Scented Dough

Develop olfactory distinction.

Big Idea: Noses can be used to smell different things.

Materials:

Large bowls
Measuring cups and measuring spoons
Spoons (optional)
Aprons/smocks (optional)
Flour
Salt
Cream of tartar
Water
Vegetable oil
Packets of various fruit-flavored drink mixes (e.g. Kool Aid)
Ziploc bags (optional)
Pictures of fruits (optional)

Illinois Learning Standards:

1.B Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.
1.C Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.
2.B Read and interpret a variety of literary works.
4.A Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.
4.B Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.
11.A Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
31.A Develop a positive self-concept.

Vocabulary:

Olfactory: sense of smell

Activity Directions:

Review recipe with children
Allow children to use recipe to measure ingredients (flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, and water) and mix together in a large bowl. Some dough may be lumpy, and some dough may be runny – that’s ok! Encourage children to use descriptive words while making the dough and add additional flour if sticky. (Create a few additional batches ahead to ensure you have enough dough for every child.)
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup of salt
- 1 tablespoon of oil
Give each child a portion of the dough.
Sprinkle a little of drink mix onto their dough, ask them how their dough smells. Can repeat with other scents of drink mix.
Children can spend time playing with the dough. When finished, store dough in an air-tight container or allow children to take it home in a Ziploc bag.