Musculo-Skeletal System Robot Project

Musculo-skeletal System Robot Project DUE: TUESDAY MAY 31, 2011

Musculo-skeletal system: is composed of muscles, bones, cartilages, ligaments and tendons. Combined, these components fulfill many functions, including movement, posture maintenance, support and protection of internal organs.

Scientific modeling: is the process of generating abstract, conceptual, graphical and/or mathematical models. A scientific model can provide a way to read elements easily, which have been broken down to a simpler form.

A. REQUIRED Design Elements: (to be turned in with final project)

1. Develop a sketch of your joint: use a an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of white computer paper and a pencil. You may have more than one sketch. Keep them all to turn in with final project.

2. Design a model of your joint using a computer program, such as Google Sketchup, that allows you to clearly demonstrate and label the appropriate parts of your selected joint (associated bones, cartilage, ligaments, and/or tendons). You will show this to the class as an electronic version, but must be printed and turned in with your final project

2. Construct a “working” cardboard model of your joint (“life-size” for average teenager), and associated bones, cartilage, ligaments, and/or tendons. To accompany your construction, include a one-paragraph explanation (in your OWN words) for how the joint works (movement) and what type of lever (or other simple machine) is involved. This must be a CLEAR explanation, in your OWN words, and sourced. The research you complete in part B should cover these topics.

(Cardboard example)

Caption/explanation must include:  What parts of the skeletal system are involved in movement (bones, cartilage, ligaments, and/or tendons).  The type of joint (hinge, ball-and-socket, etc.)  Type of lever your joint represents; include an explanation as to WHY it is classified as this type of lever (first, second, or third class), and which body parts represent the fulcrum, load/resistance, and effort. B. Research Paper (2-3 pages – FULL pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, standard margins: top/bottom 1”, left/right 1.25”)

 Overview of your joint  COMPLETE explanation of how the joint is involved in movement. Specifically explain the following details: o Parts of the skeletal system involved in movement o Type of joint o Type of lever  Paragraph discussing why scientists and other professionals create models of the human body? Why are models important and how are they used? o Examples: diagnostic evaluation and surgical treatment purposes.  Describe at least two common injury/problems that occur with your joint. For each, include symptoms, how diagnosed, and treatment options o Example: knee – ACL tear; shoulder – rotator cuff tendonitis, a cause for knee/hip replacements  Compare/contrast how the joint works in humans to another animal (select one that is similar to AND different from human usage) Example website: http://www.eskeletons.org/comparative.html

C. Presentation  Must be done in Powerpoint or SMART Notebook  Show audience the three stages of your design: pencil sketch, Sketchup (electronic), and life size reconstruction  Share your research findings from Part B (paper) o Do NOT just cut and paste lines from your paper  Include useful charts, graphs, and images

D. Something extra (the difference between a 100% potential and a 95% potential).  must be technology based, and approved by teacher  Example: animation or other design tool, interactive SMART project, Glogster (online/web-based interactive poster – see me for login information), website or wikipage  Non-example: simple Powerpoint or hand-drawn design

E. SOURCES CITED: MLA format  Include all important information that will allow someone to access ALL your sources in the future.  Websites must include date accessed, web address, known authors, titles, etc.  Many websites provide help on MLA format (google search: MLA format). Some provide tools to generate MLA format citations to make it easier, such as: http://www.easybib.com/