In Mrs. Rivers’ seventh grade science class, the students took their study of human anatomy to the macro level! To apply their learning about how the bones, muscles and tendons all work together in human hands, the three different classes worked to create three larger-than-life, fully operational left hands. The classes made prototypes for the different joints and fingers of the hand, chose their materials, brainstormed how to articulate open and closing movements (to spring or not to spring?), then worked in small groups to cut materials, scrutinize the connections, and then assemble the giant hands in Flag Hall for safe and creative experimentation by passers-by. At the end of it all, the students had a much deeper and greater appreciation for the fine details that all work together to do even the simplest of movements. Let’s hear it for opposable thumbs!