Find animal remains. Activities for Kids.

Find animal remains

Carefully search outdoors with an adult to locate and document animal remains like bones, feathers, and tracks using photos, sketches, and identification guides.

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Step-by-step guide to find animal remains

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What are Fossils? Science For Kids

What you need

Adult supervision required, field guide or printed identification sheets, notebook, pencil, ruler or tape measure, soap

Step 1

Gather the materials listed and put them where you can reach them easily.

Step 2

Ask an adult to come with you to help and stay nearby the whole time.

Step 3

Decide with your adult on a safe outdoor area to search.

Step 4

Walk slowly to the search area with your adult.

Step 5

Scan the ground and nearby plants carefully for bones feathers or tracks.

Step 6

If you spot a possible animal remain stop where you are.

Step 7

Ask your adult to check that it is safe to approach the find.

Step 8

Observe the item from a safe distance without touching it.

Step 9

Place a ruler or coin next to the item and take a close-up photo to show its size.

Step 10

Sketch the item in your notebook and label any features you notice.

Step 11

Use the field guide to compare features and write your best guess of which animal it came from.

Step 12

Record the location date and time of your find in your notebook.

Step 13

Keep pets and people away from the find and do not move or collect the remains.

Step 14

Wash your hands with soap and water after finishing the search.

Step 15

Share your finished documentation sketches and photos on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a field guide, ruler, or camera?

Use a field-identification app or printed online images instead of the field guide, a coin or a paper strip with marked centimeters instead of a ruler, and a phone or borrowed camera for the close-up photo called for in the "Place a ruler or coin next to the item and take a close-up photo" step.

My photo didn't show the scale or the find got disturbed—how do we fix that?

Stop where you are, ask your adult to check it is safe to approach, then put a ruler or coin clearly next to the item and retake several close-up photos from different angles and update your sketch in the notebook as the instructions recommend.

How should we change the activity for a 3-year-old versus a 12-year-old?

For a 3-year-old, keep it short and supervise closely with the adult pointing out large feathers or tracks while the adult records photos and sketches, whereas a 12-year-old can follow the full steps independently by scanning carefully, sketching in their notebook, using the field guide to identify the find, placing a ruler or coin for scale, and recording the location, date, and time.

How can we extend or personalize the activity beyond sharing on DIY.org?

Turn your documented sketches and photos into a mapped log or scrapbook, create a display of your photos and labeled sketches (without moving remains), compare identifications using different field guides or apps, or submit observations to a citizen-science project while always keeping pets and people away from the find.

Watch videos on how to find animal remains

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Fun Facts about Fossils | Interactive | Learn about what fossils are and how they form

3 Videos

Facts about wildlife tracking and field biology

📸 A photo with a ruler or a coin for scale makes it much easier to identify bones, feathers, and tracks later on.

🦴 Bones are living tissue — they repair themselves and contain blood vessels and cells, not just hard rock-like stuff.

🪶 Feathers are made mostly of keratin, the same material as your hair and fingernails.

🔍 Taphonomists study how animals decay and become fossils — they help scientists read the story of animal remains.

🐾 Tracks can often identify an animal at a glance: the number of toes, the shape, and stride tell big clues about who passed by.

How do I find and document animal remains safely with my child?

Start by planning a short, supervised walk in a safe, legal area. Walk slowly, scanning the ground and low branches for bones, feathers, fur, and tracks. When you find something, photograph it from several angles with a ruler or coin for scale, sketch what you see, and record GPS or landmark notes. Use field guides or ID apps to compare features. Never touch remains directly and explain respectful, non‑disturbing behavior to your child.

What materials do I need to search for and document animal remains?

Bring a smartphone or camera, notebook, pencils, and a small ruler or measuring tape for scale. Pack a field guide or a species ID app, binoculars, and GPS or smartphone for location notes. Carry disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, zip‑lock bags only if local rules allow collecting, and a magnifying glass. A backpack, water, sun protection, and first‑aid kit make the outing safer and more comfortable for kids and adults.

What ages is this activity suitable for?

This activity suits children from about 4–6 years old for simple observation, with full adult supervision. Ages 6–12 enjoy identifying, sketching, and measuring remains. Teenagers can lead research, use apps, and learn ecology and ethics. Tailor tasks: younger kids can point and photograph; older kids can take notes and compare field guides. Always supervise closely, adapt explanations to age, and emphasize safety and respect for wildlife.

What safety and legal rules should parents follow when looking for animal remains?

Prioritize safety: never touch remains with bare hands, wear gloves, and sanitize afterward. Avoid collecting without permission—many areas protect wildlife or require permits. Don’t disturb nests or habitats; some species are legally protected. Be aware of disease risks and local wildlife advisories. Take photos and notes instead of removing items, and contact local wildlife authorities if you find a sick animal or protected species. Teach kids respectful observation and proper reporting.

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All Activities

Find animal remains

Find animal remains

What are Fossils? Science For Kids

Fun Facts about Fossils | Interactive | Learn about what fossils are and how they form

3 Videos

How do I find and document animal remains safely with my child?

What materials do I need to search for and document animal remains?

What ages is this activity suitable for?

What safety and legal rules should parents follow when looking for animal remains?