512-668-9918Impress Your Students with Elephant Toothpaste
Looking for a classroom experiment that’s safe, simple, and guaranteed to get a reaction? The Elephant Toothpaste demonstration checks all the boxes—and then some. With just a few accessible ingredients, you can create a foamy, fast-moving eruption that amazes students of all ages while reinforcing key science concepts.
Lab Alley
Lab Alley
At the heart of this reaction is potassium iodide, a powerful catalyst that makes this experiment not just exciting to watch, but educationally rich as well.
What Is Elephant Toothpaste?
Elephant Toothpaste is a popular science experiment that creates a dramatic, oversized stream of foam, resembling toothpaste being squeezed out of a tube—if that tube belonged to an elephant. The reaction is an exothermic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, catalyzed by potassium iodide.
The result? A colorful, steaming tower of foam that captures attention and creates a lasting memory in your classroom.
Why Teachers Love This Experiment
1. Simple Setup, Big Impact
You only need a few basic materials to pull it off:
- Hydrogen peroxide (typically 6–12% for safe classroom use)
- Potassium iodide (acts as a catalyst)
- Dish soap
- Food coloring (optional for extra visual appeal)
- A container and safety gear (gloves, goggles)
Despite its simplicity, the visual effect is dramatic and perfect for capturing curiosity at the start of a unit or reinforcing key ideas in chemistry.
2. Teachable Concepts
Elephant Toothpaste opens the door to a wide range of teachable moments:
- Catalysis: How potassium iodide speeds up the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
- Exothermic reactions: The release of heat as part of the reaction.
- States of matter: Solid, liquid, and gas all play a role in the demonstration.
- Decomposition reactions: Breaking down of a compound into simpler substances.
Whether you're teaching middle school general science or high school chemistry, this demonstration can be scaled to fit the lesson.
3. Safe and Classroom-Friendly
When done with the right concentrations and protective gear, this experiment is safe for classroom use. It doesn’t require open flames or expensive equipment, making it ideal for science fairs, demonstrations, or even virtual learning experiences.
4. Memorable for All Ages
Younger students are captivated by the spectacle, while older students appreciate the science behind it. It’s a rare activity that crosses grade levels and learning styles, making it a valuable addition to your teaching toolkit.
Where to Get Potassium Iodide
If you're looking to spark curiosity, build excitement, and leave a lasting impression on your students, Elephant Toothpaste delivers every time. It’s hands-on, visually striking, and packed with learning potential.
Stock up on your materials and get ready to turn your classroom into a chemistry show your students won’t forget.
Lab Alley offers high-quality potassium iodide ideal for educational use. Available in various quantities, it’s perfect for classrooms, STEM programs, or science kits.