Introduction
Do you have a horde of kids and you’ve run out of ideas on how to entertain them? Or maybe working on education, but in need of easy crafts that combine well with learning?
Having a few kids myself, I know it’s a neverending journey to think of something to do for them. One thing I’ve noticed is that they like all things about nature, so this guide on how to make plaster casts of animal tracks is a fun way to combine learning and nature. In addition to providing entertainment, this activity also fosters curiosity about the environment and wildlife.
Looking for wildlife tracks can be so much fun for kids, even if we adults aren’t always that excited. As stated before, it is also a great learning experience for kids. It is an excellent way to document and preserve animal tracks by making plaster molds of the wildlife tracks. This hands-on activity encourages children to explore and discover the fascinating world around them.
The best thing is, kids can easily make plaster molds of animal tracks with the help of an adult. If the child is older, he or she can make the plaster moldings themselves or help the younger ones. This activity promotes teamwork and collaborative learning, making it a perfect family project. It can also serve as an entry point for discussions about ecology, animal behavior, and conservation, enriching the educational aspect even further.
Here you will find step-by-step instructions on how kids can capture animal tracks by making plaster molds. Let’s embark on this creative adventure together!
The materials needed before beginning the process are
- Plaster of Paris
- Some type of old containers to be used for mixing
- Water
- Spray shellac
- Vaseline
- Cardboard
- Cutting utensils such as a knife
- Sandpaper and paint
How to begin
Step 1: Take a walk in a nature preserve area or around where you live. Near water or moist ground is a great place to start as many animals head to rivers, lakes, and streams to get drinks of water. Engaging children in this exploration not only sparks their interest in wildlife but also promotes physical activity. Encouraging them to observe their surroundings closely can enhance their ability to notice details, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
If a child has never looked for tracks previously, adult guidance on what animal tracks look like would be very beneficial. If you’ve got small children, even house animal footprints could be fun to explore. Additionally, you might want to introduce them to the concept of animal habitats and the types of animals that might leave tracks in those areas. Discussing the different characteristics of each habitat can help children understand how animals adapt to their environments. This can lead to exciting discussions about how different animals are suited to different environments, from forests to wetlands.
Bringing along a book that shows photos or pictures of animal tracks can also be very helpful for identification purposes. It’s also a sneaky way to learn more about different tracks as they are comparing them all the time. This can lead to discussions about the animals’ behaviors and habitats, enhancing their learning experience. Consider incorporating a scavenger hunt element where the kids can check off which tracks they find, adding an element of excitement to the tracking adventure. You could even create a simple checklist or a bingo card of animal tracks to find, turning it into a fun game.
Step 2: When an animal track is finally found, clean the area by removing stones, leaves, or any type of debris that may be on or in the animal track. You want a clean surface to work on and don’t want more dirt on your cast than you have to. This step is crucial as it ensures the quality of the mold. Explain to the kids why a clean surface is important—it will help them understand the science behind creating molds and casts, giving them insight into the principles of casting in various fields, including art and archaeology. This can also be a good moment to discuss how different animals leave different types of tracks, making the experience more educational.
Step 3: Spray the track area with the shellac, making sure to cover the area well with the shellac. It’s a natural primer, so it will help with the casting process by sealing the ground and making the ground materials stick together. This step may be a little messy, but it’s all part of the fun! Emphasizing the experimental nature of this process can encourage kids to embrace the messiness of creativity rather than shy away from it. Discussing the properties of shellac and how it works can further enrich their understanding of materials and their uses in crafts.
Step 4: Make a cardboard ring around the animal track area and gently push it into the ground. The cardboard should be about 5-6 inches tall, pushing approximately 2-3 inches into the ground. This will create a stable mold around the footprint, making it easier to cast the plaster into the mold. While doing this, discuss the engineering principles of creating stable structures; it’s a great way to incorporate STEM learning into this hands-on project. Kids can even draw their designs for the cardboard ring before creating it, adding an artistic element to the engineering process.
Step 5: Mix approximately 2 cups of the plaster of Paris in an old container and slowly add water until it is about the consistency of thick cream. Pour the plaster carefully and gently into the cardboard ring about 2 inches tall. Allow time for the plaster to harden, approximately 20 minutes. The length of time may vary based on weather conditions and ground temperature, so be patient! Explain the chemical reaction that occurs when plaster of Paris sets, introducing them to basic chemistry concepts in a digestible way. This could also serve as an opportunity to discuss how temperature affects the setting process of different materials.
At cold temperatures, all the cement products cure slowly, so you might need to take your time in that kind of season. If you’re moving with kids, my tip would be to have something fun to do while they wait. Look for more footprints or get a fire going and have some snacks. This waiting period can also be a great time for storytelling or discussing the different animals they might encounter. Sharing personal stories or folklore about local wildlife can also enrich their learning experience. Consider having them draw what they think the animal looks like based on its track, further engaging their imaginations.
