Name Melissa Camacho
Submitted on 10/25/2005 9:00:36 PM
Topic: Any1
Fetters, Marcia, K. (Fall 2000). Papermaking as a Science Activity. Science Activities, v37, 28-34.
Summary
In this article, Fetters designs a science activity in making paper. In her introduction of the activity, she exclaims that this activity can be used as a tool to explore the science concepts in multiple contexts such as social studies and art. It begins by providing a vast amount of materials for paper making as well as any optional equipment depending on the grade level of the students. Then the activity goes into the preparation which describes how to shred and soak scrap paper to have it ready for papermaking. The procedure is described in four steps: making paper slurry, making sheets of paper, pressing the paper, and sizing the paper. Fetters has five steps to help make the slurry paper using a blender, water, and starch. After the paper has been slurried, the paper is then ready to be into sheets of paper which is made with two pieces of plastic needlepoint canvas. The next step is pressing the paper using two dry sponges that is removing excess water. When the texture is rough then the canvas is removed and the paper can be either microwave, ironed, put in an oven or simply air dried. The last step is sizing. The propose of sizing is for the students to be able to write on the paper without it bleeding, then iron the paper dry to become official paper to use. After the activity, Fetters provides variables and problems to teach students important science concepts that relate to the activity. She also helps teachers use the activity to allow students to explore and construct data during the activity.
Reaction
The article provides a step by step procedure in making paper and having it relate to science. It does show the physical changes that is put in the activity as well as other science concepts that teachers can implement. However, the activity only describes ways to make it a learning activity, but it doesn't provide it during the steps to making the paper. I feel the activity should model the teacher the important information to help students understand the science concepts that should be taught during the lesson. The activity should have the students observe, predict, construct data, and analyze the paper making process.