Joints, Tendons & Ligaments

CONCEPTUAL

Science›Organisms & Life Processes|Ages 11—13|ID: mt_yefw2CQT4x

Explain biomechanics — the interaction between skeleton and muscles at joints, including the roles of tendons (attach muscle to bone) and ligaments (attach bone to bone)

Mastery Evidence

Distinguishes between tendons and ligaments and gives the function of each
Describes how a synovial joint works (e.g. the knee or elbow)
Explains how force is transmitted from muscle through tendon to bone to produce movement

Assessment Prompt

“If [child] hurt their knee playing sport, could they explain what a ligament and a tendon are, where each is found, and what would happen if one got damaged?”

Curriculum Standards1 alignment

KS3.Sci.Bio.SkeletalMuscular.2The national curriculum in England

Biomechanics

biomechanics – the interaction between skeleton and muscles, including the role of joints, tendons and ligaments

Science · KS3

Prerequisites1

The Human Skeleton
hardAges 11—13

Show full prerequisite tree

The Human Skeleton hard
Understanding joints, tendons and ligaments requires first knowing skeletal structure and function
- 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 soft
      Comparing animal structures supports understanding own body parts
      - Naming Common Animals hard
        Must know animal groups before comparing body structures
  - Animal Body Groups hard
    Must compare animal body structures before learning about skeleton/muscle system specifically
    - Naming Common Animals hard
      Must know animal groups before comparing body structures
  - Bones & Muscles soft
    Enrichment knowledge of skeleton and muscles supports formal curriculum study of skeletons for support, protection, movement

Unlocks1

Muscles Work in Pairs
hardAges 11—13