The Skeletal and Muscle Systems of the Human Body

NC Standard:  4.02

Activity:  Bendy Bones

Question: How does the skeleton support the body?

Vocabulary: support, skeleton

Background: Bones are very strong in comparison to their weight. Some bones can withstand stress of up to 24,000 pounds per square inch. Bones are comprised of 30% living tissue, 45% calcium deposits, and 25% water. The calcium forms crystal layers on the surface of the bones creating hardness. The flared, spongy ends of the bones act as shock absorbers. At birth, many of our bones are made up of soft cartilage. As we grow, the cartilage is replaced with mineral deposits of calcium. During growth, some of the calcium deposits dissolve and move to the outside of the bone creating a long, hollow tube where blood cell reproducing bone marrow is. as the calcium layer seals, bones stop growing. In humans this happens between the ages of 18 and 25.


Materials: wishbone or wing bone, jar with a lid, vinegar

Procedure: 

• 1. Remove as much meat as possible from the uncooked chicken bone.

• 2. Wash the bone and allow it to dry overnight.

• 3. Place the dried bone in a jarand add enough vinegar to cover the bone.

• 4. Seal the jar to avoid evaporation and leave undisturbed for four days.

• 5. Remove the bone and rinse it with water.

• 6. Have students answer the following questions:
  How did the bone feel before the vinegar treatment?
  How did the bone feel after the vinegar treatment?
  Could you bend the bone more easily before or after the vinegar treatment?
  What do you think would happen to your bones if you didn't eat enough foods with minerals in them?
  How would this effect your ability to move, run and play?
  What do your bones do for you?
  

Conclusion: Your bones allow you to move, support you, and protect vital organs.
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Line of Learning:  This line is drawn to provide students with a space to share their experimental learning in words or pictures.
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