can anyone help me find any directions on how to make a spinal cord model out of clay?

This sounds like an exceedingly ambitious project. Are you planning to model the spinal cord or the spine? If it is the spine, I would suggest that doing one disk would be sufficient.

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "spine disk structure" to get these possible sources:

http://www.chirogeek.com/000_Disc_Anatomy.htm
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1286.html

Under "spine disk anatomy" I found:

http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article1224.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDvbAvBLQuM
http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=17834&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=1&A=

Under "vertebra anatomy" I found:

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/gray/subjects/subject/20
http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=1978
http://www.bartleby.com/107/23.html
(Broken Link Removed)
http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=1988&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=4294967295&A=
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article2245.html
http://www.back.com/anatomy-lumbar.html

Rather than doing any one paticular disk, you might want to try making a generic disk to generally represent all of the vertabrae.

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Certainly! I can help you with that. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a spinal cord model out of clay:

Materials you'll need:
1. Clay (you can use air-dry clay or oven-bake clay)
2. Sculpting tools (such as a clay knife, needle tool, or toothpick)
3. Reference image of a spinal cord

Step 1: Gather reference materials
Find a detailed image or diagram of a spinal cord that you can use as a reference. This will help you create an accurate representation of the spinal cord.

Step 2: Prepare the clay
If you're using air-dry clay, follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation. If you're using oven-bake clay, preheat the oven according to the package instructions.

Step 3: Divide the clay
Depending on the size of your model, divide the clay into smaller portions. This will help you work on one section at a time and prevent the clay from drying out.

Step 4: Shape the spinal cord
Start by forming the central canal of the spinal cord. Roll a small portion of clay into a cylinder shape, about the diameter you desire for your model. Flatten one side of the cylinder slightly to represent the posterior side of the spinal cord.

Step 5: Create the spinal cord segments
Using your reference image, divide the cylinder into multiple smaller sections to represent the different vertebrae of the spinal cord. You can use a clay knife, needle tool, or toothpick to create these divisions. Don't forget to include the spinal nerves emerging from each section.

Step 6: Add details
Use sculpting tools to add texture and details to your model. You can create grooves to represent the divisions between vertebrae and spinal nerves. Be sure to refer to your reference image to accurately depict the anatomy of the spinal cord.

Step 7: Let the clay dry or bake it
If you're using air-dry clay, allow your model to air dry completely, which can take several hours to a few days, depending on the thickness. If you're using oven-bake clay, place your model on a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven according to the package instructions.

Step 8: Optional: Paint or varnish
Once your clay model is completely dry or baked, you can paint it using acrylic paints to add color and realism. You can also apply a clear varnish or sealant to protect the model and give it a polished look.

Remember to exercise caution while using any tools or working with clay. Additionally, it may be helpful to consult a more detailed tutorial or video for visual guidance while making your spinal cord model.