Do you Play-Doh?History & Fun Facts of this Invention

By: Amanda Barnes, Brieanne Greenwell, Emily Toothman

Academic Standards

Science 4.1.8 Recognize and explain that any invention

may lead to other inventions

Art4.6.2 Create artwork that communicated

personal ideas, experiences, or emotions

History of Play-Doh

1955 McVicker's sister-in-law, a teacher, inquired about a safe and

fun modeling clay substitute

1955 Joseph sent her a sample of a non-toxic compound used to

clean wallpaper. It was a hit.

1956 The McVicker brothers formed Rainbow Crafts Co. To make

and sell the compound, Play-Doh®

History of Play-Doh

1960 Fun Factory® accessory playset added to the product line.

1965 Noan and Joseph awarded patent for a soft, pliable

plastic modeling composition, Play-Doh®

1965 General Mills purchased the Rainbow Crafts Company

History of Play-Doh1971 Kenner Products merged with Rainbow Crafts.

1987 The Tonka Corporation purchased the Kenner line

1991 Play-Doh's current owner, Hasbro, purchased Tonka

1997 The Play-Doh Brand Fuzzy Pumper® Barber & Beauty Shop

Play-Doh Fun Facts

• The formula for the original Play-Doh compound still remains top secret.

• Play-Doh Compound is the leader in the reusable compound market.

• Today, Play-Doh Compound is sold in more than 6,000 stores in the United States and in more than 75 countries worldwide.

• If combined, the total amount of Play-Doh Compound manufactured since 1956 would weigh more than 700 million pounds.

Play-Doh Fun Facts

• More than 2 billion cans of Play-Doh Compound have been sold since 1956.

• Approximately 95 million cans of Play-Doh Compound are manufactured each year

• If all the Play-Doh Compound made since 1956 was extruded through the Fun Factory®, it would make a "snake" that would wrap around the world nearly 300 times.

• September 16th is national Play-Doh Day.

Assessment

• What year was Play-Doh invented in?A. 1954B. 1955C. 1956D. 1957

• Write a short paragraph on what you made, why you made it and how does it represent you?