Test Science with DIY Elephant Toothpaste

Craftin’ with Catton’s Valentine’s Day inspired experiment 

Who doesn’t love holiday-themed experiments? Especially when you can make it your own. Elephant Toothpaste is hands down my stepdaughter’s favourite experiment. It’s so quick and easy, plus we love changing up the colour each time and adding glitter!

DIY Elephant Toothpaste 

Materials

• Empty water bottles
• Dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Yeast
• Measuring cup
• Tablespoon
• Tray/bucket (to catch the reaction)
• Small container (to mix the yeast)
• Funnel *optional
• Glitter *optional
• Food colouring *optional

STEP 1

Start by adding 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the water bottle.

STEP 2

Add a few drops of dish soap, but don’t shake the bottle afterwards.

STEP 3

At this point, add glitter or food colouring, if you choose to do so. We did pink glitter and red food colouring for a Valentine’s Day theme.

STEP 4

Now, it’s time to mix the yeast! Mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 3 tablespoons of very warm water and stir. It may still be clumpy and that’s totally fine.

Immediately dump the mixture into the water bottle (use the funnel to make it easier) and watch the reaction occur.

STEP 5

You can continue to try this with different shaped cups. We tried a plastic champagne flute and a clear solo cup. Nova thought it was so cool how the reactions were different. It was really fast with the flute and so slow with the solo cup.

Lastly, we did another water bottle, but with blue and green food colouring this time.

This experiment never gets old! The reaction is so much fun and it doubles as a sensory bin, as well. Nova spent a good hour just playing in the reaction afterwards. Add some small toys or containers and enjoy!

About the author

Ashley Gilbert

DIY Blogger at Adventures of a Stepmom | Website

Local DIY Blogger Ashley Gilbert (formerly Catton) is regularly testing out child-friendly science experiments, crafting ideas and activities with her step-daughter, Nova and son, Coleson. Since 2016, she has called Fort McMurray home with her husband Curtis. In every issue of YMM Parent, you will find Craftin’ with Catton, which is a spin-off from her blog – Adventures of a Stepmom. Check out her crafty DIY garden kit packages for children and adults. Prices vary for selected kits. Go to her ‘Adventures of a Stepmom’ Facebook page for prices and more details.