Great Ideas for a Fifth Grade Human Body Model Project

Great Ideas for a Fifth Grade Human Body Model Project
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The Human Body

The human body is an amazing system. Everything from your boogers to your big toe has a purpose. Your body is designed to fight off

diseases, and it does every day! That is part of why studying the human body can be so fun and interesting! If you have to do a human body model project–or you’re looking for help for your child–this can be a great opportunity for an adult and child to work together and bond. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to plan and carry out the project.

Different Types of Projects

There are a few different ways kids can make a fifth grade human body model project, all varying in the time needed to assemble as well as the cost. Here are a few easy options for kids to choose from. Just be sure that if this project is for school, it meets their project requirements.

Paper Display- A paper display is a great cost effective option. It can also be a great time saver. Students can cut out a life-size model of adults or themselves and tape various organs and bone structures to different areas of the body that they belong. Also, multiple models can be made to display different layers of the body. For this project, one would simply need construction paper, scissors and crayons or markers. For the body itself, kids can use butcher paper or a cardboard box.

PowerPoint- As we plunge into this new age, computers are now vital adjuncts to classrooms. With PowerPoint or other computer programs, students can easily design a human body model. Students can find short video clips or pictures online to incorporate into their project and add sound effects to make it more interesting. This may take some time and patience and they may need some extra help handling the computer, but the good news is this project is pretty much free as long as they have access to a computer with the right programs.

Clay Model- Depending on what part or how much of the human body students have to make, this could be a great project. If students only have to do a part of the body, it can be easily crafted with play dough or clay from the local store. This could be a bit pricy and time consuming, depending on what your child has been assigned. However, a 3D model will be great for students that are hands on learners, and the model can possibly be passed around the classroom while students are presenting.

Food Model- Food can be turned into a great human body model in the classroom, as students can enjoy eating it afterward. Various fruits can be carved into organs, or they can make cookies or a cake in their desired shape. The possibilities are endless with this idea.

Other Options- There are plenty of other options for this kind of project, depending on what you have on hand and what your project requirements are. For example, balloons can be used to demonstrate lungs or the bladder, and door hinges could be used to demonstrate how joints work. If no ideas come to mind, open a junk drawer or head to the garage or broom closet and sit and think of what the supplies around you could be turned into.

Research & Final Touches

Now that you have some ideas for the model, don’t forget the research. A fifth grade human body model project will likely require some research on how a certain body part or system works. At the very least, kids will need to be able to name the different parts of their models, which could require some practice.

Once you have your project together, it is a good idea to review the guidelines to make sure you have everything the project asks for. If a presentation is required, plan a few days ahead to practice presenting in front of friends or family members. Be sure to plan for additional time in this area if public speaking is a phobia. Mixing in family members with a few new faces should be a good place to start practicing presenting.

Last-Minute Tips

1. Reread directions. In order to make sure the project is successful, be sure to read and reread the directions given to the student. Make sure students understand their directions clearly, too.

2. Put aside time. Be sure to put aside ample time and get started early so there will be no last-minute rushing on your project

3. Use labels. It’s always a good idea to label your model or provide a key for it so parts can be remembered even in nervous moments.

4. Let the person that has the assignment do most of the work. Remember who got the assignment and do your best not to get too excited and take over!

5. Have fun! Use this time to bond and learn together. Work hard and create memories.

References:

Kids Konnect: The Human Body

Photo Courtesy of skeletonmodels.com