Lesson Summary Students investigate joints and discover the advantages of an articulated skeleton.  They modify their hands to simulate having no thumbs and try to accomplish a number of routine tasks. Teacher Background The place where two bones come together is called a joint.  Articulated means joints or joined in sections.  An opposable thumb is positioned opposite the other fingers. Set-up/Management Tips Use masking tape to practice the thumb mobilization prior to teaching the lesson. If possible, have a second adult available to help with tape management. Copy any journal sheets needed for this activity. Literacy Support Books Available Through VAST Mediagraphies: (see Literacy Links) Science Stories Your Amazing Opposable Thumb Scientific Vocabulary The following words are key vocabulary words that will be introduced in this lesson and reinforced throughout the unit: joint articulated opposable thumb immobilize