Homemade Play-doh

Learn to make your own Play-doh from scratch
Colourful Plasticine / play doh / clay 

  • }Target year group: primary school pupils – KS1 and KS2

  • cTime: 15 minutes

  • uLinks to arts, English and maths

Learning objectives

To learn about the properties of chemical substances and stimulate creativity.

Resources needed

  • 1 cup of flour (whatever kind you have on hand)
  • ¼ cup of salt
  • 1 tbsp cream of tartar (optional)
  • ½ cup of warm water
  • 5 drops of natural food colouring

 

Instructions

Junior scientists must have a responsible adult assistant to help.
1. Mix together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
2. Mix together ½ cup of warm water with a few drops of food colouring.
3. Slowly pour the water into the flour mixture, stirring as you pour. Stir until combined, then knead with your hands until the flour is completely absorbed. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour until it doesn’t stick at all.
4. Repeat process for whichever colours you want to make.
Child playing with Plasticine models and animals (education and teaching children)
 

Follow-up activities

  • Could you add a scent to your playdough?
  • Build your favourite food
  • Create your face in playdough?
  • Create your favourite animal or character. What’s their name? Where do they live?

 

Ways to include all learners

Provide assistance in mixing things up and explain as you go. 

How might this activity support social, emotional and mental health needs?

This activity will allow pupils to explore their favourite subjects which will contribute to their wellbeing.

 
Research with Plymouth Institute of Education