Printer paper works fine and is cheap and available. Cardstock will hold its shape better and last longer, but it is also more expensive. Paper plates are a good alternative material with more strength than printer paper. [1] X Research source
A cartoon skeleton will be easier to work with than a very detailed scientific picture.
Skull (head) Rib cage Pelvis 2 Upper-arm bones 2 Lower-arm bones with hands 2 Upper-leg bones 2 Lower-leg bones with feet
For a basic skeleton, draw out two cartoon bone shapes. Use one for the upper arm and one, with a hand on it, for the lower arm. For a more anatomically correct skeleton, note that the arm has more than two bones in it. Follow a more detailed model and outline more detailed shapes or draw details on the parts of the arm. The upper arm has one bone, the humerus. The lower arm has the radius and the ulna. The hand has many bones in it. [2] X Research source For a detailed skeleton, draw these
For a basic skeleton, draw out two cartoon bone shapes. Use one for the upper leg and one, with a foot on it, for the lower leg. For a more detailed skeleton, note that the leg has more than two bones in it. Follow a more detailed model and outline more detailed shapes or draw details on the parts of the arm. The upper leg is called the femur; the lower leg bones are the tibia and fibula. The foot is made of many bones called the tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges. [3] X Research source For a more anatomically correct skeleton, make the legs one and a half times the length of the arms.
To be anatomically correct, make 12 pairs of ribs. For more detail draw shoulder blades, sockets, and collar bones near the top of the ribs. For a detailed pelvis, include the sacrum and coccyx, two bones at the end of the spine.
For a more detailed skull, draw a bottom jaw and teeth.
If you don’t have a hole puncher, use a scissor or a knife. Punch one hole at the bottom of the skull. Punch a hole at the top of the ribs to connect the skull and at the bottom of the ribs to connect the pelvis. Punch one hole in the top of the pelvis. Punch holes in the top and bottom of the upper arms and upper legs. Punch holes at the top of the lower arms and lower legs.
Brass fasteners can be found at office supply or craft stores. String gives the skeleton a looser, dangly look. Brass fasteners can be fastened tightly to hold bones in particular positions.
The bottom of the skull connects to the top of the ribs. The upper legs fasten to either side of the hip/pelvis bones. The shoulder blades connect to the upper arms. The lower arms connect to the upper arms and the lower legs connect to the upper legs.
