Skeletal Jigsaws

At the bottom of a cave in Atapuerca, Spain sits the largest hominid fossil collection dating back about 400,000 years. The remains are referred to as the Pit of Bones. Bones of other animals were also found including cave bears, lions, foxes and wolves. How did they all end up in the same place? Fascinated researchers try to piece together the information like a jigsaw puzzle for a more complete story.

Children too are enthralled with the discovery process. Skeletal jigsaws give children an opportunity to explore a body system that supports, moves and protects animals. They actively learn as each piece is put into place. Why are species' skeletal systems different from one another? Did the animal evolve into a living creature that exists today? Where did the animal live? What did the animal eat? Children can hypothesize while completing a skeletal jigsaw.

Besides exposing children to science, puzzles and models provide spatial practice, social interaction, peer collaboration, hand-eye coordination and concentration. Online skeletal jigsaws can also be incorporated into classroom technology like an interactive whiteboard or Mimio.

Networks like ABC, BBC and Discovery all offer Skeleton Beasts online. The levels are junior fossiller, amateur paleontologist, professional anatomist and superchallenge. Before completing the skeletal jigsaw, read the available background information on fossils. To begin piecing together the puzzle, click on the bones and drag them into correct position on the shadow of the animal shown.

As expected, junior fossiller and amateur paleontologist are easier with a complete shadow of the animal presented. At the professional anatomist level only a portion of the head and foot are displayed. Superchallenge exhibits random skeleton shadows and more pieces to place.

Skeletal jigsaws may be purchased from stores that sell children's toys, hobby and model materials and teacher supplies. A variety of skeletal jigsaw activities are also found online. Here are just a few ideas children will love. If hosting a Halloween party, playing pin the bone on the human skeleton is sure to scare up some laughs. Kaboose suggests building a skeleton out of macaroni with preschoolers. Enchanted Learning offers cutouts of bones that when reattached with string or brass fasteners creates a skeleton.

Whether working at a table or on a computer, children are bound to be excited about piecing something together and seeing the full picture. It is an accomplishment that can be displayed and shared with others. So, find a skeletal jigsaw and get busy piecing. What creature will you choose?