In this unit we learned about the basics of the skeletal system including the different types of bones and joints within the body. We completed labs and created mini presentations that helped us understand the different parts of the skeletal system and how they worked together. One of the more memorable labs was the owl pellet lab where we dissected owl pellets and then identified the bones and organism in the pellet and reassembled as much of the skeleton as we could. This lab taught us how the skeletons of other animals can be similar to the human skeleton. It also taught us how to identify the different types of bones in a skeleton (even if it was only an animal) and how to group these bones into the four main categories of bones: long, short, flat, and irregular bones. These classifications helped us assemble the skeleton inside the owl pellet later on.
Themes in this unit include the identification of different bones, understanding how they help the body function, diseases or injuries that they can be afflicted with, and how bones can repair themselves over time from some of these injuries.
I personally think that my greatest strength in this unit is my knowledge of the different types of bones and where they are located in the body, and my greatest setback comes from applying that knowledge to the rest of the body and its physiology.
Labs, Readings, Activities:
Besides the owl pellet lab, our class participated in bone bingo, where we crossed off bone names on our bingo sheet when the teacher pointed to bones on a model skeleton. In the beginning of the unit, we also gave mini presentations on some of the different types of the joints in the body such as the joints at the knees, hips, and elbow. My group had the knee joint so we researched the different bones in that joint as well as the ligaments and muscles that help keep the knee together and moving. Both of these experiences helped solidify my knowledge on where different bones are located together, why they're important, and helped me understand a little bit on why we need all these bones to work together in order to keep our body running.
Even at the end of this unit, I am curious about how to keep bones healthy into old age in order to have a longer and healthier life.
New Years Goals Check-up:
Since New Years, I have done horribly on my New Year goals. At first I was really good about exercising every morning, but lately I have noticed myself getting lazier with them. To improve this, I will set reminders for myself in my daily planner and potentially on my alarm clock to remind myself to do these exercises. T improve my study habits I will set aside time every day for myself to study and write this down in my planner as well so I remember.
