Origami Frog
In this activity, students will learn how to make an origami frog. This may be a little difficult for some, so it's best to take it slow and be sure of your folds (there is extra paper provided if needed). While this activity covers quite a few STELs, the main focus will be around making and doing and systems thinking.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to create their own origami frog.
- Students will explore and learn the importance of accuracy and precision within this activity.
STELs:
- Core Standards
- Design in Technology and Engineering Education
- Practices
- Systems Thinking
- Creativity
- Making and Doing
- Optimism
- Contexts
- Material Conversion and Processing
Target Audience: Grades 6-8
Supplies
Origami paper
Folding a Square Base
A lot of more complex origami use the square base as a starting point. Make sure your folds are as close as possible, a neat square base will make things a lot easier and cleaner further on.
Next, we're going to lift up one of the flaps from the square base and make a "squash fold." Repeat this fold for the remaining 3 sides.
Next, we fold in each half of the flaps towards the center, as shown (it's okay if they're a little uneven). Repeat the fold for the remaining 3 sides.
This next fold might be the most difficult part of this activity. On one of the sides, unfold the flap from the previous step, then open the section, then fold it flat. Repeat for the remaining 3 sides.
Next, fold in the side flaps towards the center on all 4 sides. Then, take the top two "legs" from the bottom and fold them up as shown. Then, we're going to do an inverted fold to keep the legs in place. Then, flip it over.
Similar to the last step, fold the bottom legs out as shown, and keep them in place with an inverted fold. After all the legs are in place, fold the ends out to make the feet.
Turn the frog over and fold the "nose" into the bottom pocket.
Flip it over and now you have made your own origami frog!