World Wildlife Day / Wildlife Signs Detective Walk
Wildlife Signs Detective Walk
Children search the grounds for clues that wild animals have been there, such as chewed leaves, feathers, webs, holes, scratch marks and droppings, and record them like wildlife detectives.
How to run it
- Show pictures of common animal signs and explain that detectives look but don't touch.
- Give pairs a checklist of signs to find, such as chewed leaves, feathers, webs, burrows, scratches and droppings.
- Walk the grounds quietly, ticking off and sketching each clue found.
- Ask pairs to guess which animal left each sign.
- Gather to share the best clues and look up any mystery ones together.
You will need
- printed sign checklists
- clipboards
- pencils
- magnifying glasses
Make it easier or harderYounger children can use a picture checklist; older children can photograph or measure clues and write evidence notes.
SafetyRemind children never to touch droppings, dead animals, spiders or nests, and wash hands after the walk.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 2Children observe, question and draw conclusions about the wildlife sharing their local environment.
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