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THE EFFICACY OF 3D MODELS OF HUMAN BONE IN UNDERGRADUATE ANTHROPOLOGY CLASSES

Abstract

High-quality casts and human bone specimens have been staples in biological anthropology education for decades. However, casts are expensive and fragile, and human bones come with ethical concerns regarding their acquisition and use in classrooms. The affordability of 3D models presents a potential solution for teaching undergraduate courses focused on human skeletal anatomy. This study explores whether 3D printed models have the necessary detail to identify key anatomical features. We sourced free or inexpensive files online and printed 20 skulls using various printers and filaments. These models were shared with faculty teaching sections of introductory courses in four-field anthropology and biological anthropology, a lower division course in human osteology, and an upper division course in paleoanthropology to gather qualitative feedback on their features and classroom utility. Additionally, 40 students in upper and lower division biological anthropology courses were asked to identify anatomical landmarks on the 3D printed models compared to purchased casts and human bone specimens. Preliminary results indicate that while the 3D models are sufficiently detailed for introductory courses, they may lack clarity for advanced osteology classes, potentially introducing ambiguity. Given the ethical issues associated with procuring real human skulls and the costs of high-quality casts, we recommend that departments consider creating their own 3D models, particularly for introductory level classes, to build their teaching collections cost-effectively and ethically.

Acknowledgements

Kennesaw State University Department of Geography and Anthropology Interdisciplinary Research Initiative

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