Navigating the Paper Labyrinth Experiment
The Walk Through Paper STEM challenge is an engaging and educational project that requires only a printable Paper Cutting Template, paper, and scissors. This challenge is suitable for various ages and encourages participants to think like engineers and problem-solvers.
A Combination of Engineering and Chemistry
This project not only tests one's engineering skills but also incorporates chemistry concepts. By focusing on the chemical properties and reactions related to the materials and processes involved, we can enrich the Walk Through Paper STEM Challenge.
Exploring Paper Fibers and Chemical Bonds
One can explore the chemical composition of paper fibers and how paper strength depends on cellulose structure, hydrogen bonding, and the role of adhesives like tape. Linking material properties to molecular chemistry adds a fascinating layer to the challenge.
Simple Chemistry Experiments
Incorporating simple chemistry experiments, such as acid-base reactions, alongside the engineering challenge can make the experience even more captivating. For example, using vinegar and baking soda or chalk to create fizzing effects demonstrates chemical reactions while constructing structures from paper.
Intermolecular Forces and Paper Properties
Discussing the role of intermolecular forces in water resistance or the effect of coatings on paper strength and durability connects physical and chemical properties that affect the paper chair’s performance.
The 5E Instructional Model for Enhanced Engagement
Applying the 5E instructional model from chemistry teaching strategies can lead to better engagement. This approach includes an engagement activity on the chemistry of materials, students exploring and experimenting building paper chairs, explaining chemical principles behind material strength, elaborating on applications, and then evaluating design success.
Hands-On Activities and Measurements
Hands-on activities like the Paper Ball Run or Paper Chair Challenge can be enhanced by measuring how different paper types and chemical treatments (e.g., waxed paper, water exposure) affect strength, flexibility, or stability. This integration of chemistry concepts into a STEM engineering challenge adds depth and complexity to the project.
The Challenge and Its Math Aspects
The Walk Through Paper challenge involves careful cutting of a single sheet of paper to make it possible to walk through. The challenge is designed to expand the perimeter of the paper enough to fit through with a little math and careful cutting. The perimeter of a shape is the total distance around its edges.
After cutting, the piece of paper is opened to see if it's big enough to walk through. Participants are asked to predict the outcome, brainstorm ideas, and ask questions about how to make a hole big enough to fit through a single piece of paper.
Resources and Additional Challenges
Resources are available to help introduce STEM effectively, such as Engineering Design Process Explained, What Is An Engineer?, Engineering Words, Real World STEM, Build A Growth Mindset With STEM, Questions for Reflection, BEST STEM Books for Kids, 14 Engineering Books for Kids, Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free), Must Have STEM Supplies List, and a Printable STEM Activities Pack.
The template is folded along a center line, cut along each line, and then cut along a black line where the paper is folded, leaving the first and last folded sections intact. The increased perimeter makes the hole in the middle large enough for a person to step through.
The "Walk Through Paper" STEM challenge is just one example of fun and educational paper projects. Other paper STEM challenges include Strong Paper, Paper Bridges, Paper Chain, Paper STEAM Sculpture, and more. By experimenting with different paper sizes, numbers of cuts, materials, and measuring the largest hole created, the Walk Through Paper challenge can be extended for continued exploration and learning.
- The Walk Through Paper STEM challenge incorporates chemistry concepts, particularly focusing on the chemical properties and reactions involved in the materials used.
- Exploring the chemical composition of paper fibers and understanding how paper strength relies on cellulose structure, hydrogen bonding, and adhesives like tape adds a captivating layer to the challenge.
- Simple chemistry experiments, such as acid-base reactions using vinegar and baking soda or chalk, can be incorporated alongside the engineering challenge to make the experience more enriching.
- Intermolecular forces play a crucial role in paper properties, affecting water resistance and the performance of paper in the Walk Through Paper chair challenge.
- The 5E instructional model from chemistry teaching strategies can be applied to the Walk Through Paper STEM Challenge for enhanced engagement.
- This approach includes an engagement activity on the chemistry of materials, students exploring, experimenting, and building paper chairs, explaining chemical principles behind material strength, elaborating on applications, and evaluating design success.
- Hands-on activities like the Paper Ball Run or Paper Chair Challenge can be improved by measuring the impact of different paper types, chemical treatments, and various factors on strength, flexibility, and stability.
- The math aspects of the Walk Through Paper STEM challenge revolve around carefully cutting a single sheet of paper to expand the perimeter and make it possible to walk through.
- Understanding the perimeter of a shape, as the total distance around its edges, is essential for successfully completing the challenge.
- By experimenting with different paper sizes, numbers of cuts, materials, and measuring the largest hole created, the Walk Through Paper challenge can be extended for continuous exploration and learning.
- Resources, such as Engineering Design Process Explained and BEST STEM Books for Kids, are available to help introduce STEM effectively and provide additional paper engineering challenges like Strong Paper, Paper Bridges, and Paper STEAM Sculpture.
- The Walk Through Paper challenge not only demonstrates the practical application of math and engineering principles but also fosters personal growth, learning, and fun, connecting to fields like health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, education-and-self-development, and even sports or sports-betting.
