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paper ghost in water on back and painted candy corn plate
Make your own vanishing ghosts with 3 simple steps!

Vanishing Ghosts

This experiment uses water-soluble paper. (get some here) Water-soluble means that it dissolves when water is added.  Water-soluble paper can be used just like ordinary paper.  It can be written or printed on, cut, laminated, or heat sealed to make bags.  It also looks and feels the same, and is 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

How it works:

Paper is made from cellulose (ground up grass and wood product) fibers.  The longer the fibers are, the thicker and more durable the paper is.  Chemicals are also added depending on what type of paper is being made.  In contrast, water-soluble paper has shorter cellulose fibers, so when water is added the water separates the fiber bonds and goes in between tearing them apart.  With some stirring, it will dissolve in 30 seconds.

Some uses of water-soluble paper include:

  • Toilet seat covers, toilet paper: when camping or trying to reduce waste

  • Packages for fertilizer, chemicals, or soap: the package easily dissolves eliminating the risk of direct contact with harmful chemicals

  • Art projects: transferring art, embedding soap

  • Games

  • Religious ceremonies

  • Gardening

Eliminate waste and try making your own paper soap here. https://www.smartsolve.com/news/environmentally-sustainable-diy-paper-soap-from-smartsolve-industries

Did you know you can make your own paper?

Make your own paper (without a blender): https://www.ehow.com/how_12118700_making-paper-newspaper-blender.html

Make your own paper (with a blender): http://eekwi.org/cool/paper.htm?fbclid=IwAR2m-enUqFABekMz7qoapLC18Sh6c9_hJoU-ws3tgh2Al20M107RMnE5t8E

How to do:

Supplies:

  • Water-soluble paper

  • Scissors

  • Plate or small container

  • Water

  1. Cut the water-soluble paper into ghost shapes.

  2. Place the ghost on a plate or in a small container.

  3. Pour water over it (a little shaking may be needed).

Watch your ghost disappear!

STEM Dissolving Paper Experiment

FREE PRINTABLE!
zen ghosts

Book Recommendation

Zen Ghosts is a beautifully illustrated book that is part of the Zen series by Joh J. Muth.  Join Addy, Michael, Carl, and a panda named, Stillwater and learn about a Zen Koan. This is a thought-provoking book, that is enjoyable for both children and adults.

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Guqinz May 1, 2019

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    1. Raising A Legacy May 1, 2019

      Thank you for your comment! We are working on putting up more content so be sure to check back soon 🙂

Comments are closed.

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