Lesson 1: Introduction to Muscles

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand the structure and function of the major muscle groups in the human body.
• Identify how muscles work in pairs to facilitate movement.
• Apply knowledge by engaging in hands-on activities to link muscle function with movement.

Victorian Curriculum Alignment

• VCHPEP095: Analyse how the musculoskeletal system works to support movement.
• VCHPEP098: Investigate and explain injury prevention and safety measures when giving movement feedback and practising new skills.
• Incorporates personal and social capability through collaboration and communication.

Success Criteria

• Students can label major muscles on a body diagram.
• Students can explain how muscles contract and relax to create movement.
• Students collaborate effectively in pairs/groups during activities.
• Students demonstrate safe and correct physical movement based on muscle function understanding.

Lesson Duration

• Total: 90 minutes

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Delivery Mode	Notes
0-10 min	Introduction & WALT: Brief overview on muscles	Whole class	Use dyslexia-friendly handout with clear visuals and key terms highlighted.
10-25 min	Interactive Muscle Identification	Individual	Students use labelled posters or apps to identify and colour-code major muscle groups.
25-40 min	Muscle Pair Demonstration	Pair work	Students pair up; each takes turns contracting/relaxing biceps and triceps to feel opposing muscle action. Teacher facilitates guided questions.
40-55 min	Movement Application Activity	Small groups (4-5)	Using elastic bands or resistance bands, groups identify which muscles are engaged during specified movements (e.g., bicep curl, leg lift).
55-70 min	Muscle Model Construction	Groups (4-5)	Create a basic muscle model using craft materials to simulate origin, insertion, and muscle contraction. This tactile activity supports kinaesthetic learners.
70-85 min	Reflection and Group Discussion	Whole class	Discuss findings, muscle importance in physical activities, and injury prevention tips. Teacher prompts with targeted questions.
85-90 min	Exit Ticket Quiz & Homework Explanation	Individual	Short quiz to check understanding + homework assignment preview (bones focus for next lesson).

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide dyslexia-friendly, colour-coded handouts and diagrams with simple language.
• Use digital apps or interactive whiteboards for visual and auditory learners.
• Allow flexible grouping to support diverse interaction preferences.
• For EAL or students requiring further support, provide sentence starters and scaffolded questions during pair and group work.
• Provide extension tasks such as researching a specific muscle or injury case study for advanced learners.

Extension Activities

• Research a professional athlete and present how specific muscles are trained to improve performance.
• Create a digital presentation or infographic on muscular system injuries and prevention.

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Lesson 2: Bone Structure and Function

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand the structure and roles of major bones in the human skeleton.
• Explore how bones support movement and protect organs.
• Collaborate in activities to apply knowledge about bones and their importance to physical health.

Victorian Curriculum Alignment

• VCHPEP096: Investigate how the skeletal system enables bodily movement and protects organs.
• VCHPEP097: Describe the importance of injury prevention strategies related to bones.
• Incorporates critical and creative thinking by designing bone models and collaboration in group work.

Success Criteria

• Students correctly identify and label major bones.
• Students explain key functions of the skeletal system.
• Engage collaboratively in practical bone-related activities.
• Demonstrate understanding of how healthy bones support physical activity.

Lesson Duration

• Total: 90 minutes

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Delivery Mode	Notes
0-10 min	Recap & WALT Introduction	Whole class	Brief revision from last lesson + introduce bones focus with clear, dyslexia-friendly visuals.
10-25 min	Skeleton Puzzle Challenge	Small groups (4-5)	Assemble life-size paper skeletons; label key bones using sticky notes or digital tablets.
25-40 min	Bone Function Stations	Rotating pairs	Rotating stations with tasks: e.g., test bone strength with raw spaghetti, learn about joints using models, match bones to their functions.
40-60 min	Design a Protective Gear Prototype	Groups (4-5)	Students design protective sports gear (e.g. shin guards) considering bone protection and mobility requirements. Present ideas.
60-75 min	Movement Application Activity	Pairs	Perform simple physical tasks while discussing which bones and joints are involved. Record observations.
75-85 min	Class Discussion & Injury Prevention Strategies	Whole class	Discuss bone injuries and how proper care helps physical education performance. Use Q&A to deepen understanding.
85-90 min	Exit Reflection & Quiz	Individual	Short quiz + reflection prompt on connections between bones and muscles

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide 3D digital skeleton models to complement paper models for visual/auditory learners.
• Use tactile materials (e.g., pipe cleaners, clay) for modelling bones to help kinaesthetic learners.
• Offer sentence frames for reflection writing to support diverse learners.
• Support groupings that balance skill levels to enable peer support.
• Extension: Research a specific bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis) and present impacts and preventive measures.

Extension Activities

• Develop a short video or animation explaining bone growth and repair.
• Investigate cultural perspectives and practices related to bone health and physical activity in First Nations communities.

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Summary

These two 90-minute lessons combine individual reflection, pair demonstrations, and collaborative group projects, fully aligned with the Victorian Curriculum’s physical education objectives for year 9 students. They incorporate dyslexia-friendly materials, extension options for advanced learners, and multiple hands-on, movement-based learning strategies to engage all students and deepen their understanding of the musculoskeletal system. Safety and injury prevention underpin learning to embed health literacy immediately relevant to PE contexts.