Paper-making Project for Kids
Chinese paper money
This is a good sit-down project for a sunny day.
Factories in China made paper out of cloth rags and mulberry bark (more on Chinese paper), but it will be easier for children to make paper out of other paper.
Begin by getting a sheet of newspaper for each kid, and let them cut or tear it into small pieces, about 1/2 inch square. Then soak the pieces in water, until they are very squishy. Stir them around so they totally disintegrate into sludge. You can make the paper different colors by adding a drop of food coloring to the water.
Now, take window-screens (or small pieces of window-screen) and dip them into the newspaper sludge until they are covered, and carefully lift them back out again. Set the screens in the sun until the paper is dry, and then you should be able to peel it off the screen.
Factories in China made paper out of cloth rags and mulberry bark (more on Chinese paper), but it will be easier for children to make paper out of other paper.
Begin by getting a sheet of newspaper for each kid, and let them cut or tear it into small pieces, about 1/2 inch square. Then soak the pieces in water, until they are very squishy. Stir them around so they totally disintegrate into sludge. You can make the paper different colors by adding a drop of food coloring to the water.
Now, take window-screens (or small pieces of window-screen) and dip them into the newspaper sludge until they are covered, and carefully lift them back out again. Set the screens in the sun until the paper is dry, and then you should be able to peel it off the screen.
That’s basically all there is to making paper. You may want to
discuss whether this is how paper is made today, and how the modern
process is the same or different (can they find out using the Internet?).
It would be interesting to calculate the area of the newspaper sheet
they each started with, and the area of the paper they made with it
– which is bigger? Why? Is there any difference in the weight?
The kids might also investigate whether pens will write well on their paper, and try adding things to the water to make the paper easier to write on. One common additive is powdered chalk.
Other activities:
The kids might also investigate whether pens will write well on their paper, and try adding things to the water to make the paper easier to write on. One common additive is powdered chalk.
Other activities:
* Paper-making
* Making papyrus
* Making a compass
* Discussion of foot-binding
History of Paper
China project page
Main China page
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