The Human Skeleton
CONCEPTUALDescribe the structure and four main functions of the human skeleton: support, protection, movement, and production of blood cells in bone marrow
Mastery Evidence
- Lists and explains the four functions of the skeleton with examples
- Names key bones and identifies which organs they protect (e.g. ribcage protects heart and lungs)
- Explains what bone marrow is and where blood cells are made
Assessment Prompt
“If [child] was asked why we have bones, could they explain that bones do more than just hold us up — describing at least three different things the skeleton does for the body?”
Curriculum Standards1 alignment
KS3.Sci.Bio.SkeletalMuscular.1The national curriculum in Englandthe structure and functions of the human skeleton, to include support, protection, movement and making blood cells
Prerequisites2
- Cells to Organ SystemssoftAges 11—12
- Skeletons & MuscleshardAges 7—8
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- Cells to Organ Systems soft
The skeleton is an organ system — understanding this level of organisation gives context
- Plant Cells vs Animal Cells hard
The cell-to-organism hierarchy builds on understanding that different cell types exist
- Parts of Plant and Animal Cells hard
Comparing plant and animal cells requires knowing the components found in each
- Cells Under the Microscope hard
Understanding cell components requires first knowing that cells are the fundamental unit of life
- Skeletons & Muscles hard
KS3 skeleton detail (blood cell production, biomechanics) extends KS2 skeleton and muscles introduction
- Body Parts & Senses soft
Knowing body parts and senses supports understanding skeleton protects organs
- Animal Body Groups hard
Must compare animal body structures before learning about skeleton/muscle system specifically
- Bones & Muscles soft
Enrichment knowledge of skeleton and muscles supports formal curriculum study of skeletons for support, protection, movement
Unlocks1
- Joints, Tendons & LigamentshardAges 11—13