Animal Tracks STEAM for Kids

Practice attention and persistence while exploring natural and earth science with your preschoolers using this Looking for Animal Tracks STEAM Investigation. These engaging and hands-on STEAM Activities are perfect for all of your Winter lesson plans. You’re definitely not going to want to miss it

Animal Tracks STEAM images with text: Animal Tracks Sensory Activity STEAM for KidsThis week, we’re exploring Outdoor Sights & Sounds and our topics include Animal Tracks, Ice, Owl, Bells, and Winter Birds. Our focus for the day is Animal Tracks and we’re learning all about making bear, rabbit, and other animal tracks as well as the similarities and differences between them.

animal figurines, white play dough, and wooden rolling pins in metal trayFootprints made by animals can be seen in the snow or dirt. They can be different shapes and sizes depending on the animal. People can find animals by using their tracks. 

Today we’re answering the question, “What types of animals leave tracks in nature?” If you missed it, definitely check out our Snow Tracks Painting for Kids. This open-ended art activity was quick and easy, which made it the perfect addition to today’s animal tracks lesson.

preschooler exploring animal figurines in animal tracks sensory trayThis post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if an item is purchased through one of these links.  For more information, please see my full disclosures.

A huge thanks to Experience Early Learning (formerly Mother Goose Time) for providing us with their Experience Preschool curriculum for free in exchange for sharing our honest and authentic stories resulting from our personal experiences. It’s been such a huge blessing to us! As always, my opinions on awesome stuff for little kids are 100% my own.

pinecones and animal figurines pressed into white play doughThe Community Challenge for today meant discussing, “What animals walk in the snow?” We took turns dipping one finger, fist, or hand into paint and then making animal tracks all over a sheet of paper.

After that, we discussed the similarities and differences in the tracks and looked through our bin of animal figurines to find animals that we might see outside in the Winter.

preschooler making animal tracks in play dough with animal figurinesAnimal Tracks STEAM

Set Up

  • Set out some binoculars (or make them out of two cardboard tubes).
  • Encourage children to explore any tracks or footprints they see outside.
  • Hide animal figurines outside to make tracks for children to search for.

animal figurines in snow tracks sensory trayBig Questions

  • What animals might we see outside?
  • What clues could you look for when searching for an animal?
  • Why would animals want to hide?
  • How would we make pretend tracks in the sand, dirt, or snow?

We extended this activity by making animal tracks inside too! We used animal figurines, nature items, and of course play dough to explore the footprints of different types of common North American wildlife.

preschooler playing with animal figurines in snow tracks sensory trayToday’s Animals Tracks STEAM is not only a great activity for kinesthetic learners but it’s also the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore nature this Winter.

Don’t forget to check back if you’re interested in seeing what we’re up to next week with our five senses theme from Experience Preschool!

Animal Tracks STEAM images with text: Animal Tracks STEAM Activity for Preschoolers