Here is a step by step process on how to make a synovial joint model for an anatomy class. Making a synovial joint can be an educational and informative project as you become familiar with the different tissues and functions involved in the joints.
Important note : I included a step by step slideshow presentation so you can see the process. Just click on the following link. How to Make a Synovial Joint Slideshow
Here’s a list of tools you will need:
1. Box cutter
2. Knife
3. Scissors
4. Duct tape
5. Ruler
6. Thin knife for cutting and carving
Here are the materials you will need:
1. Detailed picture of a synovial joint.
2. Bag of Halloween Bones (or make bone structure out of wooden stick and clay)
3. Modeling clay, sculpy, or Play-doh
4. Paper towel roll or wooden stick for the bones
5. Wood or poster board for the base
6. T-Pins or Toothpicks
7. Black duct tape and regular ¾ inch tape
8. Thin wire (optional)
9. Paint (optional)
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1
Go to a local Wal-Mart, Target or Party City store and purchase a bag of Halloween bones or a plastic skeleton. If can’t find any you will have to improvise and make the bone structure out of wood, cardboard and clay. I know this is a lot of work but it’s possible. Another alternative is to print out a bone, cut it out and glue it on sturdy cardboard.
Step 2
If you have a bag of Halloween bones go ahead and select a bone structure with a synovial joint. Use a box cutter and carefully cut and separate the pieces if they’re attached. Be careful as you cut the plastic bones. Remove any unnecessary parts.
Step 3
Label all bones with a permanent marker. This will help you remember which bones are connected and how they’re positioned. Next, smooth out rough parts with a filing or sanding tool.
Step 4
If you have any open gaps in the bones go ahead and use duct tape to cover them up. Make sure you keep the bones firm with tape. You don’t want them to separate once the clay is attached.
Step 5
Use white modeling clay to cover the bones. Make sure your hands are clean so you don’t leave any smudge marks.
Step 6
It is important to have several pictures and reliable sources for your synovial joint model. Choose several colors fore each tissue before you start. You want to have enough colors for the different structures.
Step 7
Plan out how you’re going to make each part and consider the size in relationship to the other structures. Make each part one at a time. Clean your hands with a paper towel frequently this will prevent smearing and smudging.
Step 8
Construct all the synovial joint parts and arrange them accordingly. This is where you need a detailed picture of the arrangement. If you are unsure about a certain part just do a search on google images.
Step 9
Make a key or labeling system that identifies the various parts of the synovial joint. Make sure the name and function of each structure is correct. Attach the sheet with the key on the base of your model.
Step 10
Print out the terms for each part and cut them into small labels. Use the T-pins (or tooth picks) to attach each label with a half piece of regular 3/4 inch tape on the back. Make sure the labels are small to keep them from obstructing. And finally use wire to attach the bones with the model to the base. Make a cut in the foam board and pull the wire (attached to the bone) through the board. Use duct tape and put a few strips to keep the wire in place. It’s important that you do this step because you don’t want the model to wobble or fall.
I hope this short tutorial gives you some ideas on how to create your own synovial joint model. There are several ideas online so pick and choose which ever one is most useful to you. If you don’t have the budget to purchase the materials don’t worry. Go around the house and find used and recycled objects you can use. Good Luck!