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Stepping
Through Paper
Everyone knows that a piece of construction
paper is far too small for you to squeeze yourself through
without tearing the paper. Or is it? Let's find out.
What you'll need:
- construction paper
- scissors
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1. First, take a sheet of
construction paper and fold it in half so that the short
ends meet. |
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2. Now cut out a rectangle
from the center of the paper at the fold. |
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3. Next, make alternating
cuts from the cutout rectangle toward the folded edge,
and also from the folded edge toward the cutout rectangle.
Do not cut all the way through on any of the cuts, and
do not let any of the cuts touch each other. |
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4. Now unfold the paper, and see how
easily you can get yourself through the sheet of paper
without ripping or tearing it.
By cutting the paper into a new shape,
you are able to stretch it into a form that is large
enough for you to fit through. You have just "stepped
through" a piece of paper!
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Adapted from Is Science Magic?,
by Ovid K. Wong (Childrens Press, Chicago, 1989).
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