5 Reasons Playing with Play-Doh Is a Fantastic STEM Activity (+ Easy Homemade Recipe!)

When we think of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities for young children, we often imagine building blocks, coding robots, or simple science experiments. But sometimes, the best STEM activities are already hiding in our everyday play — like making and playing with play-doh!

Play-doh isn’t just fun — it’s a hands-on STEM learning powerhouse. Here’s why:

1. Science in Action

When children make play-doh from scratch, they witness real chemical reactions. Ingredients like flour, salt, water, and oil change form when mixed and heated. Liquids turn into a malleable solid — a perfect demonstration of states of matter and physical changes! Kids also observe the effects of temperature and texture as they stir and knead the dough.

2. Math Skills Everywhere

Measuring ingredients introduces young minds to essential math concepts: volume (cups, tablespoons), number recognition, and proportions. Doubling a batch? Now they’re learning multiplication without even realizing it! Mixing colors to create new ones introduces early data collection and prediction skills (“What happens if we add blue and yellow?”).

3. Engineering and Creativity

Engineering isn’t just about machines — it’s also about problem-solving and design. When kids sculpt with play-doh, they’re planning structures, balancing shapes, and figuring out how to build tall towers or detailed figures. They learn what makes a structure stable (a STEM engineering foundation!) through trial and error.

4. Technology Without Screens

While technology often brings screens to mind, “technology” simply means using tools to solve problems. Rolling pins, cookie cutters, plastic knives — all of these are simple technologies children use to shape and explore play-doh creatively.

5. Sensory Learning Boosts Brain Development

STEM learning at a young age is most effective when it engages multiple senses. The squish of the dough, the smell of the salt, the sight of swirling colors — all of these stimulate the brain and enhance fine motor skills, critical for writing and other academic tasks later on.

Our Easy Homemade Play-Doh Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour

• 1 cup salt

• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar

• 2 tablespoons baby oil

• 1.5 cups boiling water (added gradually)

• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.

2. Add the oil and food coloring to the boiling water.

3. Gradually pour the colored water into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously.

4. Allow it to cool slightly, then knead it on a clean surface until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.

5. Store your homemade play-doh in an airtight container — it should last for several weeks!

Making and playing with play-doh isn’t just a creative outlet — it’s a meaningful STEM learning experience disguised as messy fun. Next time you roll out the dough, you’re also rolling out the foundation for problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific discovery.

If you give it a try, be sure to tag us, @sweetsensoryplay