How to Make Corals Out of Play-Doh

The coral reef, home to many creatures, can inspire an educational Play-Doh craft for kids.

Making coral out of Play-Doh is a great opportunity to teach children about the sea and the importance of protecting coral reefs. Play-Doh coral can be used for a single afternoon of educational fun, or it can be dried and used to create a lasting craft. Coral dioramas or other creations can be kept for years as a reminder of the lessons learned about the sea, its creatures and the importance of protecting them all.

Things You'll Need

• Two colors of Play-Doh
• Small metal screen
• Butter knife

Instructions

1. Roll a ball of Play-Doh to the size of a large marble. Put it aside.

2. Roll a second ball of Play-Doh in a different color so that it is about 3/4 the size of the first. Flatten this smaller ball.

3. Cover the top half of the first Play-Doh ball with the second, flattened Play-Doh ball. They should now be one ball.

4. Push the Play-Doh ball through the netting of the small screen with your thumbs. The Play-Doh should come out the other side of the screen in two-toned fingers.

5. Use a butter knife to cut the newly formed coral off of the screen. Pinch the bottom so that the coral fingers do not fall off.

Tips & Warnings

• If the coral doesn't stand well, use a flattened piece of Play-Doh as a base.

References

• Hawaii Coral Reef Institute; Play Dough Coral