Bones and Movement

Overview

This 30-minute session introduces Year 11 students to the skeletal system, focusing on the major bones, their functions, and the critical role they play in supporting physical activity and movement. This lesson forms part 1 of 6 in the "Bones in Motion" unit, tailoring content to the National Curriculum for England's Physical Education requirements, with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology relevant to movement and health.

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National Curriculum Links

• KS4 Physical Education Programme of Study (National Curriculum, England):
  • Pupils should be taught about the functions of the skeletal system and its role in movement and support (Anatomy and Physiology).
  • Develop knowledge of how muscles and bones work together to create movement.
  • Understanding the importance of maintaining physical health, including the skeletal system's role.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and name at least 10 major bones of the human skeletal system.
2. Explain the primary functions of the skeleton, focusing on movement, protection, and support.
3. Describe how bones contribute to physical activity and movement in the human body.
4. Understand the importance of the skeletal system in maintaining overall health and physical performance.

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (5 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a quick interactive quiz using a skeletal system diagram projected on the board (or via printed handouts).
• Task: Students label as many bones as they can from memory in 2 minutes (e.g. femur, tibia, humerus).
• Follow-up: Teacher runs through correct answers, briefly touching on their location and function.

Rationale: Activates prior knowledge and sets a participatory tone.

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2. Introduction & Explanation (7 minutes)

• Teacher Input: Use an animated 3D skeleton model or a high-quality graphic showing the human skeleton.
• Discuss:
  • The main functions of the skeleton:
    • Support (structure for the body)
    • Movement (attachment points for muscles)
    • Protection (e.g. ribs protect heart/lungs)
    • Blood cell production (bone marrow) – highlight briefly to spark curiosity for future lessons
  • Identify at least 10 major bones: skull, clavicle, scapula, sternum, ribs, humerus, radius, ulna, pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula.
• Use real-life examples tying these bones to sports movements (e.g. femur in running, humerus in throwing).

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3. Group Activity - "Bone Relay" (10 minutes)

• Setup: Divide students into 6 groups of 5. Each group is given a jigsaw-style puzzle of the human skeleton or laminated bone cards.
• Task: Each group must correctly assemble their skeleton on a magnetic whiteboard or desk, placing bones in the correct order/location.
• Extension: After assembling, each group shares one interesting fact about a specific bone's role in movement or protection.

Assessment: Teacher circulates to assess understanding through questioning. Observes teamwork and participation.

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4. Class Discussion & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Facilitate a reflective discussion:
  • Why is the skeleton important for movement?
  • How does understanding the skeleton help us improve physical performance and prevent injury?
• Ask students for examples from their own sports/training where bones support movement.

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5. Plenary - Quick Quiz & Exit Ticket (3 minutes)

• Quick oral quiz on key bones and their functions (e.g. "What bone protects your heart?" "Which bone is the longest in the body?")
• Exit Ticket: Students write on a small card or mini-whiteboard:
  “One new thing I learnt about bones today is…”
• Collect or share verbally as they leave.

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Resources Needed

• Projector or large screen (for visuals/animations)
• Skeletal system diagram handouts or worksheets
• Jigsaw skeleton puzzles or laminated bone cards for each group
• Magnetic whiteboard or flat surfaces for assembly
• Mini whiteboards and markers or cards for exit ticket

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide labelled skeleton handouts for students with SEND or more visual learning needs.
• Challenge: Encourage more able students to explain how specific bones work with muscles to allow complex movements.
• Extension task for homework: Research the role of bone marrow or how bones grow and repair.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative assessment through questioning during input and group activity.
• Observation of group participation and ability to correctly identify bones and their functions.
• Exit ticket reflections to gauge individual understanding and misconceptions.

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Health & Safety Considerations

• Space management during group activities to avoid overcrowding.
• Encourage correct posture when handling the puzzles/cards.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Science: Basic anatomy and physiology, connecting to GCSE biology topics on the skeletal and muscular systems.
• PSHE: Discussion of health, well-being and injury prevention linked to bone care and physical activity.

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Summary

This lesson actively engages Year 11 students with interactive and collaborative learning to introduce the skeletal system within the context of physical education. It aligns strictly with the National Curriculum for England by building foundational anatomical knowledge essential for understanding movement mechanics and health, setting the stage for deeper exploration in subsequent lessons of the "Bones in Motion" unit.