A Paper Feeder for the Writing Table

Story Strips on the Move

At the classroom writing table, students write shared stories on long paper strips. They want a small device to feed blank paper toward a writer. Their model must move at least 18 centimeters of paper in every 12-second test without tearing it. It must use a battery, not a wall outlet.

The teacher provides a low-voltage battery pack, a switch, snap-together wires, and a small motor. The battery supplies electrical energy through the wires. A motor can use electrical energy to produce motion. A lamp uses electrical energy to produce light instead. The feeder needs motion to pull paper forward.

The motor connects to a pair of rollers. Paper passes between them as they turn. A removable cover on one roller helps it grip the paper. A clear guard keeps fingers away from moving parts. The teacher assembles the model and loads paper with the power off. Students switch it off before an adult clears a jam.

First, the class checks two motor settings with the same roller cover and paper. At the regular setting, the feeder moves 20 centimeters in 12 seconds. At the lower setting, it moves 10 centimeters in 12 seconds. Students return to the regular setting for all cover comparisons.

Next, students compare three roller covers of the same width: A is smooth plastic, B has a rough gripping surface, and C is soft foam. They change only the cover. They keep the motor, battery pack, roller spacing, paper type, and starting position the same. They use a fresh strip for each test.

Students run five 12-second tests per cover. They measure the paper moved and check for tears. A moves 16, 18, 16, 18, and 16 centimeters; none of its strips tear. B moves 22, 24, 22, 24, and 22 centimeters; its first and fourth strips tear. C moves 20, 20, 18, 20, and 18 centimeters; none of its strips tear.

During testing, students see paper slip against Cover A several times. Cover B sometimes catches and damages the paper. They record these observations to help explain the results and predict how later changes might work.