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The Chinese invented paper made from plants and cloth about 2,000 years ago. Learners follow a similar process to make paper from recycled paper. Once dry, learners can make something special with their handmade paper like a greeting card, origami, a book, or bookmarks. Use this activity to introduce learners to the paper-making process, material science, and/or recycling. Note: adult supervision is recommended to assist learners with scissors, craft knife, and blender.
- Under 5 minutes
- 4 to 24 hours
- $5 - $10 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- large disposable aluminum pan or plastic bin (bigger than 13" x 9")
- smaller disposable aluminum pans (13" x 9" or smaller)
- fiberglass screen (enough to cut two or more screens the size of the smaller pan bottoms)
- scissors or craft knife
- scrap paper (any used paper, tissue paper, construction paper, or paper towels)
- large bowl or plastic bin (for soaking)
- blender
- sponge
- packing or other wide masking tape
- owels and newspapers (for drying)
- apron, smock, or old clothes
- rolling pin (optional)
- dried flowers, herbs, glitter, short pieces of thread (for decoration and texture) (optional)
Subjects
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Engineering and Technology
-
Technology
- Information and Communication
-
Technology
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
- Technology and History
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The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- Ology
Rights:
- All rights reserved, American Museum of Natural History,