Superpower Paper
Science Trick

This quick and easy science "trick" is fun and interesting and uses materials you may already have around your home.
Remember, it's always a good idea to practice at home first!

Suggested Materials:

* 1 x sheet of standard white office paper (eg. A4 size, letter size)
* 2 x thick books of approximately the same size (or similar eg. 2 x bricks)
* 1 x flat rectangular drink coaster (or similar)
* 1 x clear plastic cup or container that is no wider than the drink coaster
* Small stones (or similar eg. coins)* 1 x small plastic container with lid

Suggested Instructions:

Step 1: At home, place your 2 books side by side on a table. Place them far enough apart so that you can lay your piece of paper lengthways between them to make a "bridge". Notice how the paper droops in the middle.

Step 2: Now take your paper and fold it from bottom to top all the way across, in 1cm strips, to create a concertina effect. First fold the bottom of your paper forward 1cm, then flip it over and fold it back 1cm, then flip it over and fold it forward 1cm. Repeat until your paper has been firmly folded from bottom to top.

Step 3: Take your folded piece of paper and again lay it lengthways between your 2 books to make a bridge. Place your drink coaster on top of your paper and then place your plastic container on top of your drink coaster.

Step 4: Now start dropping your stones into your plastic container one by one. Keep going until your paper bridge finally collapses. See how strong your paper has become just by changing its shape!

Step 5: You may like to practice this trick a few times at home before trying it at school.

Step 6: At school, repeat Step 1 to Step 4. Ask your teacher for help if needed.