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Home » Primary Science » Key Stage 1 Science » What’s the best material for a Christmas paper chain?

What’s the best material for a Christmas paper chain?

Modified: Dec 5, 2024 · Published: Dec 8, 2014 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

We’ve been making lots of paper chains recently and have found that some are stronger than others, depending on the material used. So, we set about devising an experiment to find the material best suited to making paper chains.

The activity makes a fun Christmas STEM challenge or science investigation.

wrapping paper cut into strips for making a paper chain

Planning the experiment

Variables

Materials to make the paper chains with – tissue paper, parcel paper, cardboard, foil, gift wrap

How to test?

Gently pull on the chain till it breaks, recording the force needed to break the chain.

Which factors do we need to keep constant?

Size of chain

Amount of sellotape used

Amount of overlap of each segment

Size of individual segments

Person testing

Possible causes of errors

Hard to record the force used to break the chains.

Properties of a good paper chain

Bends easily

Strong

Looks good.

Fun paperchain science/STEM activity for kids

This activity is great for:

Key Stage 1 Design and Technology

Improving skills, knowledge and understanding of an iterative design process.

Design

Allowing children to design a purposeful, functional and appealing product for themselves and others.

Generating and developing ideas

Make

Selecting appropriate tools and equipment.

Explore

Exploring and evaluating existing products and using features of those in their design.

More similar science investigations

Find the best material for a superhero cape with this easy investigation.

Which do you think are the best materials for muffling sound? We used a cardboard tube with different materials stuffed inside to find out.

Can you make a waterproof roof for a LEGO house?

If you need paper chain inspiration these reindeer and snowman chains are super cute from Recycled Crafts.

How strong is a paper chain - fun science investigation for little ones.. #scienceforkids #paperchains

Last Updated on December 5, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. tanya

    December 12, 2014 at 5:05 pm

    I love your ideas. You can turn anything into a fun science project 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Becky

    December 14, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Got to be toilet trolls right?

    Reply

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