Welcome to Change is Simple’s Online Learning!
Overview: Today’s topic is trees and paper-making! We will be learning about different types of seeds and trees and why they are so important to us. We will complete a cool activity where we reuse old paper scraps to make new paper, conserving this amazing natural resource!
Grade Level: K-6
Theme: Natural Resources, Waste Reduction
Supervision needed? Yes
Essential Questions:
What is a compost critter?
How do they play a role in composting our food?
Materials Needed:
Scrap paper (check your recycling bin! Most types of paper will work; just avoid magazines and glossy paper, and be sure to remove any staples or plastic, i.e. address windows on envelopes)
Bowl of warm water
Sponge
2 Towels (kitchen towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, or old t-shirts)
Blender (students, please ask for permission & help to use a blender, and be sure to clean it out when you’re done! **If you don’t have a blender, you can still do this activity. Just follow the alternative directions in Step 2)
Standards:
Today, we have a fun Spring activity for you. We are going to make our own paper, which can also be planted! How? Watch this video to learn and get started:
Now it’s time for YOU to make your seed paper!
Step 1 - Gather scrap paper (at least 5 sheets)
You can use newspaper, printer paper, construction paper, etc. (no magazines or glossy paper)
Step 2- Rip the sheets up into about 1 inch x 1 inch squares. Place the ripped pieces into a warm bowl of water and let soak for at least 10 minutes.
**If you don’t have a blender, just rip the paper into smaller pieces (as small as you can), place in warm water and soak for at least 30 minutes. Jump to Step 5.**
Step 3 - Put your ripped paper into the blender… and make your pulp!
Put 3-4 handfuls of the soaked paper pieces into the blender. Add about 1 cup of water. Blend for 10-15 seconds and check it. If you still see large pieces of paper, blend for another 10 seconds until it is smooth. You’ll want a consistency like applesauce. *Make sure to get permission and help to use the blender!
Step 4 - Pour the pulp from the blender into a bowl.
Step 5 - Add seeds to your pulp.
Sprinkle seeds (about a tablespoon) into the pulp and stir. You can use wildflower seeds, chia seeds, or whatever you might have.
Step 6 - Protect the surface of your workspace.
Place a piece of wax paper or a paper grocery bag down, then lay a towel on top of it.
Step 7 - Scoop the pulp from the bowl onto your towel.
Get your hands right into that pulp! Scoop a few handfuls (let some water drain through your fingers over the bowl) onto your towel, and gently press it into the shape of your choice - circle, square, rectangle, oval, or a funky shape!
Step 8 - Place your other towel over your shaped pulp.
Step 9 - Absorb the water with a sponge.
Take your sponge and gently press straight down onto the towel over the shaped pulp. This is drawing the moisture up from the pulp into the sponge, and down into the towel. Repeat this at least 5-6 times. Wring out the sponge in between presses if needed.
Step 10 - Gently peel back the towel/handkerchief to reveal your paper!
Step 11 - Let dry for 24 hours.
Carefully pick up the towel that’s underneath your paper by all 4 corners, keeping it as flat as possible (I recommend having someone help with this step). Put it in a safe place out of the way to dry. Be patient and try not to touch or move the paper until it is completely dry. Drying time will depend on how thick your paper is.
Reflection and follow up
What will you do with your seed paper, once it dries? Will you draw or paint on it, or send a card to someone you miss right now? Please share your ideas, take a picture of your homemade paper, and send it to amy@changeissimple.org. We’d love to see your creations and hear your ideas!
We used recycled/scrap paper in order to make our paper today. Do you know how new paper is made? What natural resource is paper made from?
Why do you think it is important to reduce, reuse, and recycle the paper that we use?
Learn more about the process of how paper is recycled:
Directions for planting your seed paper, once dried and used:
Soak the seed paper overnight
Cut the plantable seed paper into pieces and then cover with soil (1cm deep in a small pot).
Water it every day — make sure to keep the soil wet to let the seeds sprout.
In a few days, you’ll see the plants sprout and begin to grow.
Place it in a window that gets good sunlight, or plant it in your yard/garden.
If you do send the seed paper to someone else, be sure to include these directions for them so they can plant it once they’re done with it!