Arm your young scientists with knowledge about anatomy as they build their own model of the elbow joint. Help them get a firm grasp on how muscles and bones interact to allow movement as they try different positions for the muscles on their models. In the activity, groups work together to create a bicep muscle simulation, then, when finished, are challenged to create a tricep. In addition to the model, each child answers some analysis questions about muscles and bones. For upper-middle school or high schoolers, encourage them to create their own, more accurate model at home. 

Additional Tags

science

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Pros

• Hands-on activity will help reienforce the concept of how the arm moves
• Simple materials and directions with visuals make this appropriate for a large variety of ages and abilities (although younger classes may need help reading the directions)

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3