Carolina Chemonstrations : Elephant Toothpaste

Enrich your students' study of kinetics, catalysts, and decomposition reactions with this unique take on a classic demonstration. Students make a prediction about the demonstration based on prior knowledge, observe the spectacular foaming action from the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and then explain their observations on a particulate level. The Elephant Toothpaste demonstration dramatically illustrates the effect of a catalyst on reaction kinetics and reinforces the importance of catalysts in living and physical systems. With Carolina Chemonstrations(tm), students are active participants in demonstrations. Materials are sufficient for 5 demonstrations and include: wooden splints; dish liquid, 3 oz; neoprene/latex gloves, large; 30% hydrogen peroxide, 30 mL; plastic bottles, 8 oz; potassium iodide, 10 g; and teacher's manual with reproducible student guide.