Let’s make paper! Learn how the invention of paper in China revolutionized the world and create your own eco-friendly recycled paper—no fancy blenders or screens needed.
Starry Night at Home: Make Your Own Abacus
Perform calculations like they did hundreds of years ago! Create an abacus, a device invented in China, and learn how to use only beads and string to solve math problems.
Starry Night at Home: Paper Kites
Create a paper kite that uses backyard wind power to fly! Read about the history of kites and explore the forces of lift, gravity, drag, and thrust as you make your kite soar.
Materials List: Chinese Starry Night at Home
We are excited for you to participate in Girlstart’s Starry Night at Home, including an Ancient Chinese Legend star show and hands-on STEM activities! Gather materials from around the house and join us on Thursday, February 4th for Starry fun.
DIY Paper
- Aluminum foil
- Baking pan (9×13 or similar)
- Bowl
- Cornstarch
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Paper towels
- Ruler
- Scrap paper
- Spoon
- Toothpick or push pin
- Water
Make Your Own Abacus
- 28 beads
- Marker or pen
- Piece of cardboard
- Rubber band
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Yarn or string (4 12-inch pieces)
Paper Kites
- Cotton string (5-10 feet)
- Hole punch
- Pen or pencil
- 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper
- Plastic ribbon (6 feet) or plain ribbon (2 feet)
- Ruler
- Straw
- Tape
Rattle Drums
- 2 beads
- Construction paper, paint, or markers for decoration (optional)
- Dowel
- Hole puncher
- 2 paper plates
- Stapler
- Tape
- Yarn or ribbon (2 6-inch pieces)