In this unit, students explore the properties of paper and the science of papermaking and apply these concepts through technological design. Through their experiences, students are introduced to the following concepts, skills, and attitudes.

• Paper is made from plant fibers such as wood, cotton, and linen.
• Some properties of paper are how opaque, absorbent, tear-resistant, and smooth it is.
• The desired use of a paper determines the importance of, and quality specifications for, each property.
• Steps in hand and machine papermaking include preparing the fiber, beating and preparing pulp, sheet forming, pressing and drying, and finishing.
• People from different cultures have made and continue to make contributions to the science and technology of paper.
• Paper is a major renewable resource.
• Steps needed to make paper from recycled paper include collecting, sorting, removing contaminants, cleaning, and deinking.
• Additives are mixed with refined pulp to give paper special properties.
• Papermaking variations include embedding and embossing.
• Steps in technological design include identifying needs and opportunities, generating a design, planning and making the product, and testing and evaluating the product.
• Technological designs have constraints that can limit design choices. Constraints can include time and availability of materials.
• Design requirements specify how a designed object must perform.
• Product designers continually modify their design specifications in order to improve the products.

Skills

• Learning to perform class paper-property tests.
• Observing, describing, and recording test results and the structural, optical, and absorptive properties of paper.
• Collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.
• Learning to plan and conduct tests with controlled variables.
• Predicting how changing a variable affects the outcome of a controlled test.
• Supporting conclusions with reasons that are based on observation and experience.
• Developing the ability to consider different aspects of a need by researching existing products and the desires of potential users.
• Applying previously learned concepts and skills to new situations, such as designing a paper product that meets a specific need.
• Studying products and systems to develop an understanding of technology.
• Generating and comparing design ideas in light of product requirements.
• Organizing and using materials and resources to test the properties of paper, recycle paper, and design and implement a plan to make a paper product.
• Evaluating products on the basis of how well they meet design requirements and suggesting modifications to better meet the products’ design specifications.
• Communicating ideas and the process of technological design through writing and discussion.
• Reading to enhance understanding of the history and technology of papermaking.

Attitudes

• Developing an interest in exploring technological design through work with everyday materials.
• Developing an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of paper in our lives.
• Developing an understanding of and appreciation for the benefits of controlled product testing.
• Appreciating the importance of recycling paper.
• Appreciating how science is applied to solve practical problems.