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The Didja Know Show... In the Lab! How to make "Elephant's Toothpaste"!
In this energetic episode of The Didja Know Show, hosts Hannah and Caitlin take us back to the lab with an engaging science experiment known as "Elephant's Toothpaste". This fun-filled demonstration is not only entertaining but also teaches valuable lessons about chemical reactions.
### What You'll Need
To replicate this sensational experiment, gather the following materials:
- **Small cup**
- **3 tablespoons of warm water**
- **Packet of yeast**
- **Dish soap**
- **½ cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide**
- **Food coloring**
- **Clean empty plastic bottle**
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Bottle**: Pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the plastic bottle.
2. **Add Color**: Add about 28 drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle. The hosts recommend green for its vibrant look.
3. **Mix Soap**: Pour in about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and swirl it gently to mix.
4. **Activate Yeast**: In a small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast, stirring for about 30 seconds.
5. **Combine Ingredients**: Pour the yeast mixture into the plastic bottle quickly.
### The Reaction
What happens next is a delightful spectacle! The chemical reaction generates a fantastic foamy eruption that resembles a large, colorful "mountain". The yeast acts as a catalyst, breaking down the hydrogen peroxide and producing oxygen, which creates the bubbly foam. A remarkable side effect of this reaction is that the bottle will feel warm to the touch; this is due to the exothermic nature of the reaction, producing heat as well.
### Educational Takeaway
This experiment not only dazzles with its visual appeal but also serves as a hands-on demonstration of scientific principles. By discussing how the yeast catalyzes the reaction and the concept of exothermic processes, Hannah and Caitlin encourage young scientists to explore and understand the science behind the magic.
### Engage with the Community
Don’t forget—if you attempt this experiment, the Didja Know Show invites you to post your video response of the demonstration. Encourage creativity and share your own experiments in the comments below!
Have you tried this experiment or something similar? What other fun science activities do you enjoy? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in this thread. Let's spark a conversation about science experiments we can do at home!
In this energetic episode of The Didja Know Show, hosts Hannah and Caitlin take us back to the lab with an engaging science experiment known as "Elephant's Toothpaste". This fun-filled demonstration is not only entertaining but also teaches valuable lessons about chemical reactions.
### What You'll Need
To replicate this sensational experiment, gather the following materials:
- **Small cup**
- **3 tablespoons of warm water**
- **Packet of yeast**
- **Dish soap**
- **½ cup of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide**
- **Food coloring**
- **Clean empty plastic bottle**
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Bottle**: Pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the plastic bottle.
2. **Add Color**: Add about 28 drops of your favorite food coloring into the bottle. The hosts recommend green for its vibrant look.
3. **Mix Soap**: Pour in about 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap and swirl it gently to mix.
4. **Activate Yeast**: In a small cup, combine the warm water and the yeast, stirring for about 30 seconds.
5. **Combine Ingredients**: Pour the yeast mixture into the plastic bottle quickly.
### The Reaction
What happens next is a delightful spectacle! The chemical reaction generates a fantastic foamy eruption that resembles a large, colorful "mountain". The yeast acts as a catalyst, breaking down the hydrogen peroxide and producing oxygen, which creates the bubbly foam. A remarkable side effect of this reaction is that the bottle will feel warm to the touch; this is due to the exothermic nature of the reaction, producing heat as well.
### Educational Takeaway
This experiment not only dazzles with its visual appeal but also serves as a hands-on demonstration of scientific principles. By discussing how the yeast catalyzes the reaction and the concept of exothermic processes, Hannah and Caitlin encourage young scientists to explore and understand the science behind the magic.
### Engage with the Community
Don’t forget—if you attempt this experiment, the Didja Know Show invites you to post your video response of the demonstration. Encourage creativity and share your own experiments in the comments below!
Have you tried this experiment or something similar? What other fun science activities do you enjoy? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in this thread. Let's spark a conversation about science experiments we can do at home!
