Paper the World

Think of all the paper around you – in every room in the house, from lamp shades and coffee filters to the bathroom. Paper is so common that we use and toss it out every day.  But do you know how it’s made. Explore the different sides to paper – and create your own.

CONNECT:

• “Attend” paper university to learn fun facts and do neat paper activities: http://www.tappi.org/paperu/welcome.htm
• Paper and the process of creating it using pulp is said to have developed in China 2000 years ago.  Read about its history, and make your own Chinese paper cut out at http://asiasociety.org/chinese-cut-outs
• Read how paper was made in the middle ages: http://scholar.chem.nyu.edu/tekpages/paper.html
• Watch how paper is made now: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/paperscience1.pdf
• Bananas are not only good to eat, but they can be recycled into paper! Read and see how Costa Rica uses the waste from bananas to make their paper: http://www.ecopaper.com/how-paper-is-made

CREATE:

• Recycle paper by turning olds newspapers into “new” paper; just follow the directions at http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/recyclingpaper.html
• Origami is an ancient craft  and still popular. There’s a range of fun origami to try at http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-for-kids.html
• Print and make your own paper toys from the designs at http://www.mcguirezone.com/mcguirezone/goodies/toys.html
• Even preschoolers can make paper crafts. See some fun ideas at http://www.makingfriends.com/precrafts.htm
• Experiment with 100 science projects using paper: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/paperscience1.pdf

CARE:

• Find out how paper waste is recycled at http://www.eschooltoday.com/waste-recycling/paper-waste-recycling-process.html
• Help care for the earth and support paper recycling. Gather paper grocery bags, decorate them, and donate them. The details are found at http://www.earthdaybags.org/
• Do you know about Flat Stanley? He’s a storybook character who travels around the world. You can find out about the Flat Stanley project, when is now 20 years old, and start your own Flat Stanley adventure: http://www.flatstanleyproject.com/
• Make your own paper dolls, and share them with a friend, using these patterns at  http://marilee.us/paperdolls.html. Then you can try your own paper doll designs.
• Let’s wrap it up with idea on how to wrap gifts: http://bphotoart.com/quick-easy-diy-creative-gift-wrapping-for-kids/

CAREERS:

Even in the digital society, there’s a future career in paper.

• Here’s an ecological view of the pulp and paper industry: http://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/pulp-and-paper
• Here’s an industry’s view of paper manufacturing: http://www.internationalpaper.com/US/EN/Company/Careers/Manufacturing.html
• Here’s a science view of paper processing careers: http://work.chron.com/production-operator-paper-manufacturing-careers-30240.html