Link to PDF:
Fox and Turkey Template
When searching for information about Red Fox anatomy, I found myself wanting more. There are not many kid-friendly anatomy charts that combine information on tracking and anatomy.
Initially, I was going to do a simple exercise in which your child could cut out the template and glue the cotton swabs onto it. Still, I decided that I had to set the bar high and create something that truly captured the biological makeup of the Red Fox and a bit of Bushcraft.
I greatly appreciate Bushcraft, and I am consistently underwhelmed when I search for illustrated explanations of topics that I want to explore further. Tracking is essential to understanding the habits and Biology of the Red Fox and other animals. This information helps your child connect with the subject matter and explore further when they are immersed in the forest school environment.
Cotton Swab Fox Anatomy Step by Step:
Gather your materials:
- School Glue
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Cotton Swabs (not pictured below)
- Pencil
- Construction Paper (Black + White)
1. It will be beneficial to staple the Cotton Swab Fox Anatomy TEMPLATE to your child's piece of black construction paper. Do not staple inside the fox template; staple only in a few places along the side. Your child will now be able to cut easily around the temple.
2. After your child has cut out the fox from the template, they will have two foxes; one will be the construction paper fox, and the other will be the blank. Your child may discard the blank or colored version and share it with a friend.
3. Have your child glue their construction paper fox to their lighter colored construction paper, preferably in the center. They will want to leave a bit of room to add the tags and maybe draw a neat scene after the project.
3. Now you and your child will need to decide if they want to do the beginner version of the anatomy or the more advanced. The more advanced anatomy is higher level (ages 10+), but with your guidance, you can really start to teach your child a bit of proper terminology + Biology.
4. Lastly, depending on the age of your child, you should cut different sizes of cotton swabs, so they can jump right into the activity and explore the skeleton. Larger parts of the swabs together make great skulls and pelvis, while the smaller sticks are great for the ribs and bones. You can also bend the whole swab in different ways to recreate the spine, tail, and neck. However your child decides to approach the activity, encourage exploration and talk with them about how the skeleton is the framework of the Fox, and without it, the fox couldn't run, jump, or play, just like them.
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To download project sheets for printing at home, right-click the image, select "Download as JPEG," and save it to your desktop. Or you can simply drag and drop. All files are 8 1/2" × 11" and are compatible with standard home printers.
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