How Muscles Move Bones

CONCEPTUAL

Science›The Human Body|Ages 7—9|ID: mt_6N-4TqCleR

Understand that muscles work in pairs to move bones: when one muscle contracts (gets shorter and pulls), the opposite muscle relaxes, and that some muscles are voluntary (we choose to use them) while others like the heart are involuntary (they work automatically)

Mastery Evidence

Demonstrate or describe how biceps and triceps work as a pair to bend and straighten the arm
Explain the difference between voluntary muscles (we control them) and involuntary muscles (they work automatically)
Name the heart and muscles of the digestive system as examples of involuntary muscles

Assessment Prompt

“Can [child] bend their arm and explain that one muscle is pulling while the other is relaxing — and that their heart muscle works without them thinking about it?”

Prerequisites2

Naming Major Bones
softAges 7—9
Bones & Muscles
hardAges 5—7

Show full prerequisite tree

Naming Major Bones soft
Muscle pairs contract to move bones; knowing named bones helps understand which muscles act on them
- Bones & Muscles hard
  Naming specific bones builds on knowing the body has a skeleton that supports and protects
Bones & Muscles hard
Understanding muscle pairs builds on knowing muscles attached to bones allow movement

Unlocks0

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