Embedded Files
Learning Target: I can select and use the right tools to take scientific measurement during labs.
Learning Target: I can select and use the right tools to take scientific measurement during labs.
Elephant Toothpaste Lab
Elephant Toothpaste Lab
With a name like Elephant Toothpaste - how could it not be awesome, right? In this lab, you have have the opportunity to finally make something "explode" just like you've always dreamed of doing in science class. Be sure to follow the procedures below and to follow all safety measures while completing the lab.
Supplies Needed
Supplies Needed
1 tsp. of active, dry yeast
2 tbsp. hot water
4 tbsp. 3% hydrogen peroxide
½ tbsp. dish soap
2-3 few drops of food coloring
1 small bottle with a neck or a tall cylinder
1 cheap metal cake pan
The Procedure
The Procedure
1. Mix the yeast and water, set aside for 30 seconds to 1 minute
be sure to place your bottle on a cookie sheet or in a 9 x 13 glass pan so there's less of a mess to clean up at the end.
2. Pour the Hydrogen Peroxide into the bottle.
3. Add soap and food coloring
4. Gently swish the Hydrogen Peroxide, soap, and food coloring
5. Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and stand back!
The Science
The basic idea is this: first mix concentrated hydrogen peroxide with some liquid soap. Then add a catalyst to make the hydrogen peroxide break down quickly. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water. There is a lot of oxygen trapped in peroxide, so this rapid decomposition results in lots of oxygen that needs to quickly push out of the container. As the peroxide breaks down, the soap that was mixed in will also combine with the water (from the break down process), and turn into foam. The oxygen gushing out is what makes the soap bubbles move. Often some food coloring is added before the catalyst, which makes the resulting column of foam that gushes out look even more like toothpaste.
***Don't forget to complete your Day 2 Observations for yesterday's Rock Candy Lab. Use the link above to write out your observations. ***
***Don't forget to complete your Day 2 Observations for yesterday's Rock Candy Lab. Use the link above to write out your observations. ***
Page updated
Report abuse