How to Make a Wooden Percussion Frog

This project is a fun and easy way to introduce children to woodworking and music. It also can be a great way for children to learn sound production, as they will get to experience how different materials and shapes affect the sound that the frog makes.

Materials:

- 1 4" length of wood with a diameter of 6" (a block of wood or a round piece of wood from a tree branch will both work)

- 1 2" wood dowel

- 2 1" wooden beads with a hole big enough for the dowel to fit through

- 1 long screw (at least 3" long)

- 1 4" diameter washer (with a hole big enough for the screw to go through)

- 1 rubber band

- 1 piece of felt (optional)

- 1 paint can opener (or similar tool to punch a hole in the wood for the dowel).

Tools:

- Saw (for 4" length of wood)

- Sandpaper (150 grit or finer)

- Drill with 1/4" bit

- Paintbrush

- Acrylic paint (colors of your choice)

- A hammer (optional)

- Pliers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting a piece of wood into a 4" length. To do this you can use a saw, a miter saw, or other appropriate cutting tool.

2. Drill a ¼" hole through the middle of the center of the wood. This hole will be for the dowel to go through and act as the axis of the frog's legs.

3. Sand the wood block using 150-grit sandpaper. Make sure the wood is smooth to the touch.

4. Now, drill two 1/4" holes, 1" deep, into the sides of the wood block. These holes will be for the wooden legs to go in.

5. Cut the 2 "wood dowel in half, creating 2 legs for the frog.

6. Place the legs into the holes you just drilled.

7. Next take the two wooden beads and insert the dowel rod into the holes of the beads. Place a few drops of glue into the holes and insert the dowel rods about 1/2 inch. (This will create the frog's eyes).

8. Insert a long screw through the hole in the center of the wooden block. Add the washer and tighten the screw in place on the opposite side.

9. Attach a rubber band to the screw to give the frog's legs the tension it needs to create the percussive sound when the frog's legs are hit.

10. Optionally, you can paint the wooden block a fun and colorful design to give the frog some personality.

How To Play:

To play the wooden percussion frog, hold it in one hand and use your other hand to tap the frog's legs. This will create a sound as if the frog is croaking.

Tips:

- For a louder sound, use a larger wooden block and a thicker rubber band.

- To adjust the pitch of the sound, tighten or loosen the rubber band.

- For a softer sound, use a smaller wooden block.

- You can also experiment with different materials for the legs, such as wooden dowels, metal rods, or even rubber tubing.

- If you want to make the frog more durable, you can glue the dowels and beads into place.

We hope you enjoy playing your new wooden percussion frog!