Students build on prior science investigations to research how elephant toothpaste demonstrates gas production, matter change, and thermal energy release. Working independently with teacher guidance and within safe material limits, they precisely conduct trials, analyze evidence, and design, test, and revise a device that safely contains the foam or controls heat transfer. Teacher and peer critique support stronger procedures, scientific explanations, self-management, and collaboration skills. Students reflect on their learning and present a revised demonstration and slideshow explaining what they did, how the reaction works, and what they would improve to an authentic audience.

Students will connect prior science experiences to explain how the elephant toothpaste reaction forms oxygen gas, changes matter, and releases thermal energy. They will research a self-generated question using several credible sources, develop focused follow-up questions, and precisely follow a teacher-approved procedure using measured quantities and safe self-management. Students will independently design, test, analyze, and revise a reaction device, using teacher or peer critique to improve safety, control, and understanding. They will exhibit the final product through a slideshow for available viewers and reflect on their analysis, revisions, communication, and relationship-building when working with others.

Students will develop a research question, source notes, a labeled reaction model, and a precise safety-focused procedure for a teacher-supervised elephant toothpaste investigation. They will create a data table and design log documenting ingredient amounts, temperature changes, gas and foam production, team decisions, feedback, and revisions to control the reaction safely. The final products will be a tested and improved reaction setup and a slideshow explaining what they did, how the chemical reaction changes matter and releases thermal energy, what they learned, and how critique improved their work. Students will present their slideshow and demonstration evidence to classmates, their teacher, and other invited viewers.

Begin with a teacher-led, small-scale elephant toothpaste demonstration using classroom-safe materials, splash goggles, gloves, and a spill tray while students observe from a safe distance. Students record visible changes and temperature data, then connect their observations to previous science experiments through a Notice–Wonder discussion. Teams generate research questions about gas production, matter changes, thermal energy, and safely controlling the reaction, then select one variable to investigate. Introduce the final slideshow and live or recorded demonstration, explaining that peer critique, revision, and reflection will help students communicate what they tested, learned, and improved.

Host a classroom science showcase where students present a slideshow and a teacher-supervised elephant toothpaste demonstration to classmates, teachers, or invited family members. Each student explains how the reaction produces gas, changes matter, and releases thermal energy, while sharing research sources, safety choices, test results, and revisions. Audience members ask questions and leave feedback, and students close with a brief reflection on analysis, self-control, collaboration, and next steps for learning.