Early Childhood

How can students use observational skills and painting to gain a deeper understanding of the human skeletal system?

Students will use a nontraditional tool (cotton swab) to paint a skeleton.

cotton swabs, black construction paper, white tempera paint, containers, water

1. Provide students with a full-size human skeleton replica (ideal) or reference photographs of a human skeleton. Point out the basic structure of the skeleton: skull, backbone, ribs, arms, legs, etc.
2. Painting with cotton swabs does not allow for fine details the way a sharpened pencil would. Have students practice painting with the swabs on a sheet of paper.
3. When students are ready to begin, have them start with the basic shape of the skull at the top of a piece of black construction paper. From there, they should work their way down to the torso and legs.
4. Have an ample supply of cotton swabs as they tend to fray and break down. Remind students to refer to the photographs or life-size skeleton replica.

Did students create an accurate interpretation of the human skeleton (skull, arms, legs, etc.)?

Craig Hinshaw is an art teacher and writer, and maintains a clay studio in Davison, Michigan.