My kids got really into mood rings and wanted to know how they change color. So we made heat sensitive color changing playdough to find out.
It’s made with thermochromic pigment, which changes color with temperature. Warm hands and cold counters make the color shift right in front of you.
How to Make Color Changing Playdough
Play Dough Task Cards Bundle
Get the printable1 1/2 to 2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 to 3 tablespoons baby oil or vegetable oil
About 1 gram thermochromic pigment powder
View on Amazon1 cup very hot water
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Dissolve the pigment
In a heatproof bowl, stir the thermochromic pigment into the hot water until there are no clumps.
Add the rest
Stir in the oil, cream of tartar and salt.
Add the flour
Add 1 1/2 cups flour and mix. Add more until it no longer sticks to your hands.
Cool it down
The color fades while it’s warm. Roll it on a cold counter or pop it in the freezer 5 to 10 minutes to bring the color back.
Play
Squeeze and hold it and watch warm hands change the color.
Safety note
Thermochromic pigment and baby oil aren’t taste safe, so this dough is for kids past the mouthing stage. A grown-up handles the hot water. Wash hands after playing.
Color Changing Playdough Tips
- It changes faster cold to warm. Start with cold dough for the most dramatic change.
- Be patient. It took about 15 minutes of play for our hands to warm it enough.
- Baby oil makes it softer. This dough is stiff, and baby oil helps. Vegetable oil works too.
- Talk science: Ask kids where the dough is warmest and why.
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Use it with our butterfly life cycle playdough mats.
The task cards bundle includes
- Fine motor play dough task cards
- Seasonal and learning themes
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Fine motor centers
- Preschool and kindergarten
- OT
- Morning tubs
Color Changing Playdough FAQ
Thermochromic pigment changes color at certain temperatures, so warm hands change the dough’s color.
Online or at craft stores. It’s sold as a powder.
It may be too warm. Chill it in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, then play.
No. It’s for kids who won’t put it in their mouths.
More Playdough Recipes
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