Recycling Paper into Art & Decoration – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects *
Arts, Mathematics
Age Ranges *
5-8, 8-11,
Fab Tools *
Laser Cutter,
Author
Maxime Richard

Author

Maxime Richard

Summary

In this lesson, students explore sustainability by recycling paper into art and decoration. They begin by discussing the importance of recycling and selecting paper as their focus, then practice sorting, cutting, and soaking waste paper. The soaked paper is blended into pulp, pressed into sheets, and later compared with regular notebook paper. Once dried, students cut the recycled sheets into shapes and arrange them into creative designs. Before using laser cutting to finalize their decorations, they also practice math skills by measuring and converting from centimeters to millimeters. The unit concludes with assembling a collaborative artwork that combines environmental awareness, creativity, technology, and practical skills.

What You'll Need

  • Waste paper
  • Buckets/bowls & blender (for making pulp)
  • Frames or mesh sieves (for forming sheets)
  • Boards or flat surfaces (for drying)
  • Rulers
  • Computers with vector software (e.g., Inkscape)
  • Laser cutter

 

Learning Objectives

  • Recall the definitions of recycling, reusing, and sustainability, and identify common recyclable materials.
  • Explain the environmental importance of recycling and describe the process of turning waste paper into new materials.
  • Measure recycled paper sheets, convert between units (cm and mm), and apply these measurements to scale digital designs for laser cutting.
  • Create original artistic decorations by transforming waste paper through recycling, digital design, and laser cutting.

 

Reflection

The kids really enjoyed this project, and it was great because it combined many different skills (sustainability, measurement, digital design, and creativity) into one activity. One idea to try next time is adding food dye to the pulp so students can explore color in their recycled paper. Since laser cutting takes time, it helps to plan decorating or assembling tasks while waiting. Another improvement would be to group designs into one file to speed up cutting and show how digital choices affect physical outcomes. Overall, the sequence was engaging, and small adjustments could make it even smoother.

The Instructions

Introduction to Sustainability and Recycling (30 minutes)

Conversation about sustainability and recycling.

  • Ask learners about their prior knowledge: What is recycling? What materials can we recycle?
  • Discuss why recycling and reusing materials is important for the environment.
  • Introduce paper as the focus material: Where does it come from? Why is recycling paper valuable?
  • Visit the school recycling area: Observe what materials are collected and how they are sorted. Discuss how this connects to everyday recycling habits.

 

Sorting and Preparing Paper (15 minutes)

First experimentation, then discussion.

  • Collect waste paper from class or home.
  • Separate types of paper (plain, colored, glossy, newspaper, etc.).
  • Discuss which types might be harder to recycle and why.

 

Soaking and Observing Paper Changes (20 minutes)

Hands-on experimentation followed by reflection.

  • Cut paper into small pieces.
  • Place pieces in water to soak.
  • Observe changes in texture, color, and smell.
  • Predict: What will happen to the paper after a few days? (Leave it in the water for 2 days)

 

Blending Paper into Pulp (20 minutes)

Experimentation, then explanation of the recycling process.

  • Mash or blend soaked paper into pulp (teacher supports with blender).
  • Discuss the pulp’s properties: texture, consistency, and how it can be formed into new sheets.

 

Forming and Drying Recycled Sheets (15 minutes)

Hands-on experimentation.

  • Pour pulp into frames or sieves, press flat to form sheets.
  • Set sheets aside to dry.
  • Compare recycled sheets to normal notebook paper: texture, thickness, color.

 

Designing with Recycled Paper (30 minutes)

Creative digital design using recycled paper as the final material.

  • Use a vector software like Inkscape to design basic shapes (geometric, flowers, hearts, etc.).
  • Measure the recycled paper and size the digital shapes accordingly (convert cm to mm if needed).
  • Share designs with partners and discuss choices.

 

Laser Cutting and Final Decoration (30 minutes)

Apply technology to complete the project.

  • Demonstrate laser cutting and explain safety rules.
  • Teacher/technician cuts selected designs with laser cutter.
  • Students assemble final decoration (mural, wall hanging, greeting card).
  • Reflection: What did you learn about recycling, art, and technology?

 

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