Pedagogical guidelines and construction instructions
This toy is a cardboard moving toy which makes use of the scissors mechanism. It has the face of a crocodile and functions with the principle of a lever so that a child can use to make the crocodile’s mouth open. It allows children to mechanise the concept of the animal and use it as an object of play while still gaining educational insights.
Target group
The Crocodile example described here is designed for children from 4 to 7 years old. Teachers can adapt the proposal to other ages.
The teacher can decide depending on her/his knowledge of the children whether the children should work in groups or individually.
Learning goals
When constructing the Crocodile several learning goals can be achieved, and in particular to learn about physics and mechanics, in particular linkages; about mathematical concepts in particular during the construction and assembly process, about the animal and its environment etc.
Instructions
- How to make and use the snapping crocodile – step by step guide in English HERE
- Krokodilla som snapper – How to make and use the snapping crocodile – step by step guide in Norwegian HERE
- Щракащ крокодил – How to make and use the snapping crocodile – step by step guide in Bulgarian HERE
- IL Coccodrillo parlante – How to make and use the snapping crocodile – step by step guide in Italian HERE
- ‘Crocodilo-tesoura’ – How to make and use the snapping crocodile – step by step guide in Portuguese HERE
Crocodile head
You can download the template HERE
Videos and photos of children making the Snapping Crocodile and many other ideas!
Escola Básica da Solum – Coimbra – Portugal – 6 March 2020 – 1rst grade
Escola Básica do Areeiro – Coimbra – Portugal – 3 March 2020 – 1rst grade
