Other
Improving a Play Dough Process
Lower Elementary
Matter
In Classrooms
Students explore solids and liquids and develop a process for producing play dough.
unit Overview
Students use the Engineering Design Process to design a process that creates high-quality play dough. They identify the ideal properties for play dough and gather data about how materials interact when mixed.
- 5 lessons (9–10 class sessions)
Standards Alignment
We’ve developed each EiE unit with careful attention to educational standards in both science and technology/engineering.
unit Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesPurchase Materials
Educator Guide Pack -
$69
- Full-color print educator guide, plus multiple sets of heavy-duty reusable color-print resources (ex. vocabulary cards, materials glossaries, station signs, and student instructions) for the class.
Materials Kit -
$409
- Hands-on materials to support 30 learners.
Unit Map
Students are introduced to the concepts of engineering and technology. (30–40 min.)
The class reads a storybook in which a girl named Michelle living in Canada uses engineering to turn her play dough “recipe” into a complete play dough making process that others can easily follow. (90–120 min., 2–3 sessions)
Students explore the field of Chemical Engineering and conduct product research. (55–60 min.)
Students identify the ideal properties for play dough and gather data about how materials interact when mixed. (110–120 min., 2 sessions)
Students follow the steps of the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, test, and then improve their own process for producing play dough. (140–175 min., 3 sessions)
