| With the release of Finding Dory and upcoming Walt Disney World trips this summer, it’s time to splash into Disney/Pixar-inspired DIY fun by crafting a-Dory-ble fish friends out of ketchup packages – and training them on how to dive, swim up or stay still using a classic science experiment called “The Cartesian Diver!” There’s nothing like an exciting and educational activity to enhance your child’s learning at home. That’s why Best of Orlando invites you to raise those fins high, get your creative juices flowing and learn how to train everyone’s favorite forgetful blue fish in the video above! 
Here’s What You’ll Need:
Ketchup packages
Small rubber bands
Tape
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Mod Podge
Hair dryer
Water bottle
Water from the sink 
How to Create Fish Friends:
First thing’s first: the ketchup package has to float. In order for your ketchup package-turned fish friend to follow your commands, the buoyancy has to be just right. Test your ketchup package by placing it in a filled water bottle. Screw the cap back on the bottle and squeeze both sides. If the ketchup package sinks when you squeeze it, and floats back up when you release it, you’re ready to proceed. But if it sinks to the bottom as soon as you place it in the water bottle or if it’s too hard to squeeze, then the ketchup package is unusable. Keep trying until you find one that floats. Now it’s time to unleash your inner artist! Using the same floatable ketchup package, begin by making the head of the fish. Fold in the corners into the desired shape and secure both sides with tape. Next, tie a small rubber band at the other end of the ketchup package to create the tail. Ta-da! You’ve made a fish out of a ketchup package. 
It’s painting time! Start with one side first. If you’re making Dory, choose a bright blue color and paint the entire ketchup package and let it dry. Speed up the drying process by using a hair dryer, set at the highest temperature, and aim the dryer directly at the ketchup package. Once it’s dry you can add details like a yellow tail, wide eyes and textured fins! Blow dry once again. Pro tip: applying Mod Podge seals in the paint and gives it an overall shiny finish. Use the hair dryer to make sure the first side is completely dry before flipping the ketchup package over and repeating the same steps. This is your chance to let your creativity run free. Make Nemo, the cute bright-eyed clownfish. Try your hand at Squirt, Bruce or even Finding Dory’s newest characters. Once you’ve created the perfect underwater pals, you’re ready to train them! For full instructions on how to Train Dory and other fish friends, check out Best of Orlando on YouTube and remember to subscribe. Orlando, FL – 6/3/16 By: Maureen Mariano | 
