Animal track rubbing plates = Pistes d'animaux sur plaques

View item in the U of T Libraries catalogue

The activity kit contains 16 thin rectangular plastic plates of three various colours (blue, red, and yellow). On each of the plates, there are embossed patterns of one particular animal and the animal’s tracks. The plates feature 16 different kinds of woodland and domestic animals, including: deer, weasel, beaver, bobcat, rabbit, opossum, otter, mountain lion, squirrel, skunk, raccoon, duck, turkey, timber wolf, dog, and cat. The activity kit also contains an information sheet containing a concise set of instructions to use, and interesting facts about each animal in both English and French.

In order to use the Animal Track Rubbing Plates, first secure a rubbing plate down on a flat surface using tape or other removable adhesive. Second, lay a sheet of white or coloured paper over the secured plate. Third, using a pencil, pencil crayon, crayon, or chalk, rub over the paper covering the plate until the shape and details of the tracks’ patterning becomes apparent. Aside from using the previously mentioned method, there are also other ways to use the rubbing plates in order to get different results! Try the finger painting method by covering the entire surface of the plate with paint, then press a sheet of paper over the top and pull it off. There are many ways to use and interact with the rubbing plates. Patterns created can be used for arts and crafts purposes, or as prompts to create illustrations and artworks.

The rubbing plates not only act as a tool to learn about animal tracks, it also helps to cultivate interests in animal behaviour and habitats. The activity kit can be used for all those ages 5 and above.