Eggsplorers
Parent guide · DIY eco STEM kit
For grown-ups

Playtime that returns to the earth.

Eggsplorers turns breakfast eggshells into a hands-on mini-lab for your child. Together, you’ll mix, knead, build a tiny eco-town, and choose what happens when playtime is over.

Ages 7+ Motor skills Creativity Everyday science

Why eggshells instead of plastic toys?

Millions of eggshells end up in the trash every day. This kit shows that even tiny bits of “waste” can become something useful, beautiful, and kind to the planet.

Because tiny things can make a big difference

Eggshells are mostly calcium carbonate—a mineral found in rocks, seashells, and even our own bones. When we grind them into powder, they can safely return to the soil instead of sitting in a landfill.

From breakfast plate to science experiment.

Why natural colours?

We use ingredients like turmeric, beetroot powder, and matcha to create soft, beautiful shades without synthetic dyes.

Mix to discover new colours:

More powder = deeper colour Less powder = lighter tint Try different combos Encourage your child to experiment

What your child is learning at each step

Follow along beside the kids’ illustrated instructions. Each step in the kit links to science, creativity, planning, and sustainability. Tap the sparkles ✨ for a quick parent question to ask.

Step 1 · Scooping & mixing
Measuring materials
  • Science · calcium carbonate
  • Fine motor skills
  • Math · ratios

Your child scoops eggshell “flour” and binder into the bowl. They’re practicing pouring, leveling, and matching “2 scoops 1 tree.”

✨ Parent prompt Ask what eggshells are made of
“What do you think eggshells are made of? Why do we add water?”
Step 2 · Stirring & colouring
Watching powders become dough
  • Everyday chemistry
  • Colour choices
  • Observation

As they stir in natural colours, powders and liquids bind to form a new material. They notice when the mix is too dry or too sticky—and how to adjust.

✨ Parent prompt Notice the change
“How does the mix change when we stir it? Is it too sticky or too dry?”
Step 3 · Kneading
Hands-on texture exploring
  • Fine motor strength
  • Sensory play
  • Non-plastic materials

Kneading builds hand strength and control. They learn what “ready for shaping” feels like without relying on store-bought clay or plastic.

✨ Parent prompt Talk about feel
“What does it feel like? Does it feel ready for shaping?”
Step 4 · Shaping
Designing the tiny town
  • Creativity
  • Design thinking
  • Cause & effect

Kids use molds and cutters to create trees, houses, roads, and animals—deciding what their village needs to feel alive.

✨ Parent prompt Link shapes to systems
“What is your favorite shape? Why do villages need trees as well as houses?”
Step 5 · Baking (grown-up step)
Seeing how heat changes things
  • Heat & material change
  • Safety around ovens
  • Durability

An adult places the tray in the oven. Children learn that heat transforms the soft dough into a stronger, longer-lasting toy— and that ovens always need a grown-up.

✨ Parent prompt Before & after
“What changed after baking? Why do you think heat makes it stronger?”
Step 6 · Playing the eco-town game
Planning, systems & storytelling
  • Strategy
  • Systems thinking
  • Sustainability

Kids place pieces on the board to earn Eco-Points. More trees means a healthier town—and a higher score—linking play to real environmental impact.

✨ Parent prompt Connect to the real world
“How does adding more trees help your village—and the real world?”
Step 7 · End-of-life choices
Closing the loop together
  • Circularity
  • Responsibility
  • Reuse & compost

When your child is ready, they help decide what happens next: reuse their pieces, crush them into compost, or scatter them back into the soil.

✨ Parent prompt Choose the ending
“Where should our pieces go—soil, garden, or a new mix? Why?”

End-of-life choices · Parent-friendly options

When tiny towns have done their job, nothing has to go in the bin. Choose one (or more) of these earth-friendly endings with your child.

Option A

Compost-friendly pieces

  • Break finished pieces into small chunks.
  • Mix into compost or soil to add gentle calcium.
  • Helps reduce soil acidity over time.

Parent note: Safe, natural, biodegradable—no plastics or synthetic chemicals.

Option B

Natural garden barrier

  • Crush pieces and sprinkle around plant bases.
  • Rough edges gently deter slugs and snails.
  • Safe for soil, kids, and curious pets.
Option C

Plant pot drainage layer

  • Add broken pieces to the bottom of plant pots.
  • Improves drainage and stops soil escaping.
  • Releases tiny amounts of minerals as it breaks down.
Option D

Repaint · reuse · replay

  • Keep favourite trees, homes, or animals.
  • Repaint with food-safe paints or natural colours.
  • Turn them into story toys, fridge magnets, or shadow play pieces.
Option E

“Return to earth” scatter

  • Break into small pieces with your child.
  • Scatter in the garden, plant pots, or a green space.
  • Pieces slowly biodegrade—it’s only eggshell + flour.
Option F

Start a fresh batch

  • Crush old pieces and mix into a new dough.
  • Talk about materials being reused instead of thrown away.
  • Build a brand new version of Eggie’s eco-town.
“Nothing goes to waste — not even after playtime.”
Grown-up tip: Let your child choose the ending. It turns “clean-up” into part of the learning.

Common questions from parents

Every family and kitchen is different. These answers cover the most frequent questions we hear from grown-ups using the Eggsplorers kit.

Is the dough safe if my child touches or tastes it?
The recipe uses ground eggshells, flour-based binder, water, and food-safe or natural colourants. It’s designed to be handled by kids. However, it is not meant to be eaten—treat it like regular modelling dough and remind children to keep it out of their mouths.
How long do the baked pieces last?
With gentle indoor play, pieces can last several weeks to months. Over time, they may chip or crack—that’s okay and expected. When they’re “done,” use one of the end-of-life options above instead of throwing them away.
Can I store extra dough for another day?
You can wrap unused dough tightly and refrigerate it for a short time (up to a day), but freshness varies by kitchen. For best results and hygiene, we recommend mixing only what you’ll use in one session.
What if we don’t have a garden or outdoor space?
You can still choose earth-friendly endings: add crushed pieces to indoor plant pots, a community garden, or compost collection if your city offers it. The important part is involving your child in deciding what happens next.