Great Bones

Topic: In this team-based, hands-on activity, students learn about research and development (R&D) and how engineers use this process to design different technologies and medical devices to help doctors successfully treat patients.

Time: 90 minutes; implemented in one session

Materials:

• Pre-Activity Checklist

• Tell My Story Form

• Activity Leader Guide: Salt Dough Bones Recipe

• Computer with projector

• PowerPoint: Great Bones!

• Student Handout: Great Bones Challenge, 1 per team

• Student Handout: Great Bones Materials Cost Form, 1 per team

• Paper, 1 piece per student

• Pen/pencil, 1 per student

• Great Bones Kit, 1 set of the following items per team:

  • 4 pipe cleaners

  • 2 straws

  • 1 ft (30 cm) duct tape/silver tape

  • 2 popsicle/wooden sticks

  • 1 toilet paper roll or cardboard tube

  • 2 ft (60 cm) aluminum foil

• Sawbone or salt dough bone, 1 per team (Note: Making salt dough bones takes at least 3 hours; be sure to plan accordingly. See the Activity Leader Guide: Salt Dough Bone Recipe for directions. To make 7–8 bones, the following additional materials are required:

  • 50 gr4 cups (560 g) flour

  • 2 cups (380 g) salt

  • 2 cups (480 ml) water

Cost: Less than US$20 in materials costs (excluding optional items) when completing this activity with 20 students organized into teams of four students.