool foam experiment for kids which is Cory’s second favorite science activity. His favorite one is the Colorful Egg Drop Experiment , which I must admit is pretty amazing.

Today’s activity is a cool foam experiment for kids that is fun and easy to do. Your kids will love the mild explosion it creates. It is officially called Elephant Toothpaste. This activity encourages children to mix kitchen ingredients to create a foam that oozes out of its container.

The ingredients needed for this experiment are…

• ½ cup of Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1 squirt of Dawn dish soap
• 5 drops of food coloring
• 15 ml of warm water
• .25 oz Fleischmann’s Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
• Goggles to protect eyes
• Gloves to protect hands

Cool Foam Experiment for Kids

My son and I will show you how to do this experiment step-by-step via video. This is an excellent activity to do during rainy, extremely hot, and snow days.

The video below comes from my son’s YouTube channel called, Corban’s Fun Learning Adventures. Please subscribe if you like what you see!

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6 thoughts on “ Cool Foam Experiment For Kids – Fun and Easy ”

Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you

Thank you! I am glad you like the content!

Fab post thanks. I’m always looking for ideas to do stuff with the kiddos.

WOW I don’t even have kids and want to embark upon these projects, nice work!

Thank you! I enjoy doing this projects myself! LOL

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Exploding Ivory Soap | Because Science Should Be FUN!

By: Author Charlene Hess

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2024

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Looking for info on how to do the exploding Ivory soap experiment? Check out this complete write up!

This exploding Ivory soap is a great example of a fun exploding STEM experiment . Preschoolers especially will love this engaging science activity.

Ivory soap is one of those classic household items that almost everyone has used at some point in their life. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s really inside of it?

Believe it or not, Ivory soap is made up of mostly air! In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at the science behind Ivory soap and find out why it explodes when you put it in water.

So are you ready to have some fun with science? This STEAM activity for kids is a great place to start!

Let’s go!

Easy Navigation

What Is Ivory Soap Made Of?

Ivory soap is one of the most recognizable brands of soap on the market. It has been around for over 140 years and is known for its characteristic white color and simple, clean scent.

But what is ivory soap made of? The answer may surprise you.

Ivory soap is actually made from a couple of different kinds of oil – palm oil and castor oil. These oils are combined with sodium hydroxide (lye), water, and a few other inconsequential ingredients(magnesium for example) to create what is called “soapstock.”

This soapstock is then mixed with air and passed through a machine that transforms it into the familiar bars of Ivory soap.

Finally, the bars are stamped with the Ivory logo and packaged for sale. So there you have it – the next time you reach for a bar of Ivory soap, you’ll know exactly what’s inside.

Now the question is what can we do with this information?

What Are Some Other Fun Science Experiments For Kids?

Before we dive into the exploding Ivory soap science experiment, be sure to take a look at these other fun science experiments and STEM activities for kids!

• STEM activities for preschoolers
• STEAM activities for elementary
• The Ultimate Collection of STEM Activities

If your kids like science,they are sure to love some of these amazing activity ideas!

Scientific Method Worksheets – Free Download

Before you move on, we’ve got some free scientific method worksheets for you to download and enjoy. These printable worksheets are useful for any science experiment, science project, STEM challenge, or STEM projects your students might be engaging in.

Turn every science project and STEAM activity into a thought-provoking STEM challenge. Plus give left brain and right brain kiddos alike a chance to utilize their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Get yours now!

About The Exploding Ivory Soap Science Experiment

Whoever decided to put soap in the microwave is amazing! Putting Ivory soap in the microwave will be an experiment that you and the kids will talk about as it’s simple and exciting to watch.

If you aren’t sure you have any Ivory brand soap around the house a quick way to check is by putting it in a bowl of water. If it floats, you have Ivory soap. 

How To Make Ivory Soap Explode

Your kids are going to love this quick and easy science experiment!

• Ivory Brand Soap
• Microwave Safe Dish

Instructions

• Unwrap soap and place it on a microwave-safe dish.

• Watch the soap as it “explodes!” You will see this start to happen within the first 10 seconds or so.  

• If you want to touch the soap be careful, it is warm, especially underneath all the “fluff.”
• When we were done with the soap “fluff” the kids used them in the shower, it was fun and they were squeaky clean.
• We looked at Ivory soap and how it was different from other soaps by putting it in water first to see if it floats compared to other soaps. Ivory soap floated while the other soap sank.
• After we had the Ivory soap in water we put it in the microwave to see if a wet Ivory soap would “explode” more compared to a bar of dry Ivory soap. We notice the wet Ivory soap grew faster and larger than the dry Ivory soap. 
• The soap is brittle and fragile to touch after it comes out of the microwave so if you are wanting it to stay whole be gentle.
• You can stop the microwave and move the soap “fluff” if it is getting too big or about to fall off the plate.

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Did you try this yourself?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Follow-Up Questions And Activities

Use the following questions and activities to keep the learning going!

•   What would happen if we microwaved other types of soap?
•  What happens if you microwave wet or dry soap?
•  What is so different about Ivory soap than other soaps?
• Learn about the soap-making process and make your own soap. Consider exploring a lesson on entrepreneurship.
• Look at Ivory soap and how it is made, try and recreate it. 
• Measure the height and weight of your soap before and after the microwave.
• Conduct an experiment using the scientific method (and these free scientific method worksheets ) where you compare and contrast various brands of soap. Compare things like explosion rate, short-term effect on the skin, long-term effect on the skin, smell, effect on hair, etc.

Why Does Ivory Soap Explode In The Microwave? The Science Behind Exploding Ivory Soap

Ivory soap is made with air bubbles therefore it is lighter than other soaps and reacts differently when heated up in a microwave.

Since Ivory soap has all of those air pockets when it is heated up in the microwave, water molecules inside the air pockets cause it to expand or “explode” and make this amazing project!

Free Printable Exploding STEM Project

Want a free project sample? Sign up to have one of the projects sent to you so you can get an idea of the type of experiment guides you’ll get in our STEM Made Easy Digital Subscription!

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Exploding Soap Science Experiment

• October 5, 2018
• by ItsySparks
• ItsySparks , Mini Scientists

This is probably one of the quickest science experiments you can do, while receiving one of the biggest “WOW” factor from your kiddos!

Basically, all you need is a bar of Ivory brand soap and a microwavable plate!

As with a lot of our experiments, we like to do a sink or float test. Ask your child to predict whether the bar of soap will sink or float, then put it in a bowl of water to test it out.  We tested another brand at the same time:  the Ivory brand floated while the other brand sank.

Check out some interesting facts we found on Ivory soap and and the history behind why this brand of soap  floats !

Now, let’s prepare for the fun experiment!  Place your Ivory bar of soap on a microwavable plate. With a knife, cut the bar of soap into pieces. Then pop the plate into the microwave for 1-2 minutes and see what happens!  (Note: Microwave ovens vary, so keep an eye on it. We left our soap in for exactly 2 minutes.)

Take it out of the microwave, and get ready for the “Whoooaaaa!” from your kids!  The boys were so excited to see the soap explode! They could not stop giggling!  (Warning: the soap is quite hot to the touch when you first take it out, so be careful. The good news is that it cools down rather quickly so the kids don’t have to wait too long!)

This happens because the bar of soap has air bubbles in it.  When heated up, it expands! Scientist Steve Spangler explains this experiment in detail and even has a great  video that goes with it.

We tried the same experiment using Olay brand soap, and as you can see, we did not get the same result!

And there you have it!  Isn’t that so much fun?!  A quick, simple, and super fun science experiment — and all you need is a bar of Ivory soap!

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