Elementary school students have many questions
about the human body. What gives it its shape? What enables it to move? Tap this
natural curiosity to teach an engaging lesson on the human skeletal system.
The skeleton makes up the human body’s bony framework. It consists of 206
bones and the accompanying ligaments and joints. The skeleton gives the body its
shape, enables it to move, and protects its internal organs. Bones also store
minerals, such as calcium, and are the site of blood cell production.
Students usually have some prior knowledge of their bones, whether it is from an
injury or just seeing a skeleton at Halloween. Ask if anyone in the class has
ever broken a bone. If a student has an injury story and is not too embarrassed
to talk about it, encourage him or her to share it with the class.
Diagrams of the human skeleton are
useful for introductions. However, when your class is ready to
move beyond the basics, hands-on models and activities are
invaluable. They reinforce learning with a fun approach that
engages students. Want to give them a try? Here are some
recommendations:
- Skeleton Floor Puzzle is made of life-sized foam bone pieces printed with graphics on one
side and common and scientific names on the reverse. The pieces fit together
easily and help students learn the names and locations of the skeleton’s
bones. Once students complete the puzzle, a life-sized skeleton lies before
them! Grades K–2.
- True-to-Life Human X-Rays are copies of actual X-rays. They can be used to study
individual bones or to construct a complete, 5-foot-tall skeleton. These
X-rays are a great way to introduce young students to the skeletal system or
to teach the science of X-rays to older students. Grades 2–7.
- Skeletons in the Closet™ is a hands-on activity for teaching the names, locations, and
relationships of the major bones in the human skeletal system. Through 6
different games with varying levels of difficulty, students learn how to
connect the bones and how to keep their own bones strong and healthy. For 2
to 4 players. Grades 2–6.
Carolina offers a wide variety of educational resources to help you teach about
the structure and function of human body systems. See our
Anatomical and Skeletal Models to learn more.
