Authentic Ancient Egyptian Papyrus Re-Creation

60 mins Ages 7-12 Indoor

An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 12.

Materials Needed

  • • Fresh celery stalks or soaked green corn husks (4 stalks)
  • • Vegetable peeler and rolling pin (1 set)
  • • Baking parchment paper (2 sheets)
  • • Watered-down PVA glue (1 tsp glue in 2 tbsp water) (1 cup)
  • • Heavy hardcover books (for pressing) (3–4 books)

Pro Tips

  • → Use a vegetable peeler to shave fresh celery or damp corn husks into long, paper-thin ribbon strips.
  • → Lay strips side by side vertically on parchment paper, then weave a second layer horizontally across them in a tight grid.
  • → Roll firmly with a rolling pin and press under heavy books: plant sap and starch bind the strips into a flexible writing sheet.

Safety First

Supervise vegetable peeler use when slicing plant ribbons.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Shave long, paper-thin lengthwise ribbons from fresh celery stalks using a vegetable peeler.

2

Step 2

Lay the strips side-by-side vertically on baking parchment, slightly overlapping edges to eliminate gaps.

3

Step 3

Weave a second layer of ribbons horizontally across the vertical layer, brushing lightly with thinned glue.

4

Step 4

Cover with parchment, roll flat with a rolling pin, and press beneath heavy books for 24 hours to cure into papyrus.

What they are learning

Laminated plant fiber cross-weaving Natural sap starch adhesion Ancient Egyptian papyrus history