Washing away dirt to reveal the Plaster Cast of Animal Tracks

Animal tracks

A step-by-step guide to making a cast of the animal prints you find in your garden!

Stuff you need

You will need:

  • A small bowl
  • A circle of cardboard or the bottom of a plastic bottle
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Spoon

Stay safe!

Ask an adult to help you cut out the cardboard circle or plastic bottle if you need to.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Put the circle of card - or your plastic cup/bottle - over your print, making sure there are no gaps between the circle and the ground.
  2. Mix up your plaster according to the manufacturer's instructions - you will need a small bowl and some water and a plastic spoon to mix it with.
  3. Pour the plaster into the circle over your print.
  4. Leave it for 10 - 15 minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  5. When the plaster is dry remove your circle and you should have the shape of your animal or bird track sticking out from the plaster.
  6. You can then take your cast home and paint it to make the track stand out more. Download the guide to animal tracks to help you identify your tracks.

Tracks and signs

RSPB Schools Outreach sponsored by ALDI. Bioblitz session, Year 3 class, Livingstone Primary and Nursery School, New Barnet, Hertfordshire

Wildlife can be very mysterious! It'll take a top nature detective to get to the bottom of it. Can you help solve this wild case?

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