How to Draw a Skeleton for a School Project
The skeletal system is an important part of the body--without it the human body would lack form and function, and we would be unable to walk or move. The skeletal system is also important because it protects vital organs such as the heart, brain and lungs.
Drawing a life-size skeleton for a school project can help students gain a better understanding of how the bones connect together, while teaching them the names of the bones as well. Since this project can be time consuming and take up a lot of space, it should be completed away from the classroom as a take-home assignment over a few weeks.
Instructions
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Divide class into groups or partners who will work on the project together.
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Cut a piece of butcher paper--about 6 feet long--for each group.
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Lay the paper on the ground, and use a pencil to lightly trace around the body of one of the students.
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Using their anatomy textbook as a guide, instruct students to sketch the bones of the body inside their human outline. Give them a defined period of time in which to complete the project, such as three weeks.
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When the students are satisfied with their entire sketch, they should trace over the sketches in marker, and label each bone appropriately.
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Upon completion, allow students to show off their hard work by bringing their skeleton drawing to the class. Post skeleton drawings around the class.
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Tips & Warnings
When making the initial outline of the body, take into account loose clothing and shoes that the student may be wearing. Lightly tracing the human outline enables students to go back in and make adjustments.
Instruct students to begin drawing the longer bones of the body first, such as the major bones in the arm and leg, which will help with the proportions of other bones.
Remind students that there are six different types of bones: long, short, flat, irregular, sesamoid and sutural. Expand the project by instructing students to lightly color (with crayon or pencils) the six different types of bones in different colors. Instruct students to include a color key to their project.
Remind students to label the bones correctly, including spelling. Incorrectly spelled bones, and incorrectly labeled bones will be docked points.
Point out any incorrectly labeled bones, so that students do not memorize the skeleton incorrectly.
