Makin' Tracks

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In this activity, learners make plaster casts of an animal track to learn more about animals and animal behavior. Learners can use real animal tracks found outdoors or rubber track molds if conducted indoors. This lesson guide includes discussion questions, extensions/simplifications, and helpful hints.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Field Trip, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Plaster powder
  • Water
  • Zip-lock bags
  • Measuring utensil
  • Scissors (optional, for indoor activity)
  • Rubber molds or tracks (optional, for indoor activity)
  • Sticks/pencils (for "tornadoing")
  • Big Tracks Little Tracks: Following Animals Prints book (optional)
  • "Collar" (circular form cut from cut from an oatmeal or margarine container)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Rogers Huff, Paula

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2005