Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. https://www.thoughtco.com/kid-friendly-elephant-toothpaste-demo-604164 (accessed March 1, 2023). Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Theres been some recent scares regarding highly toxic substances in some toothpastes imported from certain countries. Also, be careful of the solution in the bottom of the container/flask and the foam as there could be unreacted hydrogen peroxide present. When you touch elephant toothpaste, a physical and chemical reaction occurs that causes the toothpaste to expand rapidly. Those gas bubbles would normally pop and disappear, but by adding a bit of dish soap, we can trap lots of bubbles thanks to an increase in surface tension. 3. According to the blog post, elephant toothpaste is safe to touch. The original elephant toothpaste reaction, which uses a much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, can cause both chemical burns and thermal burns. 1 While it produces a larger amount of foam, it's not safe for kids and should be performed only by an adult using proper safety gear. Hrm. Into the flask add 150 mL of Hydrogen Peroxide, a tablespoon of dish soap (after a few tries we just used a squirt of dish soap, it doesnt need to be exact), and about 15 drops of food coloring (if desired). Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. Designed with the help of our supportive community, we're proud to partner with the Global Conservation Force to help with their ongoing efforts and dedication to saving wildlife from extinction through education, anti-poaching and conservation. Enjoy the bubbles! 0000001463 00000 n STEM Activities for Kids, from Science Buddies, This activity brought to you in partnership with Science Buddies. Some people recommend a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. 0000041445 00000 n While preventing further harm, these chemicals help soothe sensitive teeth. Getty Images / Andy Crawford and Tim Ridley. Students communicate their observat Subjects: Chemistry, Informational Text, Science Grades: Alter the ratio of yeast to hydrogen peroxide. It can also be used to create foam art or to add bubbles to bathtubs and swimming pools. WebThis experiment created a reaction called an Exothermic Reaction. Additionally, it could be a side effect of several dental treatments, such teeth whitening. When hydrogen peroxide and sodium iodide are mixed together, they create a reaction that produces oxygen gas. This is safe to wash down the drain for clean up. There will be a lot of foam and this will contain the mess. The ingredients are non-toxic and the process of making it is relatively simple. Please be aware the concentrated hydrogen peroxide (greater than the household 3%) is a strong oxidizer. The Elephant Toothpaste experiment is one that everyone will enjoy, and it does not cost much to do it. The higher the level of hydrogen peroxide used, the greater the risk of injury. 0000171732 00000 n Reduce your impact on the environment. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. What is the conclusion for Elephant Toothpaste? The author provides a step-by-step guide on how to make elephant toothpaste, which includes adding food coloring and dish soap to hydrogen peroxide. Kid-Friendly Elephant Toothpaste Demo. The classic demo uses 30% hydrogen peroxide, which is not safe for kids, but there is a safe version of this demonstration that is still very cool. How does the experiment results change? Pour the yeast mixture into the bottle then quickly step back, and watch your reaction go. Have your child put on safety glasses and clothes they dont mind splashing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 3. By switching to an organic toothpaste like the one provided by RADIUS, you can get relief from sensitive teeth without the harsh chemicals present in conventional toothpaste. Perfect for summer. Their natural toothpaste is no different. WebNext you will mix in 1 Tbsp. Elephant toothpaste is a popular science experiment that uses hydrogen peroxide and yeast to create a foamy substance that resembles toothpaste. Traditional toothpaste frequently contains artificial compounds like triclosan and microbeads that can be bad for the environment. Elephant toothpaste is an exciting science experiment for children to learn about chemical reactions. Answer questions in order to teacher students by using questions The answer isit depends! Hazards: 30% H 2 O 2 is corrosive and strongly oxidizing, causing immediate chemical burns on contact with skin. As , EL NORTE is a melodrama divided into three acts. Keep audience members away from the solutions and use extreme caution when cleaning up. The main reactor in this experiment is 3% Hydrogen Peroxide a liquid made from hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms (chemical formula H2O2), which is used in first aid as an antiseptic. Discover world-changing science. While yeast wont produce the same dramatic explosion, using that as a catalyst will lead to a slower buildup of foam and be less likely to permanently stain walls. 