The Bones of It: An Introduction to the Skeleton

Hosted by a friendly (and rather dandified) zombie, this creative and informative program offers a thorough and lighthearted look at the 206 bones contained in the human body. Aimed at grades 7 through 10, The Bones of It is well-structured and packed with lots of facts and relevant vocabulary. First, viewers learn why we even have bones (without them we'd have no shape and wouldn't be able to move) and the basic layout of the skeleton. Other topics covered include bone movement and joints, along with how to keep bones healthy and what happens when they break or become diseased. Excellent 3-D computer animation, scientific photographs, x-rays, and live-action examples are effectively combined to illustrate various points and concepts. While this program is quite detailed when it comes to naming categories and subcategories of bones and joints, the macabre humor throughout keeps it from becoming too dry. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)