Vision

By learning more about the paper making process through a hands-on version of the process in class, students will become more aware of the waste involved in partially-used paper or excessive paper usage. Using previously-used paper to create new paper products will also give a second or third life to paper already used and destined for the recycle bin.

Action

Students in various grades (from 1-8) engaged in paper-making activities using a kit with blenders, paper drying screens and support materials, as well as an instruction pack. Products including card paper, seed paper, and coloured paper made from newsprint were created. Students further engaged in inquiries related to paper making, including testing different thicknesses of paper; adjusting the volume of water used; and adding seeds to the paper at different stages.

Reflection & Celebration

Through participating in the process of paper-making, students became aware of the amount of water, energy, and materials (pulp, etc.) that are used to create paper. This awareness could potentially lead to more reflective and thoughtful use of paper at school, increasing the school’s sustainability factor. This process also allowed for some problem-solving, inquiry and higher-level thinking as students tested different ways of making paper, and observed different results with each change.

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