A hands-on project such as making a homemade skeleton might seem so exciting at first that it’s easy to forget that some models might be too detailed for younger ages or too boring for older children. Fortunately, you have choices of designs for skeleton building for various age groups. Ones for younger children include larger pieces that are easier to manipulate. With some projects you could make a skeleton out of food like macaroni (see Resources). Older children could make more detailed, intricate skeletons such as an animatronic skeleton or one made out of meringue that the child could use to make finer bones like metacarpals or phalanges.
Consider all your options. With patterns and designs you could make the skeleton from scratch, using materials from around your house. Another option is purchasing a kit, a 3-D puzzle, which the children can put together a skeleton with the basic shapes already cut out for them.
Consider whether whether you should make it an individual project or a group project. An individual project offers opportunities for in-depth learning on each part of the skeletal frame, but it might also bring on frustration if the pieces aren’t going together easily. A group project might alleviate some frustration, but every child will not experience connecting each individual piece. Determine which method works best for you based on your child’s personality and your desired curriculum outcome.