Pages of a Forbidden Tome

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In this activity, learners use chemistry to produce weathered "antiqued" paper with burned edges. Learners first soak white paper in coffee and then apply a charring solution of ammonium chloride. Use this activity to create ancient looking documents or for a Halloween display.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
2 to 4 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • books
  • coffee maker
  • heat gun
  • laser printer
  • metal tray
  • paintbrush
  • printer paper
  • coffee
  • water
  • ammonium chloride
  • paper towels
  • wood (flat piece) or cardboard

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Solutions

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Historical Reenactment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • 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:

  • Ragan, Sean Michael

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Make Projects, 2011