Looking for science activities for your kids? This Elephant Toothpaste Experiment takes a simple mix of ingredients and transforms it into a foamy eruption that looks like toothpaste fit for an elephant! It’s a classic activity that combines chemistry with pure fun, making it perfect for anyone curious about chemical reactions. It’s easy to set up with just a few household supplies.

Check out my list of Simple Homeschool Science Experiments for more science ideas.

What makes this experiment so exciting is watching the reaction in real time. The foam bursts out of the container, creating a colorful and dynamic show that’s hard to forget. It’s a great way to explore science all while having an unforgettable time.

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment in action.

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Fun Science Facts for Kids

Science is full of surprises that can make you look at the world differently. These fun facts are perfect for showing just how amazing the world of science can be!

Bananas Are Radioactive: Bananas contain potassium-40, a radioactive isotope, but don’t worry—they’re entirely safe to eat!
Bee Tracker: Bees can sense the Earth’s magnetic field. They use this natural compass to navigate and return to the hive.
Freezing or Boiling: Water can boil and freeze simultaneously at a specific pressure called the “triple point.”

Recommended Science Experiment Books

Experiment books are a great place to start if you’re looking to get more into science fun. Packed with ideas and step-by-step guides, they offer inspiration for hands-on activities. Whether you want simple experiments or more advanced challenges, these books can make learning even more exciting.

Super Simple Science Experiments for Curious Kids: 100 Awesome Activities Using Supplies You Already Own Awesome Kitchen Science Experiments for Kids: 50 STEAM Projects You Can Eat!Big Chemistry Experiments for Little Kids: A First Science Book for Ages 3 to 5 (Big Experiments for Little Kids)Science Experiments for Kids Ages 5 to 9: 101 Fun STEAM Projects for Curious Mind Steve Spangler’s Super-Cool Science Experiments for Kids: 50 mind-blowing STEM projects you can do at home (Steve Spangler Science Experiments for Kids)101 Great Science Experiments: A Step-by-Step Guide

Benefits of Science Experiments

Science experiments are such a fun way for kids to see how the world around them works. When they get to try things out for themselves, it’s like the science they’ve learned in books suddenly makes sense.

Watching a simple reaction or making something bubble over, those “aha!” moments help them connect the dots. Experimenting together also lets them ask questions, make observations, and think things through, keeping them excited.

What I love most about science experiments is how they make kids think outside the box. They learn that not everything works perfectly the first time, and that’s okay. They learn patience, problem-solving, and even a little bit of perseverance.

Whether they’re trying to figure out why something happened or experimenting with different materials, it’s an excellent way to nurture their curiosity and get them excited about learning.

Recommended Science Activity Kits

Science activity kits offer a convenient way to explore and enjoy experiments. All the materials included make trying new activities simple and exciting. These kits are a great way to discover science in a hands-on and enjoyable way.

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Elephant Toothpaste Activity Supplies

Here’s a complete list of supplies you’ll need to gather before starting the activity to ensure everything is ready:

Hydrogen Peroxide
Warm Water
Measuring Cups
Activated Yeast
Dish Soap
Blue Food Coloring
Red Food Coloring
Latex Gloves
Protective Eyeglasses
Plastic Bottle
Plastic Tub
Fork

Elephant Toothpaste Experiment supplies on a table.

How to make the exploding toothpaste activity?

We gathered everything we needed and set up our experiment in the kitchen, ready for some science fun.

The excitement was building as we put on our gloves and safety glasses, making us feel like real scientists ready for action. The best part was watching the kids eagerly prepare for the big moment, with eyes wide in anticipation.

As we slowly added each ingredient into the plastic bottle, the kids couldn’t stop asking questions about what would happen next. They loved how the dish soap swirled around, mixing with the food coloring to create a colorful concoction.

The bubbling reaction was a total surprise, and I could see the kids’ faces light up as they watched the foam erupt, overflowing from the bottle in an exciting display of chemistry at work.

They learned about reactions and cause-and-effect throughout the experiment, and I loved seeing their curiosity grow. They were fascinated by how such simple ingredients could create such a fantastic effect.

It was a perfect reminder of how science can turn everyday moments into something memorable and educational.

Elephant Toothpaste Explanation

This experiment works because of an incredible chemical reaction between the hydrogen peroxide and the yeast. When the yeast mixes with the warm water, it helps break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The dish soap traps the oxygen, creating bubbles overflowing the bottle, giving us that fun foam eruption.

The food coloring adds extra excitement to the whole process, making it even more fun to watch.

It’s a simple, yet powerful demonstration of how chemicals can react to create something unexpected. The best part is that it looks like magic, but it’s all science at work. The kids were amazed by how a few essential ingredients could lead to such a remarkable outcome, and it made so many questions about how things work.

More Science Experiments for Kids

Looking for more science fun? There are endless experiments out there that will keep kids engaged while learning about the world around them. These experiments are easy to set up and exciting, making them perfect for kids.

Clouds in a Jar Experiment
Cool Magic Milk Experiment You Have to Try
Hovercraft Science Experiment
Dancing Popcorn Experiment
Balloon Air Pressure Experiment by Darcy and Brian
Fall Science Experiments by Homeschool Preschool