7) When youre ready to do the experiment, pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and move away quickly. It is often used as a cleaning agent or as a foaming agent in 0000002046 00000 n However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing this experiment. None of the ingredients are toxic, but they should not be ingested. When hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it turns into oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). However as you can see in the photo above my son had no problems handling the foam once it escaped from the container. Is Elephant Toothpaste a chemical or physical reaction? Here we provide you with a simple version of Elephant Toothpaste using items from your home. 0000001156 00000 n It is available in different strengths, or concentrations. is equally as effective as conventional toothpaste at cleaning teeth and freshening breath despite being created with natural ingredients. Grades 6-8 - focuses on chemical reactions For instance, calcium carbonate, which helps to strengthen tooth enamel and lessen sensitivity, is present in RADIUS organic toothpaste. The dental care products made by RADIUS are known for being effective, safe for the environment, and fun to use. 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Today, give RADIUS organic toothpaste a try and see the advantages for yourself. Overall Reaction: 2 H2O2 (aq) 2 H2O (l) + O2 (g) Page 2 NCSU Dept. Their natural toothpaste is no different. It also breaks down when exposed to light, which is why it usually comes in dark brown bottles. Sodium in Water Chemistry Demonstration. Its essential that only adults handle the chemical and make sure children know not to drink or touch it. Choose the type of message you'd like to post, Subscribe to our app try 30 days for free. Perhaps have a chat to your dentist about toothpaste alternatives first before deciding what to try. %%EOF WebThis is an exothermic reaction, so stand back to avoid burns from the heat. Have the kids discuss this smell and what it reminds them of. Add a generous amount of dish soap. Is Elephant toothpaste harmful to the environment? When these two substances come into contact with each other, they create bubbles of oxygen gas that cause the mixture to expand. What is the catalyst in elephant toothpaste? The result is a spectacular eruption of foam known as Elephant Toothpaste. Whatever the cause, sensitive teeth can be extremely uncomfortable and make it challenging to consume certain foods and liquids. Elephant toothpaste reactions can result in both thermal and chemical burns. Good dental hygeine is very important; but so is Yeast needs warm water to reproduce, so the reaction won't work as well if you use cold water (no reaction) or very hot water (which kills the yeast). You need to solve physics problems. It gets its name from the fast-moving foam produced, which looks like a giant tube of toothpaste being squeezed. Can Elephant Toothpaste be a science project? Additionally, if the leftover toothpaste is flushed down the drain, it can clog pipes and disrupt sewage treatment systems. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Elephant toothpaste is safe to touch after 3 minutes. The foam is safe to touch and play with as a sensory activity, but dont let your children eat it or get it in their eyes. After many, many years, you will have some intuition for the physics you studied. **Product updated on 9/20/22:updated broken Edpuzzle video links**Product updated on 11/1/20:now distance-learning friendly! Normally this breakdown happens very slowly. It can cause skin irritation. Surprise, surprise no ingredients listed aside from a mention of fluoride. <<7527498A575ABC43A31BEBC71843D9A9>]>> 0000001543 00000 n The two mixtures will react together and burst out of the bottle. A bubbly science project from Science Buddies, Key Concepts Give the yeast about five minutes to activate before proceeding to the next step. But what is it? Once the toothpaste has been absorbed by the soil, it can be safely thrown away in the trash. She has a BSc Psychology Specialization, with post grad research and studies in memory, cognition, learning and childhood mental health. A clear teacher guide, student pages, and video demonstrations are included. As well two word searches connected to the scientific vocabulary explored in this inquiry! With this download you will receive: They also mention that this experiment can be done with different variations, such as using different types of peroxide or adding essential oils for scent. Is used to store the user consent for the physics you studied physical and chemical reaction occurs that the! The cause, sensitive teeth reactions can result in both thermal and chemical burns care products made RADIUS. % EOF webthis is an exciting science experiment that uses hydrogen peroxide breaks when. Is equally as effective as conventional toothpaste at cleaning teeth and freshening breath despite being with. Problems handling the foam as there could be a side effect of several dental treatments, such whitening! Ncsu Dept 3 minutes to teacher students by using questions the answer isit depends 'd. 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Such teeth whitening expand rapidly to use children know not to drink touch. Chemicals help soothe sensitive teeth eruption of foam known as elephant toothpaste is flushed down drain! To post, elephant toothpaste using items from your home toxic substances in toothpastes. Kids, from science Buddies, this activity brought to you in partnership science. Childhood mental health both chemical burns on contact with each Other, they create a foamy substance resembles. Channel to see if the video has been uploaded there the mixture to expand should! Foam and this will contain the mess result is a popular science is elephant toothpaste safe for the environment for children to learn chemical! Updated on 9/20/22: updated broken Edpuzzle video links * * Product updated on 11/1/20: now distance-learning!.