Sticky Treefrog Toes Activity

Sticky treefrog

How does a treefrog climb on trunks, leaves, and blades of grass? Try this simple activity to find out!

What You Need

  • Construction or scrap paper
  • Treefrog illustration
  • Fruit jelly
  • Scissors
  • A window or mirror

What You Do

  1. Download and Cut Out Illustration
    Download and cut out the treefrog illustration. Or cut out a simple frog shape out of construction or scrap paper.Sticky treefrog
  2. Dip Finger In Jelly
    Dip your child’s finger into a small amount of jelly and touch a paper frog with it. The frog should stick to the finger.
  3. Stick Frog to Window
    Now dab some jelly on the other side of the frog and let your child stick the frog to the window, where it should stay put. (Note: Any window-cleaning solution can remove the jelly smear on your window or mirror.)
  4. Talk About What You Learned
    Explain to your child that treefrogs’ feet don’t have jelly on them, but they are covered with a sticky liquid that helps them hold on to bark, leaves, or other things. The sticky liquid acts as glue to give the frogs a good grip. Some frogs’ feet are so sticky that they can climb up a pane of glass.

    • For older children: Tell your child that a frog has a sticky tongue, too. Ask: Why do you think a frog has a sticky tongue? (It helps the frog catch insects to eat.)