Source: LIMU/LEARNING ABOUT HAWAI'I'S EDIBLE SEAWEEDS,
Department of Education, State of Hawaii, 1987 Materials Needed:
fresh seaweeds
large flat pan with about an inch of sea water in it
heavy, stiff white paper (e.g. botanical mounting paper, or unlined index cards)
several peices of smooth, absorbent cloth (e.g. old muslin sheets, uct up)
lots of newspapers
weights (heavy books, bricks, etc.)
pencils
labels (see below)
razor blades or scissors
tweezers or toothpicks
Suggestions and Tips:
1. Tap water may be used; however, the delicate red seaweeds will lose their water soluble pigments.
2. The natural adhesives in most seaweeds will cause them to stick to the paper as they dry. However, coarse, wiry, or stony seaweeeds may not stick well to aper. These seaweeds can be pressed, then glued to the paper with Elmer's Glue or some other clear cement.
3. Many layers of mounted seaweeds may be pressed in one stack; however, the paper tends to crinkle if the stack gets too high. Boards may be added at the bottom and under the weights on top to keep pressure even.
4. Students can write the following information with pencils on one corner of each sheet of mounting paper. Later, this information can be typed or printed neatly on a lable and placed over the pencil notations.
Procedure:
Step 1: Fill the pan with about one inch of sea water. Slide a sheet of paper in the pan.
Step 2: Float a peice of seaweed in the water to position it on the paper. Arrange the seaweed "artistically" using a toothpick or tweezers. If necessary, thin out branches, using razor blade or scissors, to avoid too much overlapping.
Step 3: After you are satisfied with the arrangement, carefully lift out the paper and seaweed. Drain off the excess water. Then place a piece of cloth over the seaweed.
Step 4: Layer your materials as shown. Replace layers of newspapers as they become soaked. By changing newspapers, and with adequate ventilation, the mount can be completed within a 48-hour period.
Uses for Mounted Seaweeds:
Besides making a scientific collection of seaweeds, students may enjoy making stationery or note cards, bookmarks or framed pictures.
Visit the following website more ideas!
Say It With Seaweed
http://www.hawaiian.net/~joyce/index.html
