Lesson

Make Your Own Paper

Lesson Overview

Students investigate the papermaking process by trying it themselves. Students are thrilled to find that they can make paper and that their product is practical, as well as beautiful. 

Duration
1-2 hours
Lesson Type
Project Based Lesson

Grade(s):

Subject(s):

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

5

Levels

Grades 1-8

Subjects

Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Visual Arts

Time Considerations

Preparation: 30 minutes plus time to gather materials
Activity: two 50-minute periods

Materials

  • Scrap paper torn into 1” x 1” (2.5 cm x 2.5 cm) pieces (paper towels, construction paper, and toilet paper work well)
  • A large bowl
  • Wooden frame 5” x 7” (13 cm x 18 cm) or 8” x 10” (20 cm x 25 cm)
  • Nylon or wire screen
  • Staples
  • Plastic basin at least 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) in capacity, that is larger than the frame
  • Cloth dishtowels (felt, blot­ting paper, or newspaper may substituted)
  • Blender
  • Sponge
  • Strainer
  • Colored paper
  • Pieces of colored thread, or dried flowers (optional)

You need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!

Log In to View Lesson

You need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!

Log In to View Lesson

You need to be logged in to see this lesson. Create an account now; it's quick, easy, and free!

Log In to View Lesson

Lesson Created By: MattSchnabel

Lesson Partners: Project Learning Tree