Lesson 1 • Making origami frogs

Convene students together as a whole class. Show them an origami frog that you have made or show them the picture of an origami frog on slide 5 of Origami frogs PowerPoint.

Ask: What questions could we ask about my origami frog?

Allow students to share their questions. It is likely that someone will share that they would like to know how far your frog can jump.

Ask: How far do you think an origami frog can jump?

Discuss how far they think your frog can jump.

Ask: How could we find out?

Discuss that to find out we need to collect data on how far an origami frog can jump.

Show slide 4 of the Origami frogs PowerPoint which provides instructions on how to make an origami frog. There are also many online videos on how to make them, such as this origami jumping frog video.

Divide the students into small groups of 3-4 students. Provide each student with origami paper or construction paper and have them make their own frog.

Remind students that they are investigating the question: How far can an origami frog jump?.

Make measuring equipment available, such as rulers and tape measures, although don’t draw students’ attention to them at this point or explain what they are for.

Allow students time to jump their frogs. After some time jumping frogs, pause students and conduct a class discussion.

Discuss:

• We are investigating the question “How far can an origami frog jump?”. Can you answer the question?
  • Allow students to share their experience on how far their frogs can jump. Ask them to provide evidence for their answers. Some students may have measured frog jumps which they can share as evidence.
• How can we work out how far an origami frog can jump?
  • Establish the need to collect data, that is, measure and record how far the frogs jump.