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Origami Jumping Frog

Fold it in five minutes, then race it across the table for half an hour.

For ages6y - 12y
Time available30 min
Prep1 min
Mess
Noise
YouI will set it up, then step back

The folding is the activity. The racing afterwards is why they make six more.

What you need

  • paper
  • pens for decorating

How to do it

  1. Use a rectangle of paper, roughly half an A4 sheet.
  2. Fold it into a frog shape, pressing every crease firmly.
  3. Press down on the back end and let go to make it jump.
  4. Decorate it and make a second one in a different colour.
  5. Mark a start and finish line on the table and race them.

Why this is good for them

Origami demands precise, sequenced folding with immediate feedback, since a sloppy crease produces a frog that will not jump. That direct link between care and result is unusually motivating.

Adapting by age

5 to 6 yearsYou fold, they press and decorate.
11 to 12 yearsTest how paper weight changes jump distance and record it.

Keep it safe

None needed.

Cleanup tip

They fit in a pocket or a pencil case.

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