Step 6: When the plaster hardens, lift the plaster mold up, take off the cardboard ring, scrape excess dirt off with a knife, and rinse the cast gently with water. This will be the only time that you will be making this plaster mold; you can use this mold repeatedly to create more animal track plaster casts. Encourage the kids to think about what they might do differently next time, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and creativity. Discussing the potential for different techniques or materials can open up a conversation about innovation and experimentation in art.
Now you’re done with the first animal track cast. After this, just repeat the process as many times as you can handle and have fun doing it before moving on. Each new cast can represent a different animal, making it a fantastic collection for the kids. Consider creating a display area for their casts at home, turning their efforts into a mini-exhibit that showcases their accomplishments and what they’ve learned. This can also serve as a conversation starter when friends or family come to visit.
Step 7: When you are back at home or in the classroom, have kids apply a thin layer of Vaseline on the animal track mold and the flat area around the animal track mold. This way, another layer of plaster won’t stick to the old one, as Vaseline will create a barrier between the layers. This step not only helps the casting process but also introduces kids to practical applications of materials in crafts and their properties. Discussing the concept of barriers in different contexts—like construction or cooking—can further enhance their understanding of the material world.
Step 8: Lay the plaster mold on a flat surface with the animal track facing up and again surround the plaster mold with a cardboard ring. This ensures that the new plaster will hold its shape and won’t spill out. Reinforce why this step is crucial, helping kids understand the importance of planning and preparation in any project. You might even have them sketch out a plan for their next project, teaching them the value of foresight and organization.
Using the same process as earlier for mixing the plaster of Paris, gently pour the plaster into the cardboard ring on top of the plaster mold, approximately 2 inches tall. Allow time for the plaster to dry completely, ensuring that the kids understand the importance of patience during this step. This is a great opportunity to discuss the concept of time and how it relates to different materials setting and drying. Consider using a timer to add a fun element to the wait, allowing them to engage in other activities while they wait for the plaster to set.
Step 9: Once dry, gently remove the casted plaster from the top of the first cast done in nature and remove the cardboard ring from around it. Separate the two layers—the plaster mold and plaster cast—then wipe Vaseline from both sides. This step is exciting as the kids get to see their hard work come to life! Encourage them to discuss how they feel about the final product; this reflection can help them articulate their learning and emotional engagement with the project. This could also serve as a great time to encourage them to think critically about what they like or what they might want to improve for future casts.
Use sandpaper to smooth out the new plaster cast and wash it with water. Be careful not to use too much water, or the plaster will become soft and lose its shape. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about the importance of handling materials carefully. You could also discuss the concept of craftsmanship and why attention to detail is essential in any creative endeavor. Perhaps you could even have them create a list of their favorite art techniques or materials, encouraging them to think about their preferences and styles.
Step 10: When the new animal track plaster cast is dry, paint the inside of the animal track with black paint. Now you have a nice pressed footprint for the kids to show off with. Encourage them to personalize their casts with colors or decorations, allowing for creativity and individual expression. This step can also serve as a way to discuss color theory and the emotional impact of colors in art. You might even consider providing different mediums like markers or glitter to enhance their artistic expression.
Optional: A great follow-up activity is to have kids draw pictures of animal tracks and label them in a journal-type book. Kids could even add photos or pictures of the animals that the wildlife tracks came from. This not only reinforces what they’ve learned but also encourages them to engage with nature in a more creative and meaningful way. Consider setting up a sharing session where kids can present their journals, fostering public speaking skills and confidence in sharing their work. This could also be an excellent opportunity to integrate storytelling, where each child shares a story about the animal they researched.
Conclusion
Teaching children how to make plaster casts of animal tracks is a fun way to spend some extra time with them learning something useful. It’s an engaging activity that can be easily combined with any nature trip, as the materials don’t weigh much and are easy to mix. Plus, it fosters a love for nature and wildlife in children, which is incredibly important in today’s digital age. Connecting their creative efforts with real-world experiences allows for a deeper understanding of the environment and the creatures we share it with.
Just remember to bring enough snacks with you to keep the smallest ones happy. As an extra thought, it’s good to have the kids achieve something, so if you can sneakily let them succeed, do that a lot. This little victory can boost their confidence and inspire them to explore more. Celebrate each cast they make, perhaps even creating a small award or certificate for their efforts. You could also have a little showcase event at home where they can display their work to the family, reinforcing the importance of sharing and celebrating achievements.
If you want to do some crafting at home, here is a guide on making plaster flowers. If that’s not enough, you can also teach them to do plaster handprints. Crafting activities like these provide countless opportunities for learning and creativity, ensuring that your time spent together is both fun and educational. You might even consider hosting a crafting day with friends or family, expanding the social aspect of these activities. Encouraging collaboration and teamwork not only enhances the crafting experience but also builds lasting memories.
Remember, the goal is not just to create something but to bond with your children and instill in them a sense of appreciation for the natural world. So, gather your materials, head outdoors, and let the adventure begin! By engaging with nature and each other, you are not only crafting memories but also nurturing a lifelong love for exploration and learning. This shared experience can serve as a foundation for future outdoor adventures and creative projects, helping to foster a generation that values and protects the environment.