Eraser Prints of Animal Tracks

I received an email from a Scouter Mom who was doing a nature station at a camp and wanted information about making eraser prints of animal tracks. Here is some information about it in case anyone else wants to do this.

This method is different from the “end of the pencil” method. Instead, it uses larger art gum erasers. Obviously, the prints still aren’t going to be full sized, but at least you have something a little larger to work with.

Basically, you are making a relief stamp. Cut away the parts you don’t want to try to get something that looks like a paw print. Then use an ink pad to make the stamps. Making relief stamps can be challenging at first, so make a few on your own before attempting it with a group of 8 year old boys!

This craft will help children have fun thinking about all of the different tracks in nature.

Materials  

• Art gum eraser – get the largest you can find
• Small utility knife
• Ballpoint pen
• Paper
• Ink pad
• Animal print templates

Instructions for Eraser Prints of Animal Tracks

• Put an eraser on a piece of paper and trace the size of the eraser on the paper.
• Draw the outline of the print in the area you traced. If the images provided in the template are small enough, place them under the first piece of paper and trace them.
• Use the ballpoint pen to trace over the outlines several times so there is plenty of ink on the paper.
• Place the paper back on the eraser so the outline of the eraser lines up with the eraser.
• Being careful not to move the eraser, rub the paper so the ink transfers from the paper to the eraser.
• Remove the paper and fill in the outline of the print on the eraser as necessary.
• Use the utility knife to cut away the “non-track” parts from the eraser. You don’t need to cut away very deep – about 1/8 to ¼ of an inch will do.
• You should now have something which resembles a rubber stamp. Place the stamp on the ink pad and then press onto a clean sheet of paper.

Notes

Don’t let young Scouts use the knife. That part should be done by an adult.

Click here for a printable copy of Eraser Prints of Animal Tracks

See an example of making eraser prints.

Bring Nature to Life with a Seed Neckerchief Slide

The Seed Neckerchief Slide is a great craft for a nature-themed meeting. Scouts use natural materials like seeds to decorate a slice of wood. They can create patterns or pictures with sunflower seeds, popcorn, or lentils. It’s a simple way to teach about seeds and their role in nature. After gluing the seeds, a piece of PVC is added to the back to make it a neckerchief slide.

This activity connects creativity with learning about the environment. It’s easy to prepare and fun for Scouts to make. Perfect for any nature or outdoor-focused program!

Seed Mosaics Craft

Here’s a spring craft idea for all of you Tiger leaders. Have the scouts make seed mosaics to give to someone special.

Gourd Birdhouse

Use dried gourds to make a birdhouse. If you didn’t grow any yourself, you can probably find some in your area at a farmer’s market or even a craft shop.

Twig Picture Frame Craft

A twig picture frame craft is a DIY nature craft which can be made by Cub Scouts. This frame makes a nice gift for somebody special. It also can be used at a meeting about family heritage, to frame a family picture.

Leaf Print Craft

Nature crafts are good scout activities for several reasons. First, you can get the kids outside to collect the supplies. While they are there, they can look around and really see the outdoors. Second, they are usually inexpensive. And third, I just like the way natural stuff looks.