Lesson 2: Make Your Own Paper
Through a hands-on activity, students understand the basics of the paper-making process by using recovered (or used) paper to make a new piece of paper.
OBJECTIVE
Science
MATERIALS
Wooden frame, wire screening, blender, large bowl, sponge, paper (newsprint, construction paper, or notebook paper)
DIRECTIONS
Time required: Two class periods
1. Before you begin, staple the wire screen to the frame, making a tool called a deckle. Tear paper into pieces and soak the pieces in hot water for 30 minutes.
2. Introduce the activity by explaining to students that they will be making new paper from used paper to see how recycling works. Before or after the activity, show students the video “Making Paper” at paperrecycles.org to give a real-world overview of the recycling process.
3. Fill a blender halfway with warm water, then add a handful of the soaked paper. Blend until the pulp has a soupy consistency. Pour the mixture into a bowl and then fill the bowl with warm water, mixing until the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
4. Slide the deckle into the bowl. Holding the deckle underwater, move it back and forth to get an even layer of pulp on the screen.
5. Lift the deckle out of the mixture, keeping it flat. Allow it to drip until most of the water has drained off. Press the pulp against the deckle screen gently
to squeeze out moisture. Use the sponge to absorb excess water from the bottom of the screen.
6. After covering a flat surface with newspaper, turn the deckle paper-side down. Gently tap the screen to help release the paper. Let it dry for several hours or overnight. Gently peel off the paper when it is dry.
7. In your next session, discuss students’ thoughts on the activity. How is the new paper different from the used paper? Did the activity change how students felt about recycling? Why or why not?
ARTICLE
UNIT PLAN
ONLINE ACTIVITY
