Writing implements

Pencils:

Pencils used to be made out of lead which is a highly toxic subject and can cause major health problems. Now a days pencils are made out of graphite.


Graphite is a metomorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks are ones which have been metamorphosed (changed). They are originally igneous or sedimentary rocks but due to the application of high levels of heat and pressure, they changed. The high heat was from contact with magma and the pressure usually in the formation of fold mountains.


I found this link which goes into a lot of detail about how pencils are made.


http://www.wisegeek.com/how-are-pencils-made.htm




Paper:

Paper is made from trees (as if you didn't know...) Trees are sent to a paper mill where they are ground up with water and chemicals which forms a liquid. This liquid is fed through a series of machines which flatten the mixture and keep it flat whilst it dries into paper.