Making Tracks

Our last snail activity highlights the hidden creative talents of these slow-moving creatures.

You may not think that snails can do much. But with a little help from you, they can be artists!

What You'll Need:

Garden snails
Black construction paper
Talcum powder

Snails can be very artistic.
Snails can be very artistic.

Have a snail hunt and see if you can collect several snails. (Be gentle! Those shells may be fragile!) Snails are nocturnal, which means they like to sleep during the day and come out at night.

You can usually find them sleeping in damp dark places, such as under a rock. One way to catch snails is to put a large clay flower pot upside down, with one side propped up, overnight in a garden.

Once you've found some snails, put them on a sheet of black construction paper and let them do what they do -- crawl around. You'll be able to see the slimy trail they leave.

When the paper is criss-crossed with snail tracks, carefully put the snails back where you found them. Sprinkle talcum powder on their tracks. Tap off the excess talcum powder, and admire your snail art.

Find more fun activities and craft ideas on the following pages:

ABOUT THE CRAFT DESIGNERS

Snail Locomotion by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe and Kelly Milner Halls
Snail Shelters by Maria Birmingham, Karen E. Bledsoe and Kelly Milner Halls