Jumping Jacks

For a word document version of this activity, please click here:
Jumping Jacks.doc

This activity requires patience and practises manual dexterity. It is a simple demonstration of how levers work.

You will need:
Stiff card approximately 22cm x 30cm
Scissors
Wool
Paper clips
Paper fasteners
Pencil
Coloured pencils/crayons/ good quality craft paint
Coat button
Assortment of coloured gum paper
Glue

Instructions:

Start by making the body. On a piece of stiff card draw a large circle with a smaller circle attached at the top. (See below).

Now draw a triangular shape to make a hat.

Cut all the shapes out and glue the hat onto the head.

To make the legs draw to equal sized “L” shapes onto the stiff card. Add shoes or boots and cut out these shapes.

Repeat this for the arms but add hands instead of shoes and cut out.

Colour or paint all the different pieces.

Make a small hole on the outer edge of the bend on each arm and leg.

Make a slightly larger hole on the inner bend of each leg.

Repeat this process for the arms.

Make two parallel holes in the body.

Thread a piece of wool through each of the smaller holes and leave the ends hanging loose.

Insert paper fasteners through each of the larger holes and open the ends out at the back.

Insert the loose ends of the wool through the holes of a large button and tie together.

Pull the button down to make the arms and legs move up and down to give an impression of a Jumping Jack!