Discover the Science Behind How Animals Move
 Animals run, climb, dig, and swim with incredible skill—and their feet play a huge part in how they do it! From the powerful hooves of horses to the soft paws of pets and the built-in paddles of webbed feet, each design tells a story about how animals survive and thrive in their habitats.

In this blog, you and your child will explore the STEM behind animal movement through hands-on activities, simple observations, and fun backyard investigations. With every footprint you find and every measurement you take, you’ll uncover how nature uses engineering, physics, and biology to help animals move in amazing ways.

Let’s jump in and start exploring—one foot at a time!

 

Hooves: Nature’s Built-in Running Shoes

Hooves are hard, protective coverings found on animals like horses, cows, and deer. They help animals run across rough terrain without hurting their feet. Horses’ hooves even absorb shock while galloping, letting them move fast and safely.

At-Home Activity:

  1. Print or draw pictures of different animal hooves (horses, goats, deer).
  2. Compare the shapes. Which ones are round and smooth for running? Which are split for climbing rocky terrain?
  3. Discuss with your child why these differences exist and how they help each animal survive.

Paws: Built for Play and Protection

Dogs, cats, and many small animals have padded paws that cushion each step. Paws also help animals grip surfaces, jump, and sneak quietly. Some dogs, like huskies, even have thick pads for walking on snow!

At-Home Activity:

  • Go on a “paw print hunt” in your backyard or at a park. Look for prints from dogs, cats, or even squirrels.
  • Measure the prints with a ruler and write down the width and length.
  • Count the steps between prints and calculate the animal’s stride length. (This is a fun way to practice math and measurement skills!)

 Claws: Nature’s Multi-Tool

Claws are essential for climbing, digging, and catching prey. Cats, raccoons, and birds of prey use their claws for survival, while squirrels and small mammals rely on tiny claws to navigate trees and gather food.

Webbed Feet: Nature’s Built-in Swim Shoes
 Webbed feet are found on animals like ducks, frogs, and otters. The skin between their toes acts like a paddle, helping them swim efficiently through water. Webbed feet make it easier to push against water, giving animals speed and stability while swimming.

At-Home Activity:

  • Print or draw pictures of animals with webbed feet (ducks, frogs, otters).
  • Compare the shape and size of the webs—how do they differ between species?
  • Talk with your child about how webbed feet help these animals survive in water habitats.
  • Bonus: Try a “paddle test” at home by placing your hand flat in water and spreading your fingers—feel how water resistance changes with more surface area!

At-Home Activity:

  • Look at your pet’s claws (or use pictures of animals). Discuss how claws are shaped differently depending on the animal’s needs.
  • Draw or trace claw shapes on paper and label what each type of claw is used for (digging, climbing, grabbing, or defending).

STEM Learning Takeaways

By exploring animal feet at home, kids can:

  • Learn anatomy and biology by observing different foot structures.
  • Understand adaptation and evolution by discussing how feet help animals survive in their habitats.
  • Practice observation, measurement, and math skills by recording paw prints, stride lengths, or claw shapes.
  • Develop critical thinking by comparing how different animals move and solve problems in nature.

Make It a Family Adventure

Turn a simple backyard walk or a pet playtime session into a STEM adventure! Ask your child questions like:

  • “What kind of foot would this animal need to climb a tree?”
  • “How does this paw shape help this dog run fast?”
  • “Can we measure our cat’s stride and compare it to a dog’s?”

These small investigations spark curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and make STEM concepts exciting and tangible.

At Little Medical School, we believe that science is everywhere — even in the footprints your family sees on the sidewalk! By exploring hooves, paws, and claws together, parents and kids can learn, measure, and discover how animals are perfectly designed for action — one step at a time.