eSkeletons provides an interactive environment in which to examine and learn about skeletal anatomy through their osteology database. On the resources tab there are a multitude of printables for all levels, elementary through high school, to use in extending and evaluating the knowledge learned on the website. There is also a glossary link for all terms used. Click on the logo above to access the site.
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Prior to simulation websites like eSkeletons, if students wanted to compare bones of animals they needed access to a museum or university collection and those fragile bones would probably be off limits to elementary-aged students. Add to that the cost and time required to take a field trip to a museum, if one even exists near your school, and you can see that being able to examine bones is typically an activity left to college students and professors. Thanks to the work of faculty, staff, and students at the University of Texas, students around the world can examine, rotate, and articulate bones of humans as well as endangered apes and lemurs, from the mighty gorilla to the diminutive mouse lemur. If your school has access to a 3D printer, some of the bones can also be printed for students to manipulate in real life. These simulations allow students to have access to science material that will spark learning in content area such as biology, zoology, physical anthropology, and medicine. This is as close to the world of an active paleoanthropologist as you can get.
Considerations for Exceptional Learners:
English Language Learners can create a dictionary of vocabulary words using the Glossary provided on the site. Google Translate can be used to change the website's language to the student's heritage language.
A screen reader can be used for students unable to read the text. Simulations are especially helpful for students who would not be able to manipulate objects in real life, but are able to with the use of a computer. A guide created by the teacher with a list of sequenced tasks leading students to specific information would be useful for students with learning disabilities.
Allow students identified as gifted to explore the site on their own and ask them to come up with questions they might have regarding the material. Ask them to think of projects they could potentially implement based on the information they have learned. Ask what information might be missing from the website that they could find elsewhere on the web. Have them send any relevant questions to the website's contact email.