Bones et al.: Educational Human Skeletal Restoration and Investigation — 99a — Emelye Josko, Andrew Sathoff

Students learn basic anatomy on human educational skeletons by using hands-on practices, but  over time this usage wears out the skeletons. Knowledge about the process of bringing damaged  educational skeletons back to a state where they can be used in classrooms is lacking. This  process is different than restoring human skeletons to be housed in museums, as this study  focuses more on the functionality of the skeletons instead of the museum methods of little to no  tampering. Three real bone human skeletons from Dakota State University in varying states of  disarray were used to develop our approach as a convergence point between these two ideologies. Our approach combined cleaning and remodeling methods from classroom skeletal restoration with forensic anthropology and museum sources that influenced the wiring methods and ethical  considerations. These skeletons were mostly disregarded, with only one being used in anatomy  classes, and a clear goal was established to restore these skeletons to a state where they can  function again as educational materials. All three skeletons were cataloged for fractures, injuries,  and missing bones. Some of the missing bones were found in other classroom spaces and were  returned to their rightful owners using anatomical guides. The skeletons were cleaned, rewired, and  remodeled. Currently genetic tests are being performed to find out more information on the  skeletons’ ancestry.

Dakota State University
Andrew Sathoff