Elephant Toothpaste

Submitted by Daniel Sweet, 4-H Educator

This week at the 4-H Tribal Mentoring program at Salmon River Central and St. Regis Mohawk schools, 4-H'ers engaged in an exciting chemistry project: Elephant Toothpaste. The Elephant Toothpaste experiment shows a chemical reaction that occurs between hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and dish soap. In this hands-on project, 4-H'ers experienced the properties of a chemical reaction.

For the experiment, 4-H Mentors and Mentees split up into small groups, and were handed a list of ingredients needed for the reaction to take place. Upon receiving the ingredients, the mentees were asked to predict the result of the experiment. Predictions for Elephant Toothpaste varied greatly, some groups believing there would be a slight fizzle and pop, while others predicting a large geyser, covering the room in toothpaste. After hearing each group's ideas about the reaction, it was time to start mixing the ingredients. For this experiment, 4-H'ers were handed empty water bottles, a metal container, hydrogen peroxide (the higher concentration, the better!), dish soap, food coloring, a packet of yeast, and warm water. 4-H Mentors were given the instructions in order to help facilitate the experiment, guiding the mentees in the right direction. The project consisted of placing the hydrogen peroxide, soap, and food coloring in the empty water bottle, which was then placed in the metal container to prevent a mess. In a small cup to the side, warm water and yeast are mixed together and then poured into the water bottle, which creates the chemical reaction. While some of 4-H'ers predictions were correct, they were very curious to know why the reaction took place.

So what happened during the experiment? 4-H'ers learned that when all of the ingredients were mixed together, a chemical reaction took place. The chemical reaction in this project is called decomposition, or the breakdown of molecules. Hydrogen Peroxide naturally breaks down into both water and Oxygen over time. When yeast is mixed with the hydrogen peroxide, this reaction speeds up, which makes yeast a catalyst. The Oxygen created from the breaking down of hydrogen peroxide is then trapped in the soap, which creates a thick, foamy, geyser which overflows out of the water bottle, filling the metal container. During the reaction, 4-H'ers were asked to put their hands near the foam and water bottle, which they noticed had warmed up; when a chemical reaction releases heat, it is known as an exothermic reaction.

Each week 4-H'ers are introduced to a STEM project, game, or creative activity in order to spark their interests in different topics. The 4-H Tribal Mentoring Program aims to inspire the youth, and match them with a mentor who shares similar interests, to help guide them not only in the program, but throughout the entire year as well. The 4-H afterschool Mentoring Program is available to all 5th grade students at both St. Regis Mohawk Elementary School, and Salmon River Elementary School, with registration forms located in the main office at each location. Mentors, or students in both good academic standing and attendance between grades 7-12 can apply through the Middle School main office.

http://franklin.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-after-school-programs/-akwesasne-mentoring-program