Homemade Play Dough

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In this sensory activity, young learners explore chemical reactions by making their own play dough from home. Learners mix flour, salt, and a few other food ingredients to make a dough they can squish, squeeze, and sculpt. This activity includes step-by-step instructions with pictures, suggested extensions for how to get creative and experiment with the play dough, and a section that explains the science behind the activity. SAFETY NOTE: this activity requires heating the ingredients on a stovetop- adult supervision required.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • A large bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • A small saucepan
  • A large spoon
  • An airtight container for storage (optional)
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar (optional; it will make your play dough last longer)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • A couple drops of food colouring (optional)
  • Essential oils, food extracts, or dried spices of your choice (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Solutions

Other

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  • Free access

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Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Ontario Science Centre, 2020