So you saw our Boo!seum Bash video, and you want to try to make "pumpkin toothpaste" at home, huh? Well, it is a great way to see science in action in your own backyard! This lesson plan will give you all of the steps you need to recreate this awesome chemical reaction.
Now, what exactly happens when you make our "pumpkin toothpaste?" The molecular formula for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2, meaning it takes two molecules of hydrogen and two molecules of oxygen to create hydrogen peroxide. When you introduce a catalyst like active yeast into this formula, it starts to break the hydrogen peroxide down to water
and oxygen. Oxygen is a gas, and when the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it wants to escape! When we mix in some dish soap with our solution, the gas escaping causes the large bubbles and foam that we see during this experiment.
MATERIALS NEEDED
1. A plastic or glass clear container
2. Active dry yeast
3. Warm water
4. 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
a. This is the type you buy at the drugstore, and is safe to use at home! If you saw our Boo!seum Bash video, we used 30% hydrogen peroxide. Even though it provides a bigger explosion of bubbles, the higher concentration is a little more dangerous and can burn skin if not handled properly.
5. Dish soap
6. Measuring cups
TIPS
1. Although this experiment is child friendly, it is always important to have adult
supervision when working with chemicals.
2. Always wear safety glasses when practicing science.
3. The foam caused by this experience will be a little warm, but it is safe to touch!
ACTIVITY
1. Measure out ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, and carefully pour it into your clear
container.
2. Add a generous squirt of dish soap to the container and give it a gentle swirl to
mix it in.
3. If you want to add color to your elephant toothpaste, now is the time to add a few
drops of food coloring.
4. In a measuring cup or bowl, add one tablespoon of active dry yeast and three
tablespoons of warm water. Stir for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Pour the yeast solution into the bottle, take a step back, and watch a chemical
reaction in action!
Watch out Boo!seum video here. Happy Halloween from all of us at MTCC.