Question

Cut a potato into half. Carve out some letters or figures on the cut surfaces using a nail. Dip the surface into ink or colour and then press it on a piece of paper. Observe what happens.

Answer 1

Making a Potato Seal

Materials required: Potato, nail, ink/colour and a sheet of paper.

Procedure:

• Cut a potato into two equal halves.
• On the flat cut surface, carve a simple letter or figure using a nail.
• Dip the carved surface into ink or colour.
• Press the coloured surface firmly on a piece of paper.
• Lift the potato carefully and observe the print.

Observation: The carved letter or figure appears as a clear impression on the paper.

Conclusion: This activity shows how a seal or stamp produces an impression on another surface. Ancient people also used seals in a similar way to make impressions on clay and other materials.