How to Make Paper As a Science Project
Making your own paper can be fun and educational. When you create your own paper, you will learn the ancient art of paper making as well as a way to recycle old newspaper. Making paper also can be a science fair project for students who want to do a project that is enjoyable and useful.
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Water
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Blender
- Plastic tubs
- Paper screen
- Rubber gloves, if needed
Instructions
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The Slurry
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1
Tear old newspaper by hand into small pieces. The pieces should be around an inch thick and no more than 1 1/2 inches long. You will need at least one full newspaper.
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2
Boil 6 cups of water in a large pot. Add the torn pieces of newspaper to the pot and heat until the paper is thoroughly saturated. Stir with a wooden spoon to help the saturation.
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3
Add the water and newspaper to an electric blender. Blend the mixture on medium speed until you have a pulp. You may have to work in batches.
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4
Allow the newspaper mix to cool. Pour the pulp into a large plastic tub. Add water until it is the consistency of loose oatmeal. Stir thoroughly to complete the slurry using your wooden spoon. If you want to color your paper, add liquid food coloring to the slurry and stir it thoroughly. The amount of the color needed will depend on the intensity of the color you desire.
Making Paper
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5
Set up your work space. If possible, set it up outside to minimize the mess to clean up. Otherwise, line your space with newspaper or a plastic table cloth used for crafting purposes only. Place your tub of slurry on the workspace. You also need to obtain a paper making screen from your local craft supply store. Wear disposable rubber gloves if you have colored your slurry.
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6
Dip your screen into the slurry. Push the screen down to the bottom and then pull the screen up through the slurry to make sure the screen is covered. Hold the screen over the tub for one minute while the liquid drains away.
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7
Flip the screen carefully onto a piece of newspaper. Dab the back of the screen with another piece of newspaper to absorb additional liquid.
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8
Lift up the screen. Be careful when lifting not to shift the paper. Add additional newspaper on top and allow it to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can add patterns to the paper by placing different shapes of cookie cutters on the paper in Step 2 after you have drained the liquid. Once you have placed the cutters, pour some slurry in a different color into the cutters and allow it drain for another minute. Then proceed normally.
You can use other forms of paper instead of newspaper. Try tissue paper or construction paper for different textures and colors.
