Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 4/3/2008

Question
hi,im a 8th grader that is doing a 'I WONDER' project and i contacted some specialists but they did gave me the answer and i was hoping that you answer it to me. What I Wonder is how "play-doh is made?" i all ready made my experiment. Know i need the answer for my question. please if you get this reply back. Also, i need the answer for my conclusion. Thank you

Answer
Playdough from the book, Mudworks, by MaryAnn Kohl
website: www.brightring.com

Ingredients
1 Cup flour
1/2 Cup salt
2 Tablespoon cream of tartar
1 Cup water
1 Tablespoon oil, don't need it but it can make the dough nice
Food coloring, optional

Directions
Mix all ingredients except color in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixed and stiff.
Let it sit and cool, but it is fun to work with slightly warm playdough.
Store new playdough in the fridge in an air tight container.

Optional Steps:
Divide dough into balls and knead color into dough.

Note: You can skip the color step...most kids just like the plain natural playdough without color.
Also, you can add fragrance, like vanilla extract, or add cinnamon, or add some shampoo to make it smell nice. You can do just about anything.

Let me know if you need more help. I'm happy to assist.
Also, there are lots of art projects on my website. Go to "Free Activities", and then go from there. Watch for a place to click that says "Previous Activities". There are even more!!

Best of luck,
MaryAnn Kohl, author