The Fantastic Foamy Fountain Experiment

• Introduction:

This experiment is exploring the effects of combining a variety of chemicals in the same space. I will be adding a catalyst (yeast) to hydrogen peroxide. My first hypothesis is that the reaction between my chemicals will create foam. My second hypothesis is that the reaction will be strong enough to send the foam out of the container.

• Method
• Participants: For this experiment, I am conducting the experiment. I am 24 years old, male, and NZ Pakeha. I may ask a student to assist me. Their age will range from 10-14 years of age.

• Resources:

1. A clean glass container
2. ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, 6%
3. 1 tablespoon of dry yeast
4. 3 tablespoons of warm water
5. Liquid dishwashing soap
6. Food colouring (blue, red and green)
7. Small cup
8. Safety goggles
9. Funnel

• Procedure

1. Place the container either outside, or somewhere where it won’t make a mess.
2. Measure out and pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the glass container.
3. Add 8 drops of food colouring into the container.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap liquid into the container.
5. Shake the container gently for a few seconds to mix the contents so far.
6. In a small cup, combine the warm water, and the yeast. Mix with a spoon for about 30 seconds.
7. Pour the yeast mixture into the container (use a funnel if necessary) and step back.

• Results:

When combined, there was a reaction. A certain amount of coloured foam was generated. The foam did come out of the container.

• Discussion:

• Why it happened: This foamy reaction occurred because Yeast and Hydrogen Peroxide were combined. Yeast releases the oxygen in hydrogen peroxide when the two are combined. This release was extremely quick, resulting in a lot of oxygen bubbles, hence the foam.

• Conclusion:

• Hypothesis 1 was supported, as foam was created. My second hypothesis was also supported, as the foam left the container. The new hypothesis is if we add double the yeast amount, there will be a significantly larger amount of foam generated.