Discovering Math,
Science, and Technology Through Skeletons
HOW IT WORKS
Discovering Math, Science, and
Technology Through Skeletons is an interdisciplinary program
that allows fifth grade students to explore math and science
principles related to bones and skeletons. It provides
students with extensive investigations of concrete
situations, materials, and resources. It also motivates
students to understand math, life, science, and technology
through hands-on experiences using CD- ROMs, the Internet,
owl pellets, animal bones, skulls, and human skeleton kits.
These resources are needed to meet the National Science
Teacher’s Association Standards (5-8); the National Council
Teachers of Math Standards (5-8); and the Math, Science, and
Technology Standards.
Students are introduced to the program by
researching the differences between vertebrate and
invertebrates – their habitats, predators, and prey. They
research the role that animals play in the food web and the
impact they have on their surrounding habitats. Using the www.schooldiscovery.com site, students explore concepts
related to the food web, overpopulation, ecology, survival
of the fittest, and endangered species. In a second
activity, they research the www.owlpages.com site
for the role the owl plays in the food chain. They also
research the distinguishing characteristics, biology,
descriptions, and life history information on all the
species found in North America. Once students are familiar
with the facts related to owls, they integrate the
information into hands-on activities. They dissect owl
pellets, removing the bones and identify them using
bone-sorting charts. They weigh and measure each bone and
analyze statistics based upon ratios. Once the bones have
been sorted and identified, they are reassembled and glued
to construction paper to form a correct anatomical skeleton.
Students study the teeth (to determine the animal’s diet),
the eye socket location (to determine if the animal is
nocturnal), and the purpose of each bone they have
classified.
Using www.kidshealth.com,
they study the bones related to the human skeleton and
identify them. They also conduct science experiments and
dissect real animal bones. Finally, students construct a
five-foot human skeleton, identify and label the bones,
learn what the skeletal system does, discover which bones
are used at different times, and compare this information to
the animal skeletons they assembled previously.
THE STUDENTS
Approximately 35 fifth grade students participate in this
program, which can be adapted to any size group. Achievement
level is not a qualification for successful program
completion.
THE STAFF
Joseph M. Sweeney developed and has implemented this program
for the past five years. He has won the Disney Channel Award
for Education, the Readers Digest American Hero in Education
Award, and was the District 30 Teacher of the Year in 1992.
Mr. Sweeney is also an adjunct professor of education at
Adelphi University.
WHAT YOU NEED
This program uses a variety of resources including a
computer with Internet access, CD-ROMs, videos from the
Discovery Channel, science books, and science kits. The Owl
Integrated Activity Guide provides students with a visual
guide to the owl pellets, bones, and skeletons. Helpful
print resources include the lesson plans related to this
program.
OVERALL VALUE
Discovering Math, Science and Technology Through Skeletons
helps students understand ecological concepts, biological
diversity, and basic anatomy. Students become effective
learners since they use a hands-on approach to solving a
mystery inside an owl pellet and explore their skeletons at
the same time. |