Animal signs (scat) modelling
Modelling animal scat/droppings/poo is a fun way for children to learn how to identify different animals by the scat they find, as well as an opportunity to talk about what different animals eat in the wild. We did this activity with my Animal Tracks and Signs cards, but it could also be done by looking up information online.
Ingredients (example only; any moldable biscuit dough would work):
160g plain flour
65g icing sugar
40g cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoons caster sugar
Vanilla extract (optional)
65g butter
30ml milk
1 egg yolk
Herbs, spices, fruit, rice paper or anything else you can find to simulate scat texture/additions.
METHOD
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Mix the first 5 (dry) ingredients;
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Rub in the butter;
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Mix in the vanilla, milk and egg;
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Cover and refridgerate for 30 mins;
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Whilst the dough is resting, look at the Tracks & Signs Cards or research animal scat online; raid the kitchen for things that can be used to simulate textures of the scat. We used sesame seeds for bits of insects, feathers made from rice paper, various fennel seeds, cumin seeds and other spices for the texture of vegetation, berries;
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Mold the scat, adding the various ingredients;
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Bake in a pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes.
Alternatives:
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Crush about 8 rich tea biscuits, mix with 250g melted chocolate, a small handful of sticky dried fruit (e.g. dates or apricots) and 2 tbsp of golden syrup. Refridgerate and mold. No baking required.
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For a non-edible salt dough options, mix 2 parts plain flour, 1 part table salt and 1 part water with a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder for colour. Bake in a very low oven for about 3 hours, if you want to keep it! Unbaked, this is a great option for outdoors, using natural resources for the additions.
