Title: Pawing around
Unit: Identifying Wildlife Animals
Class: Wildlife Management
Abbie Piotrowsky
Spring Semester
Time: 1 dayStatement of Purpose:
The purpose of this unit is to help students identify common wildlife animals by using foot prints. This exercise will give the students knowledge of where to look signs of animal activity and where you can usually find a wild animal.Behavioral Objectives:
Upon completion of this lesson the students will be able to:
Identify wildlife animals by foot tracks
Identify wildlife animals with their different habitats
Construct wildlife animal track casts using Plaster of ParisMaterials
Milk Carton
Paper clip
Plaster of Paris
Water
Solo cup
Scissors
Paint
Paint brushes
Key of animal tracts
Procedure
1. Explore outside around your school or on a nature trail. Find a deep, clear track and clear the area near the track of any debris.
2. Cut a strip o waxed cardboard (milk carton) two inches wide and long enough to form a ring around the track. Attach the end of the strip together with a paper clip.
3. Press the cardboard ring into the ground about ½ inch deep. And pack dirt around the outside of the cardboard to keep it steady.
4. Mix one cup of plaster of paris in a can with enough water to make a thin batter (like pancake batter).
5. Pour the plaster into the ring, covering the track completely. Let the plaster harden (10-15 min.).
6. When the plaster is hard, carefully life the cast, remove the cardboard. Clean and paint the cast, if desired.
7. Have students identify the track they made with a wildlife animals identification book or a key that you have made of common wildlife species in your area. They could also look up the track on the internet.
8. The students can also gather information about the animals according to where the track was found. Ex: by a creek or watering hole.
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