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How do scissors work? |
Everyday Marvels
Here’s a snippet of info for you!
You might have a pair of small scissors that you keep with your art supplies. Scissors are very useful tools and how they work is actually pretty simple!
Scissors are made of two blades. These blades are sharp, just like a knife, so always be careful. The blades are set up so that when you squeeze the handles, the sharp edges meet each other and cross very closely, cutting through any thin material, like paper or fabric, that is between them.
Thanks to scissors we can make paper snowflakes, paper stars and paper hearts to decorate or to use in art projects! Scissors are also used to cut the thread and fabric that make clothes, so it’s a good thing that scissors exist!
They’ve been around for quite a while too! No one can be sure exactly when they were invented, but researchers believe the earliest scissors are from Ancient Egypt about 3,500 years ago.
Scissor Safety!
It’s important to remember to be careful when using scissors. Just like they can cut paper, they can cut skin, so keep your hands away from the sharp edges of the blades. Walk with them slowly and carefully and keep the blades pointed down and away from you. It’s a good idea to have a grown-up watching you. Maybe they’ll even help with your art project!
Fancy Folding!
Cutting with scissors isn’t the only way to make cool shapes with paper. Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper. Just by folding you can turn a piece of paper into some pretty cool shapes!
Ask a grown-up for help finding instructions. Some designs can be tricky, but good ones to start with are a swan or even a paper airplane!