Science Smarts: How is it used again when we recycle?

By Patty Rooks on October 1, 2022.

As I look at the pile of recycling to go to the depot, I begin to wonder, just how do they reuse these materials. I am sure that many of you have wondered the exact same thing! As I researched the process, it turns out, it can be quite a fun activity to do. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

•

Several sheets of newspaper

• Blender or food processor

• Water

• Sink or large cake pan

• Old pair of nylons

• Metal coat hanger(s)

• Electric iron

• Food colouring

• Tape

• Scissors

• Measuring cups

Making the Paper Frame

1. Undo the coat hanger and pull to straight.

2. Bend the wire into a square frame.

3. Tape the ends of the wire together so your frame stays in place.

4. Cut one of the legs of the nylons off.

5. Carefully stretch the leg of the nylon over the metal frame. Be careful you do not rip the nylons.

6. Pull the nylons tight and tie a knot in each end

7. If you wish, repeat to make more than one frame.

Making Paper

1. Rip two sheets of newspaper into small strips.

2. Measure 125 mL (1/2 cup) of tightly packed newspaper strips.

3. Put into the blender.

4. Add 300 mL (1 ¼ cups) of water to the paper.

5. Blend until smooth.

6. Continue to add more newspaper until the mixture is thick and smooth.

7. Colour the paper by adding a couple of drops of food colouring.

8. Blend well.

9. Place the screen in the cake pan or sink.

10. Pour 500 mL (2 cups) water into the pan.

11. Pour approximately half of the pulp mixture from the blender onto the screen you made.

12. Smooth the mixture out with your hands.

13. Carefully lift the screen out of the pan.

14. Place on several sheets of newspaper to dry.

15. Repeat using more screens.

16. Once the paper is dry, peel the screen away.

17. If it is too wrinkled, you can iron it flat.

18. Make a notebook out of all the paper you made.

Discussion

The method you used here is similar to how factories recycle paper. At large factories, paper is also shredded and mashed into pulp. This pulp is then used to make different paper products. Did you know that for approximately every 50 kg (110 lbs) of paper recycled, one tree is saved?

Mark your calendars… our annual Family Science Olympics will return Oct. 29 from 10a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are just working out the details, so keep reading here each and every week so you do not miss out.

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community”. Contact with Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: #12 826 11 Street S. E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403.527.5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca

47
-46