Animal Tracks, Arthur Dorros. NY: Scholastic, 1991.
Animal tracks collage:
- Think of an animal that you like, perhaps one that lives nearby. Draw the animal on colored paper and cut it out.
- Paint watercolor washes for the background areas of the animal’s environment. (Cover the paper with the areas of color washes.)
- Add details with dry-brush painting, or drawing.
- Glue the animal onto the page.
- Talk and think about shapes of the animal’s feet. Add tracks to the collage with marker or dry-brush painting.
- Search for animal tracks in your area. Make plaster casts of the tracks by pouring a wet mix of Plaster of Paris or patching plaster into the tracks and then let the plaster set up before picking up. Label with animal identity.
- Make drawings of tracks observed. Discuss shapes of feet and particular functions of the feet for various animals.
- Make a list of different animals to be found in your area, and what “animal signs” (for example nests, scat, markings) might be observed for each animal in addition to tracks.
- Be a “Track Detective,” get a downloadable collection of pictures of animal tracks you can find.
Special thanks to Ellen Crandall, Art Teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland.