Bethany Carroll © 2020
Skin Model Project - Integumentary System
In this project, students will create a 3-D model of skin made from everyday classroom/
household items. This project could be assigned to do during classroom time, or at home,
making it a GREAT project to use for distance learning.
This project is meant to reinforce learning about the integumentary system and the structures
that make up skin with hands on creation of a 3-D model using household items! It encourages
students to get creative and demonstrate true understanding of the structures by their design as
well as their descriptions of each structure.
It can be used in many science classes, like anatomy and physiology or health science classes. I
used it in my medical terminology classes and had them define medical terms within the project
as well.
This project includes:
● Student instructions
● Picture of an example model made by one of my students
● List of terms that the students will create on the model as well as define in their own
words.
● Grading Rubric
There is an ​editable version​ of the Google doc found at the link below. When you click, it will
prompt you to make a copy, which will then allow you to make changes for your own use
without changing the original I created.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkAbxz0AlZaqL78j-2RZ1G2H57s3IOXliRRuGJaJkMw/copy
You can have students turn in through taking pictures at various angles, or they can turn it in in
person.
Enjoy!!
Bethany Carroll © 2020
Skin Model Project - Integumentary System
Due Date: _______________
Objective​: Analyze the relationships between the anatomical structures and physiological function of the
integumentary system by creating a 3-d model of skin.
Directions​:
1. Create​: You will be creating a 3-D model of skin structure representing healthy skin. You will need
to include some item on your model to represent each of the skin structures on the list below.
Your model will be made out of materials that you find at home or in the classroom. It needs to be
3 dimensional, meaning you should be able to feel the different parts by touch. This means you
cannot just paint or draw the different anatomical parts on a box or paper.
Examples of Materials:
Boxes, foam cube, pipe cleaners, ribbon, play doh, plastic straws, puff balls, candy, dry
pasta, yarn/rope/string, rocks, paper, toothpicks, Q Tips etc.
● Think of recycled materials from home and B
​ E CREATIVE​!
● You can use paint, as long as it is painting on something that has dimension, not painting a
flat surface (exception being the three layers of the skin)
2. Label​: Once you have created your model, clearly and accurately LABEL each of the structures you
built. The required structures are included in the list below.
3. Define​: In addition to building the skin model, you also need to include a written or typed
description, ​in your own words​, of each of the structures included in the list below. The description
should include it’s location, function, appearance, etc.
4. Distance Learners: ​Take pictures of your finished skin models from various angles and submit
online.
●
Skin structures to include in model:
Epidermis
Hair follicle
Dermis
Hair Shaft
Hypodermis
Tactile (Sense of touch)
Corpuscle
Nerve Fibers
Sebaceous (Oil) Gland
Lipocytes
Arrector Pili Muscle
Sweat Gland
Vein
Sweat Gland Duct
Artery
Bethany Carroll © 2020
Skin Model Project - Grading Rubric
Exceeding
Expectations (up
to 100 points)
Above Average
(up to 90 points)
Average (up to 80 Below Average (up
points)
to 70 points)
Skin Model
All 14 structures
are correctly
labeled and
depicted in the
3-D model. All
structures
appear realistic
in design and are
consistent with
researched
models of the
skin structure.
All 14 structures
are correctly
labeled and
depicted in the
3-D model.
Design is simple
but mostly
accurate.
Most of the
11-14 of the
structures are
labeled correctly
and depicted by
realistic looking
structures on the
3-D model.
10 or less of the
structures are
labeled and
depicted in the
model.
Structure
Descriptions
The function of
all 14 structures
are correctly
explained and in
the students own
words. The
descriptions
show the student
obtained a​ clear
understanding​ of
the functions of
the skin
structures.
The function of
all 14 structures
are correctly
described in the
students own
words, though it
is not clear that
the student has
thorough
understanding.
The function of
11-14 structures
are correctly
described in the
students own
words
demonstrating
understanding of
those structures,
or​ all structures
are explained but
not​ in students
own words
The function of 10
or less of the
structures are
correctly described
in the students own
words
demonstrating
understanding o
​ r
less than 14
structures are
explained but not in
students own
words.
Creativity
and
Organization
The 3-D model
shows creativity
with ​exceptional
design that is
creative and
neat. It is well put
together and
class time was
appropriately
used in the
creation of the
model.
The 3-D model is
well organized
and not crowded
with displaying
neatness and
creativity. The
design is neat,
well put together
and class time
was used
appropriately.
The 3-D model
has a good basic
design but some
structures are
difficult to
distinguish from
others, or it lacks
creativity. Most
class time was
used
appropriately.
The 3-D model is
not well organized,
many structures are
difficult to
distinguish from
others, it lacks
creativity and does
not display
appropriate use of
class time.
Score
Total Score: ____________
Bethany Carroll © 2020
Bethany Carroll © 2020