look for animal footprints – and keep them forever

Posted on March 23rd, 2012

Bring out the Sherlock Holmes in kids by looking for animal footprints and then seeing if you can identify what animal it is. It’s straightforward to make casts of them too.

You will need
Strip of cardboard 30cm long and 5cm wide
Stapler or paper clips
Water
Mixing bowl
Plaster of paris
Spoon
Old toothbrush

What you need to do

Find some animal footprints, the best ones are found in moist, firm mud.
Clear the area around the footprint and put the ring of cardboard around the footprint and press down into the mud so there are no gaps at the bottom
Mix some plaster of paris with water, when you have a smooth slightly runny plaster pour it into the ring and leave to set for about 15 minutes.
Lift the plaster up, including the cardboard ring and take home to allow to set for another 24 hours.

Have you had a go at this with your children? Leave a comment below and let us know….

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