Nature Science: Make Casts of Animal Footprints!

Now that spring is finally here, it is a great time to do some outdoor science experiments as you go on a nature walk.

For this month's experiment, you will be looking for animal footprints in a park, backyard, desert, or forest. The best places to find animal tracks are in soft mud, damp sand, and other soft surfaces. Once you have found a good track, remove any leaves or sticks that have fallen into the track. Do this carefully so that the track does not get damaged.

You will need to bring some Plaster of Paris, disposable cup, water, and a measuring cup. Once you find a good animal track, start preparing your plaster. Plaster begins to set as soon as it comes in contact with water, so work quickly. The amount of plaster needed depends on how large the track is. To make the plaster mixture, use twice as much plaster as water. For example, 2 cups of plaster should be mixed with 1 cup of water to get the correct mixture. Use a clean stick to mix the Plaster of Paris with the water. Once the plaster is smooth, pour it into the animal track and wait until it hardens.

After about 1/2 hour, you can gently touch the surface of the cast to see if it is dry. Do not press too hard as you could crack the cast. If it is dry, try tapping it gently with your knuckles. If it is firm and has a ceramic ring to it, then it is safe to pick up the cast.

Pick it up by reaching underneath it and lifting it. Do not lift by prying under it with a stick. You may need to carefully dig out some of the mud or soil from beneath the cast before lifting it.

After you have brought the cast home, you can clean the cast with a paint brush.

This kit introduces Young Scientists to the exciting field of animal tracking through hands-on science experiments and activities. Young Scientists will identify animal tracks, learn about the animals that make the tracks, cast animal tracks (8 animal track molds included), play a tracking game (80 card game included), create animal track prints, design an animal track poster, and explore real animal tracks in nature.