Bone Science

We're taking some time to study systems of the body.
We started with the Skeleton, since we have so many samples in our Nature Museum!
Several skulls, spines and mystery bones were set out with Jewelers Loupes. We own a few microscopes that are great for the older kids, but for the younger set a Jewelers Loupe is a handy magnifying tool.
Before identifying some of the specimens, the kids had the chance to get up close with bones!
They saw similarities, even though the species differed (eye sockets in skulls, cylindrical squat spine bones, knobby ends on arm and leg bones...)
We even have a complete hand bone from a rodent, that shows the intricate number in the wrist and fingers.

 Insect and Animal Collection

Then the kids were to note the shape and attempt identification.
What we could not identify, we looked up on the internet.

At last, we took a piece of pure white cow bone and dropped it into vinegar for some Slow Science.

The kids made their predictions what would happen to this bone after several days.

(to be continued...)

Then they were assigned the task of finding calcium in food labels in our home.

Once that was complete, they could identify which foods provide the most calcium.