Messiness and Math

Abstract

Play dough is universally loved by children. When children design their own play dough, STEM concepts and questions are integral to the activity. What happens when you mix different substances? How can we design better play dough? As children measure the ingredients (flour, water, salt, and food coloring), they also engage in the mathematics of counting scoops, adding fractions, and discussing ratios. In this lesson, children were challenged to design the highest quality play dough and determine the best recipe