STEM Task: Paper Chain

Here is a fun, low-prep science experiment for your middle grades class! It's perfect for a Friday afternoon, day before a holiday, or as part of your regular science curriculum. Students will have a chance to experiment with simple, everyday materials to learn about a science concept in a hands-on manner. They will have to make a prediction before completing the experiment and draw a detailed and labelled diagram after they are done. They will also define relevant vocabulary words and answer a question about what they learned.

Paper Chain: You only get one standard piece of paper. How long of a paper chain can you make with it? What strategies will you use? Does this relate to anything you are learning in math class? This experiment is an easy way to link math and science together. If students use ideas about area and perimeter, they can make an incredibly long chain!

Student Instructions:

1) Try to make the longest paper chain you can with only one sheet of paper.

2) Make a plan before you start to cut.

3) Use the tape to close your loops.

How to Use:

Students can work in small groups. Go over the instructions and materials and give students time to predict before they start the experiment. Review the findings and relevant vocabulary after students have completed their experiment and diagram.

Grades to Use With: This activity is great for middle grades (4-7) classrooms or high school special education classes.

If you enjoy this experiment, check out some others in my store:

STEM TASK: Bridge Build

STEM TASK: Tower Build

STEM TASK: Falling Slowly

STEM TASK: Floating Layers

STEM TASK: Penny Drop

STEM TASK: Bubble Cubes

Or, you can get all 8 in a bundle here: 8 Low-Prep STEM Tasks for Elementary and Middle School: Simple Handouts for Each Experiment

One-page PDF handout with with material list, instructions, prediction, vocabulary or reflection, and room for a labelled diagram.