Science Smarts: Just put one foot in front of another for some summer learning

By Patty Rooks on July 19, 2025.

While the weather is still nice out, I thought we could get outside and make some observations to learn about tracking; it really is an ancient and lost science. I will be honest though, you never know when it will come in handy when on a hike or just out for a stroll. Learn to identify different tracks by playing detective to see if someone is running or walking in order to get away! Let’s get started.

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

• Bare feet

• Sidewalk

• tub/container of water (large enough so that you can stick your feet in it)

• Science helper

• Science notebook

• Pen/pencil

Procedure

1. If it is hot outside, splash, splash, have fun and get your feet in the container of water. Make sure they are dripping wet before you get out.

2. Step out of the container and walk normally down the sidewalk. AT THE SAME TIME, have your friend run down the sidewalk beside you.

3. Stand back and observe the two sets of footprints on the sidewalk.

4. Make some observations – write them down if you have to.

5. Do you notice any difference between the walking and the running footprints?

What is going on?

You should have been able to see a difference. Did you know that when you walk, your feet move parallel to each other. It is as if moving on two side by side tracks. They have to stay parallel to keep us balanced. Otherwise…we may fall over and hurt ourselves. On the other hands, when you run, your feet follow each other, making a single track. One leg follows directly behind the other.

In order to really understand, try running with your legs parallel to one another. It is not that easy…

Mark your calendars for the praxis AGM on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. We are always looking for new board members that want to share their love of science. Contact Praxis for further details.

Patty Rooks, senior scientific consultant Praxis Science Outreach Society. Praxis has moved! We are very fortunate to be located in the Community Futures Entre Corp Building at #202 556 Fourth St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0K8. For all your science needs, please email praxis@praxismh.ca.
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