Skeletons Bring Lessons to Life
Two new “bodies” are hanging around the seventh-grade science department at Somers Middle School. Thanks to a grant from the PTA, the science department was able to purchase two new skeleton models.
“PTA grants are so helpful,” said Mrs. Monica Manko. “Sometimes we have classroom supply needs that arise after we’ve submitted our budget. The PTA grants are a great resource to help us get the supplies we need at any point in the year.”
The life-sized skeletons are anatomically correct, stand about seventy inches tall, and are made from high-quality PVC material, which makes them lightweight and easy to clean. They are mounted on rolling racks, allowing for the skeletons to easily transition around the room and to be moved to other classrooms as needed.
Throughout the year, these skeletons will be used for many different lessons, including learning about elements in the body, demonstrating force and impact, and illustrating how the different types of joints in the body move.
“The skeletons have a lot of details we can use in class,” said Mrs. Manko. “Many of our lessons relate to us as humans, and the skeletons help me illustrate that. When we start learning about photosynthesis, which involves chemistry, I introduce the periodic table. One of the ways I do that is by discussing which elements are found in the human body and relating it to the skeletons.”
The skeletons are a constant resource that students can refer to during their classes when needed. Students are already enjoying their new “classmates.” Seventh-grader R.J. Hall named one skeleton “Arthur” and bought him a shirt.
“I thought it would be funny to get him a shirt,” said R.J. “I picked this one because it had a skeleton on it.”
In the spring, during the human body unit, the skeletons will be utilized the most, providing a tangible reference that helps bring the lessons to life.
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