Frog or Chameleon Mask

Recommended for grades: 2-3 What you'll need: Printable pdf file with instructions and template Copies on Cardstock or Construction Paper (use template or drawing) Egg Cartons Party Blowers Plastic Flies String or Thread Velcro Scissors Glue Markers, Crayons or Colored Pencils Pencils Elastic or Craft Sticks

Instructions:
This craft is described in Ranger Rick's NatureScope, Let's Hear It For Herps!; however, we've paired it with a few activities (described below) to enhance the craft.

Steps:
1. Kids may draw their own frog or chameleon shaped face on cardstock or construction paper, or make multiple copies from an original drawing, then cut along the outline (see photo for examples).
2. Make the eyes by cutting out two eggcups from an egg carton. Poke a pencil through the bottom of each eggcup.
3. Cut two eyeholes in the mask, glue the eggcups in place over the holes and allow to dry.
4. Draw a mouth on the front of the mask and line the party blower up where your own mouth would be. Cut out a circle or poke a hole with a pencil for the party blower "tongue".
5. Decorate the mask with markers or crayons. Attach elastic to either side of the mask or glue a craft stick to the back of the mask as a handle.
6. Attach self-adhesive Velcro to the end of the party blower and the opposite side of Velcro to a plastic fly. Tie a piece of thread or string around the fly so it can be dangled in front of the chameleon or frog, while the chameleon or frog attempts to catch the fly with their Velcro "tongue".
7. This craft presents a good opportunity to discuss the independent movement of the chameleon's eyes and introduce the concepts of binocular vision and depth perception. Set a paper cup upside down and wad up a piece of paper into a ball (you can also use a plastic insect), and place it on top of the cup. With the mask on, attempt to knock the ball of paper off the cup with the party blower "tongue" and with one eye closed. Then, open both eyes and attempt again- this should be easier because of your (or a chameleon's) binocular vision!

Source: Ranger Rick NatureScope, Let's Hear It For Herps!, Volume 3, Number 4, 1997.