Reindeer Toothpaste

What is Reindeer Toothpaste?

This festive twist on the classic Elephant Toothpaste Experiment uses simple ingredients to create a bubbly reaction that looks like toothpaste for a reindeer! It’s a great way to introduce kids to chemistry concepts like reactions and enzymes while adding some holiday cheer.

Recommended Grade Level: The Reindeer Toothpaste experiment is recommended for grades 4-8 due to safety factors associated with handling 12% hydrogen peroxide and the potential for heat production during the reaction. Here’s why:

Younger students (grades K-3) should only observe the experiment conducted by an adult or teacher wearing proper safety gear. They can still enjoy the visual effects and learn about the science behind the reaction but should not handle the materials.

Supplies:

• ½ cup 12% hydrogen peroxide liquid
• ¼ cup warm water (or use 2 tablespoons of warm water)
• 1 tbsp activated yeast (or one ¼ oz yeast packet)
• 1 tbsp dish soap (like Dawn)
• Red and green food coloring (or blue food coloring)
• Gold or metallic glitter (optional)
• Latex gloves
• Safety goggles
• 1-liter plastic bottle
• Plastic tub or pan with sides
• Measuring cups
• Fork

⚠️ Safety Warning:

• Always wear gloves and safety goggles when handling hydrogen peroxide liquid.
• Supervise children at all times, as hydrogen peroxide can irritate skin and eyes.
• Perform this experiment in a well-ventilated area and on a surface that can be easily cleaned (this can get messy!).
• The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The plastic bottle and the foam inside may get hot, so avoid touching the top of the bottle during or immediately after the reaction. Allow it to cool before handling.

Reindeer Toothpaste Instructions:

Watch the Video:

Gather Ingredients: Collect all supplies and wear safety goggles and gloves. Place the empty plastic bottle in the tub or pan.

Mix Hydrogen Peroxide Liquid & Soap: Carefully pour hydrogen peroxide into the bottle and add dish soap. Gently swirl to mix.

Add Holiday Colors: For the overall color, add 4-5 drops of green food coloring and glitter to the hydrogen peroxide mixture. For a festive effect, place a few drops of red food coloring (or drops of peppermint essential oil) around the bottle’s lip (as shown below).

Prepare Yeast Mixture: In a small container, combine 2 tablespoons of warm water and 1 tablespoon of yeast (or one yeast packet) and stir with a fork.

Combine and Watch: Slowly pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and step back to watch the reaction create a massive amount of bubbly foam erupting from the top of the bottle!

Reindeer Toothpaste Science Information

Reindeer Toothpaste demonstrates an exothermic chemical reaction powered by an enzyme called catalase, found in living organisms. An enzyme is a special type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in living things. It makes reactions happen faster without being used up or changed itself.

When yeast (which contains the catalase enzyme) is added to hydrogen peroxide, the enzyme breaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. The dish soap traps the oxygen, forming oxygen bubbles and foam, while the reaction releases heat.

Unlike exothermic reactions, endothermic reactions absorb heat from their surroundings, making the environment cooler. A perfect example includes combining baking soda and vinegar. Comparing these reactions helps kids understand how energy flows during chemical processes!

💡 Try our ornament volcanoes with baking soda and vinegar to compare the reactions!

Why 12% Hydrogen Peroxide?
Using 12% hydrogen peroxide gives a more dramatic reaction. While 3% or 6% can work, they may not produce the same streaks of foam or visual impact.

We used regular household hydrogen peroxide for this Valentine Exothermic Reaction.

Free Printable Christmas STEM Activity Guide!