Maker Space Session 2- Paper Making

Warm Up  In your Make Space Notebook, Choose one of the warm up activities and work on it for 5 minutes.  Write the # and Name of the Activity as well as today’s date at the top of your page.  Choose an activity you have not done before.

A Few Historical Facts about Paper  The earliest known paper, dating back to 200 BC, was found in China  The first papers were made of recycled fishing nets, bamboo, mulberry or hemp  Paper played an important role in the American Revolutionary war after England imposed a tax on all paper.  Much of the paper produced in the U.S. during the 1700 and1800s was made from old cotton rags.

Take a Closer Look at Paper  You have been given several different paper samples to observe. Record your observations in your notebook.  Look at the paper up close with the hand lens. Can you see fibers?  What happens if you tear the paper – are fibers visible now? How difficult is it to tear the paper?  When you place a drop of water on each paper sample, what happens? Do some absorb water better than others? Why or why not?

Printer Paper These are close up pictures of printer paper. The fibers that you see are made of wood. The small round objects are the mineral Calcium Carbonate (similar to chalk) and this makes the paper opaque.

Money The pictures below are close ups of money. The long fibers you see are made of cotton and linen (both types of plants). The smaller fibers coming off the larger ones are called fibrils – these are separating from the longer fibers.

These are pictures of the Flax Plant and the Cotton Plant that are used to make paper for money

Toilet Paper This is toilet paper which is also made from wood pulp. The manufacturer makes ripples on the paper by scraping it with a razor. This makes the paper thin and soft.

Coated Paper This is the shiny paper used for magazines or notebook covers. The fibers are not visible because the paper has a clay or calcium carbonate coating that makes it smooth, more water resistant and shiny.

Activity – Paper Making  We will be making paper using various materials including dryer lint (containing cotton and other fibers) and recycled paper pulp.  Think about how adding different things to the paper pulp change the texture, color, and appearance.  What could our paper be used for?  What if we allow the paper to dry in different shapes?

Origami  Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper to create 3 dimensional objects.

Paper Art Paper Artists Allen and Patty Eckman sculpt very detailed scenes and images from white paper. Their work focuses on Native Americans.

Flexible Paper Sculptures Beijing artist Li Hongbo‘s sculptures are made of thousands of layers of plain white paper, glued together into accordion-like shapes that only appear totally solid when they are still. Click on the Link to see a video.Li Hongbo

Paper Furniture  A4A designs a variety of furniture and other durable objects using paper.

Paper Jewelry and Accessories Holly Anne Mitchell uses common, everyday paper materials coupons to create innovative jewelry.

Special Paper  A special paper called Tyvek (made of synthetic fibers) is very durable and water resistant and can be used to make many different things. Disposable Clothing for Messy Jobs House Wrap – keeps out water and wind Envelopes and packaging

Things To Think About  Think about how much we rely on paper.  Are there other ways you can think of that we could use paper?  How does the material paper is made of or treated with change its properties?  Why is it important to recycle paper?  If you are still curious, research paper on your own.