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Skeletons For Education: How To Make Them Sturdy Enough To Stand Up To A Class Of 1st Graders?

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by TMF Berry, Feb 19, 2020.

  1. Feb 19, 2020 #1
    TMF Berry

    TMF Berry New Member

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    I’m building a coyote skeleton with my 7-year-old daughter. She helped me salvage this fella from the side of the road and has been helping all along the way. (Her glove removal technique is truly stellar. She could teach a few nurses I know a thing or two...)

    The intention is to donate it to our local Science and Nature Center for use in kids education programming. I was inspired after the under-resourced naturalist held up what was clearly a dog skeleton and tried to pass it off as a coyote. No way, lady.

    So I know skeletons aren’t really kid-proof. But I want this one to be as sturdy as possible so it can be useful. Any tips on how to make it as secure as possible? Wiring techniques? Glue secrets? Position suggestions?

    I’ve been using Elmers Xtreme school glue and wire for other articulations. I’d love you’re advice!

    Thanks in advance for your wisdom and insights.
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Feb 19, 2020 #2
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

    14,141
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    Taxachusetts
    I have a collection I bring into schools and the lower grades are tough. To be honest, I would assemble each limb as a separate unit. The spine, pelvis and tail as another .. maybe the rib cage and the skull. The kids are going to want to touch, feel and handle. It might be the best way to assemble it and still allow them to examine it. Possibly, set up a base to support the spine and pelvis assembly at the right height. Rig the front legs with a hanger on the shoulder blades to attach and drill the end of the femurs to attach with a screw threaded into the sockets on the pelvis. It will be a loose assembly that will not be posed exactly right but it will be easy to take it apart and lay the parts on a table to be examined. The kids could also practice putting it back together.
     

  5. Feb 19, 2020 #3
    TMF Berry

    TMF Berry New Member

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    Ooooo! Fun idea! Thank you!
     
  6. Aug 31, 2020 #4
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

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    2,263
    Taxachusetts
    Another garbage post by the same spammer troll that has been haunting these forums. Report both the post and the user so that both get deleted.
     
    msestak and joeym like this.
  7. Aug 31, 2020 #5
    flintlough

    flintlough Member

    77
    4
    Texas
    Lee Post's Bone Builder Books talk about doing skeletons on the "half shell". This is where you split the skeleton down the midline so that you have a right and left side. As both sides are the same, one side gives the full picture. Then you can mount one side on a board or other material. This makes it strong, takes up less room and is easy to move. I did a deer similar to this but it can be done much simpler than mine. Check my posts for a picture. Good luck! Love to see the kids getting involved with anatomy!