To make your own jumping paper frog you’ll need:
1. A4-size paper
2. A sharpened pencil
3. A pair of scissors
4. A stapler
5. A length of string or thread
6. A small weight (a coin or paperclip will do)
7. A ruler
8. A clear surface on which to work
9. A willing helper (optional but recommended)!
Start by folding your paper in half lengthwise. Then using your ruler draw a line down the centre of the paper from the top edge to the bottom. Next draw a series of evenly-spaced lines across the paper parallel to the first line you drew; these will be your ‘fold lines’. Once you have your fold lines in place it’s time to start cutting!
Starting at the top edge of the paper cut along the centre line you drew earlier stopping before you reach the first fold line. Now working from the outside edge of the paper in towards the centre make a series of cuts along each of the fold lines stopping before you reach the centre line. When you’re finished you should have a sheet of paper with a series of ‘v’ shaped cuts running down its length.
Now it’s time to start folding! Take the top edge of the paper and fold it down to meet the first fold line. Then take the bottom edge of the paper and fold it up to meet the first fold line. Continue folding the paper in this way back and forth until you reach the end. When you’re finished you should have a long narrow strip of paper with a series of accordion-like folds.
Now it’s time to add your weight. Find the centre of the strip of paper and fold it in half. Then take the end of the strip and fold it up so that it meets the top edge of the paper. Staple the paper in place making sure that the staple goes through all the layers of paper.
Now it’s time to add your string. Cut a length of string or thread that is twice the length of the paper strip. Fold the strip in half again and tie the string around the centre making sure that the ends of the string are of equal length.
To finish your jumping paper frog all you need to do is give it a little push and watch it go!
What do you need to make a jumping paper frog?
You will need a sheet of paper a pencil a pen scissors and tape.
How do you make the body of the frog?
Fold the sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
Unfold the paper and then fold each side to the center crease.
Fold the paper in half again lengthwise.
How do you make the head of the frog?
Draw a circle on one end of the paper and cut it out.
How do you make the legs of the frog?
Cut four strips of paper for the legs.
Fold each strip in half and then tape or glue them to the body.
How do you make the arms of the frog?
Cut two strips of paper for the arms.
Fold each strip in half and then tape or glue them to the body.
How do you make the eyes of the frog?
Draw two small circles on the head and cut them out.
Glue or tape on two small pieces of paper for the eyes.
How do you make the mouth of the frog?
Draw a small curved line for the mouth and cut it out.
How do you assemble the frog?
Tape or glue the head to the body.
Tape or glue the arms and legs in place.
What do you use to make the frog jump?
You can use a paperclip or a piece of string.
Tape or glue the paperclip or string to the back of the frog.
How do you make the frog jump?
Hold the frog by the paperclip or string and pull it back.
Then let go and watch the frog jump.
What does the frog need to be able to jump?
The frog needs a strong paperclip or string that is taped or glued securely in place.
What happens if the frog’s arms and legs are too long or too short?
If the arms and legs are too long the frog may not be able to jump.
If the arms and legs are too short the frog may not look like a frog.
What happens if the frog’s head is too big or too small?
If the frog’s head is too big it may not be able to jump.
If the frog’s head is too small it may not look like a frog.
What happens if the frog’s eyes are too far apart or too close together?
If the frog’s eyes are too far apart it may not look like a frog.
If the frog’s eyes are too close together the frog may not be able to see where it is going.
What happens if the frog’s mouth is too big or too small?
If the frog’s mouth is too big it may not look like a frog.
If the frog’s mouth is too small the frog may not be able to eat.