Activity
Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) Outcomes and Experiences
Plantable Seed Paper
Social Studies:
SOC 2-08a: I can discuss the environmental impact of human activity and suggest ways in which we can live in a more environmentally-responsible way.
SOC 3-08a: I can identify the possible consequences of an environmental issue and make informed suggestions about ways to manage the impact
Science:
SCN 3-05b: I can explain some of the processes which contribute to climate change and discuss the possible impact of atmospheric change on the survival of living things
Duration
Materials
1 class period or 2 x 25/30 min sessions
Copy of A Window Into Outdoor pages 20 - 25
Scraps of paper
Pencils
A bowl and a spoon for mixing
A flat surface with a baking sheet for drying
Seeds
A sponge or rolling pin for pressing
Water
Sieve
Activity Instructions
1 Introduction: "We're going to think about Environmental Conservation. Can anyone tell me how we make paper?” Write down the pupil’s answers on the board.
2 “Why is paper useful, what can we use it for?” Possible responses:
Writing paper
Drawing pictures
Making cards
Wrapping presents
Making crafts
3.“Can anyone think of any problems with using all this paper” Write down the pupils answers on the board. Possible responses:
Cuts down trees.
Loss of forest can negatively impact habitats for a vast variety of plants and animal species. Despite recycling initiatives paper still ends up in landfill.
4.“Paper production is essential to our modern society however, it creates a significant environmental burden. As some of you have mentioned the initial issue of cutting down trees leads to deforestation and habitat loss, which in turn reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. So we need to think of different ways to make paper. Some of the different ways are:
Bamboo paper: it’s fast-growing, renewable grass that requires less water than traditional wood pulp sources.
Elephant poo paper: The poo is collected and thoroughly washed to remove dirt and debris, leaving behind only fibrous plant matter. The fiber is boiled for several hours to sterilize it and soften the fibers, creating a type of pulp. The pulp is spread on a screen and left to dry. This process helps to reduce deforestation and supports elephant conservation efforts by providing a source of income for communities.
Seaweed waste paper: Seaweed is collected and cleaned to remove sand and debris and put through a pulping process to extract the fibrous material. The pulp is then mixed with water to form sheets.
Instructions
5. Activity: Plantable Seed Paper. “Today we are going to be making our own alternative paper: By using consumer waste paper such as newspaper it reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp, thereby helping to conserve forests and the biodiversity that they support. Furthermore, its unique composition allows it to be planted directly into the soil, where the paper biodegrades and the mixed in seeds grow into plants.”
6. Instructions:
Tear up the paper into small pieces and soak them in warm water overnight (you can either do this in advance or split the session over 2 class periods). Mash and mix your pulp with a wooden spoon. Put the mixture into a sieve to strain out excess water.
Mix your seeds into the mixture, making sure they are mixed and not clumped together. Cut a sheet of baking paper and place it on a flat surface.
Place your mixture on the backing paper and smooth into a rectangle. Use a rolling pin or sponge to press down on the mixture to help reduce excess moisture and reduce the thickness of the sheet. Allow the paper to dry for about 48 hours. Make sure to turn it occasionally to allow both sides to dry evenly.
8. Wrap-Up: “What was one thing you learned today about different ways we can make paper and why is it important to look at alternative methods?”
1.Extension Task: Once the paper is dry the pupils can use it to create cards. Use pencils or pens to decorate, but do not attach anything aside from the paper itself as it will not biodegrade when planted.