Making Recycled Paper: Celebrating Chemistry

Making Recycled Paper from Celebrating Chemistry
D id you ever wonder where

paper comes from? Paper is
usually made from trees. To make
Procedure
1. Cut a piece of newspaper that
is 30 centimeters (12 inches)
paper, wood from trees is ground wide and 40 centimeters
into very small fibers called wood (15 inches) long.
pulp. The wood pulp is then washed 2. Rip the paper into small
with water, and pressed into paper pieces that are about 1
sheets. Every year, people in the centimeter (1⁄2 inch) square,
United States use more than 750 and place the pieces into
pounds of paper each! To produce a bowl.
that much paper, a 100-foot tall
tree would have to be cut down for 3. Add 1⁄2 cup water to the
each person. Luckily, about 75% of bowl and set it aside for 6. Using the plastic fork, strain
the paper used in the United States two days. the pulp and drop it onto the
today is recycled. (Source: Georgia (Alternatively, you can add the nylon screen in the needle
Pacific) To recycle your own paper, water and paper to a blender work frame. Then spread the
follow the simple steps below. or food processor. An adult pulp evenly across the surface
must complete all steps of the screen.
involving the blender or food 7. Carefully, remove the nylon
Materials processor! After the lid has screen from the frame and
Newspaper
been fastened securely onto place it pulp side up onto a
Blunt-end scissors
the appliance, the water pile of newspaper.
Ruler
mixture should be blended on
Bowl 8. Place the second piece of
medium speed for 5 minutes.
Measuring cup nylon screen over the pulp,
Skip to step 5.)
Water so that you make a sandwich
Blender or food processor (optional 4. Using a plastic fork, mix the with screen on top and
with adult supervision) paper with the water until the bottom and the pulp in the
Disposable plastic fork paper disintegrates into pulp. middle.
2 Pieces of nylon screen 5. Stretch one piece of the nylon
(30 cm, or 1 foot square each) screen into the needlework
Plastic needlework frame frame.
(15 cm, or 6 inch round)
Rolling pin
Hairdryer (optional)
Safety First!
SAFETY: Be sure to follow Milli’s
Safety Tips! Do not eat or drink any 9. Use the rolling pin to squeeze
of the materials used in this activity. all of the water out of the
An adult must do all the steps pulp by rolling it over the top
involving the blender or food of the nylon screens.
processor.
American Chemical Society © 2008

ww.acs.org/kids
Recycled Paper Page 2
10. Without removing the screens, Try this… Where’s the Chemistry?
move your newly formed Make a second batch of recycled Plants use the energy of the sun
paper to a dry spot, and paper adding in a few pieces of to make all sorts of chemicals like
allow it to dry overnight. colored paper, yarn or string to the sugars and complex carbohydrates.
(Alternatively, you can dry the newspaper. You can also add small One of these complex carbohydrates
paper using a hair dryer. An pieces of leaves or grass to change is called cellulose. Cellulose is
adult must perform this step.) the texture of the paper. tough and indigestible. It is the
main ingredient in wood pulp.
11. Remove the paper from the
Plants use cellulose to make their
nylon screens.
limbs and trunks strong and stiff.
12. Pour the liquids down the Without it, they would not be able
drain, recycle any unused to stand. Cellulose can be made
paper, and throw everything into many different products like
else in the trash. Thoroughly paper, cardboard, rayon fabric,
clean your work area, and and insulation. By recycling paper
wash your hands. we cut down on the amount of
waste in our landfills, save trees,
and conserve energy.
What Did You Observe?

What does your paper look like? Is it white? Why not?
American Chemical Society © 2008

www.acs.org/kids
Science Activities for Children from the American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society develops materials for elementary school age children to
spark their interest in science and teach developmentally appropriate chemistry concepts.
The Activities for Children collection includes hands-on activities, articles, puzzles, and
games on topics related to children’s everyday experiences.
The collection can be used to supplement the science curriculum, celebrate National
Chemistry Week, develop Chemists Celebrate Earth Day events, invite children to give
science a try at a large event, or to explore just for fun at home.
Find more activities, articles, puzzles and games at www.acs.org/kids.
Safety Tips
This activity is intended for elementary school children under the direct supervision of an
adult. The American Chemical Society cannot be responsible for any accidents or injuries
that may result from conducting the activities without proper supervision, from not specifically
following directions, or from ignoring the cautions contained in the text.
Always:
• Work with an adult.

• Read and follow all directions for the activity.
• Read all warning labels on all materials being used.
• Wear eye protection.
• Follow safety warnings or precautions, such as wearing gloves or tying back long hair.
• Use all materials carefully, following the directions given.
• Be sure to clean up and dispose of materials properly when you are finished with an
activity.
• Wash your hands well after every activity.
Never eat or drink while conducting an experiment, and be careful to keep all of the materials
used away from your mouth, nose, and eyes!
Never experiment on your own!
For more detailed information on safety go to www.acs.org/education and click on

“Safety Guidelines”.
©2008 American Chemical Society

www.acs.org/kids

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Making Recycled Paper from Celebrating Chemistry

D id you ever wonder where

American Chemical Society © 2008

What Did You Observe?

American Chemical Society © 2008

Find more activities, articles, puzzles and games at www.acs.org/kids.

• Work with an adult.

Never experiment on your own!

For more detailed information on safety go to www.acs.org/education and click on

©2008 American Chemical Society

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