Leap Day Crafts
Leap Days are special because they only come around every 4 years. In a normal calendar year we have 365 days. But, it takes the earth 365.2425 days to orbit the sun. If we didn’t add an extra day every four years, we would throw off the timing of our seasons. The only years we don’t add an extra day are those years at the turn of the century that are not also divisble by 400. For example the year 1900 was not a leap year, but 2000 was a leap year. The years 2100 and 2200 will not be leap years, but 2300 will be a leap year.
To add some art to our math and science lesson, the Rising crew made an easy craft for the unofficial mascot of leap day – a leaping frog. Here is what you need:
- Construction paper
- Markers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly Eyes
- Two Paper Cups
- Rubberbands
- Stapler
First, use the paper cup to outline a circle on the construction paper. Green construction paper will work best — this will be the face of the frog. Cut out the circle. Then, fold another piece of construction paper in half. Draw half a heart with three triangles on the bottom. This will be the legs for your frog. Once you cut it out, cut down the middle of the fold so you get a left and right leg. Next, you will glue the legs behind the circle. Glue your google eyes at the top of the circle between the legs. Then add a nose and smile for your frog. Cut out a piece of red construction paper for the tongue, or use a red marker.
Next, you will need your cups. First, cut two slices on each side of the cup, about 1/4 to 1/2 from the opening. Then, fold the sides down. Take your rubberband and loop it around one fold, crisscrossing the rubberband to connect to the other fold. You can now staple or glue the folds to the side. This is the trick that will help your frog ‘leap’. Place the cup opening side down and then glue the frog to the cup.
Finally, take your other cup and place it face down. Place your frog on the cup and press down to make your frog leap across the table.
