Using Household Chemistry to Create Toothpaste
Summary
In this experiment students will create their own toothpaste using natural ingredients. They will learn that chemistry is a huge part of our lives, even down to the toothpaste we use. Students will be able to explore possible combinations of ingredients and then share results with classmates.
CollapseLearning Goals
This activity is designed for students to explore chemistry through natural ingredients to create something useful. It is designed to allow students to problem solve, communicate, and work with teams to achieve a goal. The student will understand that chemistry is an important part of our lives.
Context for Use
This activity could be done in a classroom or could be paired with older science students in a lab. With this age it is possible to do the cooking part first so students aren't using hot plates. It can also be done together with teacher cooking so students can see the changes and journal about what happens.
Description and Teaching Materials
Time:1 hour
Introduce Concept: Have students create a list of household products. Ask them where these products come from? Discuss how they are made from chemistry and labels are important resources for ingredients. Explore some labels and ingredients of common products and then talk about what ingredients they think are in toothpaste.
Materials:
- Mix 10 ml dried Irish moss with 500 ml water in a small pot and let it stand for 15 minutes. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Using the cheese cloth, strain the Irish moss mixture into a small container.
- Create toothpaste by testing different amounts of remaining ingredients.
Students can keep a journal about what ingredients they used, what amounts they used, and what the results were. They can also share results with the rest of the class.
Introduce Concept: Have students create a list of household products. Ask them where these products come from? Discuss how they are made from chemistry and labels are important resources for ingredients. Explore some labels and ingredients of common products and then talk about what ingredients they think are in toothpaste.
Materials:
- 10 ml dried Irish moss
- 500 ml water
- baking soda
- oil of peppermint
- chlorophyll drops
- oil of licorice, fennel or anise
- food coloring
- small container with lid
- spoon
- burner/element
- small pot
- cheesecloth
- Mix 10 ml dried Irish moss with 500 ml water in a small pot and let it stand for 15 minutes. Bring this mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Using the cheese cloth, strain the Irish moss mixture into a small container.
- Create toothpaste by testing different amounts of remaining ingredients.
Students can keep a journal about what ingredients they used, what amounts they used, and what the results were. They can also share results with the rest of the class.
Teaching Notes and Tips
The toothpaste created doesn't contain fluoride which most dentists recommend.
Assessment
Students will share the results found in their groups. They will also turn in journals to be scored and recorded.
Standards
3.I.B.2.appropiate tools
4.I.A.3.impact
4.II.A.1.changes in matter
5.I.A.2.communication of findings
5.I.C.1.work done
4.I.A.3.impact
4.II.A.1.changes in matter
5.I.A.2.communication of findings
5.I.C.1.work done