Teacher Page
Created by
Heath Plaxton
Spring 2003
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NEWS BULLETIN
Explorer Elementary student discovers human
bones while digging in sand box at recess.
Head archeologist, Mr. Plaxton, has
determined the bones to have been buried
in the sand box for more than 300 years.
They are thought to be the remains of the
first Fit for Life teacher in Williamston. It
is likely the teacher died from doing too
many pushups.
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All the bones have been retrieved from the
sand box and now Mr. Plaxton needs your
help to identify them and put them back
together. Please continue on to the next
page to find out how you can help.
Click here to continue.
Mr. Plaxton has been called out of town
to help paint the M’s on M & M candies,
so he is unable to use the bones to
reconstruct the skeleton of the Fit for Life
teacher. In order for you to be able to
assist Mr. Plaxton, you need to become a
junior archeologist. To do this, you must
first learn the basics of the human skeletal
system. In addition, you need to be able
to identify the location of various bones
within the human body. Good luck as
you begin your quest to be a junior
archeologist.
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Click on the boxes to learn more.
Overview of the
Human Skeleton
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Diagram of the
Human Skeleton
Take the Junior
Archeologist Quiz
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How many
bones are
there?
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Osteology is the science that deals with
the study of bones. Each bone is an
organ that plays a part in how the
skeletal system functions. The skeletal
system of an adult human is made up of
206 bones. This number of bones can
very depending on a person’s age. For
example, at birth, our bodies consist of
about 270 bones. Over the first three to
five years of our life the number of
bones actually increases to around 300.
At your age, the number of bones
actually decreases because some of
them fuse (connect) together.
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What function do bones have?
Click below for more information
Support
Protection
Body Movement
Production of Blood Cells
Mineral Storage
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Support
One function of the skeletal system is to
provide support for your body.
The
skeleton forms the base to which muscles
and other soft tissues attach. Without the
support of bones, like your vertebral column
(backbone), you would not be able to stand
up. You would simply be like a puddle on
the floor.
Did you know that humans and giraffes have the same number of bones in their necks?
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Protection
A second function of the skeletal
system is to provide protection
for the soft, delicate parts of your
body. For example, your cranium
(skull) and spine protect your
central nervous system while
your rib cage protects your heart,
lungs, and other internal organs.
The skeletal system protects all
the systems of the body.
Did you know that your jawbone is the hardest bone in your body.
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Body Movement
The third function of the skeletal system deals with body
movement. In order to move, muscles need to pull on
bones. When muscles contract, the bones to which they are
attached act as levers and cause different body parts to move.
The movement takes place at the connection between bones
which is called a joint. There are different kinds of joints in
the body. A hinged joint, like the one in your knee, allows
you to move your leg back and forth just like a door hinge.
A fixed joint, such as in the skull, has very little movement
at all. Finally, the ball-and-socket joint, like the one in your
shoulder or leg, enable you to move your arm or leg 360
degrees like a shower head.
Did you know that the longest bone in our body is the femur (thigh bone).
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Production of Blood Cells
Bones are also important in
the production of blood
cells. It is in the hollow
center of many bones that
bone marrow makes new
red and white blood cells.
The red blood cells ensure
that oxygen is distributed to
all parts of your body. The
white blood cells are
responsible for fighting off
germs and disease.
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Mineral Storage
Bones are storage sites for many
minerals. These minerals give bone
its rigidity (hardness) and much of
its weight. Bones contain a lot of
calcium (an element found in milk,
broccoli, and other foods). Calcium
is important for bone growth and
development. It is also important
for muscle contractions.
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As you review the bones
listed on this diagram,
point them out on your
body to a friend.
Cranium
Mandible
Clavicle
Scapula
Click on the
name of the
bone that
you would
like to learn
more about.
Sternum
Humerus
Spine
Ulna
Metacarpals
Ribs
Radius
Pelvis
Carpals
Phalanges
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Femur
Patella
Tibia
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Fibula
Metatarsals
Phalanges
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Tarsals
How many bones does an adult human skeleton have?
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A. 100
B. 206
C. 164
D. 370
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End
Quiz
Review
Which of the following is not a function of the skeletal system?
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A. Protection
B. Movement
C. Support
D. Mineral Breakdown
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End
Quiz
Review
Which is the longest bone in the body?
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A. Femur
B. Humerus
C. Tibia
D. Clavicle
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End
Quiz
Review
What science deals with the study of bones?
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A. Zoology
B. Boneology
C. Osteology
D. Biology
Review
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End
Quiz
What bone is between the radius and the clavicle?
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A. Cranium
B. Humerus
C. Fibula
D. Patella
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End
Quiz
Review
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Next Question.
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End
Quiz
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You are now a junior archeologist.
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What the project is about?
Bones, Bones, and More Bones was designed to help students learn about the
characteristics of the skeletal system as well as identifying the location of human bones.
Intended Audience:
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•
•
All third grade students
New students to our district to help catch them up on
information about the skeletal system
For teachers as an additional resource
Pedagogy:
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•
•
•
•
•
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Self-guided/individualized exploration of human skeletal system
Immediate feedback for correct and incorrect responses
Knowledge is presented in a logical, step-by-step order
Promotion of student interest through graphics and audio
Reinforcement through kinesthetic awareness
Students have choice with deductive and inductive learning (i.e.
inductive – question first,deductive – information first)
Teacher page continued
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Manubrium
Sternum
Body
Xiphoid Process
The "sternum" is the medical name for the breastbone. This is a long,
narrow, flat plate that forms the center of the front of the chest. It develops
in three parts: an upper portion (manubrium), a middle portion (body), and
a lower portion (xiphoid process) that projects down. The sternum assists
the ribs in protecting the chest cavity.
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Scapula
Humerus
Ulna
Radius
The humerus is the bone of the upper arm. The smooth, dome-shaped head of the bone
socket of the scapula (shoulder blade) to form the shoulder joint. It joins with the bones of
the lower arm (the ulna and radius) to make up the elbow. Some people say the "funny
bone" is named because it is next to the humerus. It really isn't a bone at all, but is a nerve,
which passes under a of the humerus, where it is vulnerable.
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Spine
Individual
Vertebrae
The spine is a column of bone and cartilage that extends from the base of the skull
to the pelvis. It encloses and protects the spinal cord and supports the trunk of the
body and the head. The spinal cord is a column of nerve tracts running from every
area of the body to the brain. The spine is made up of approximately thirty-three
bones called "vertebrae.“
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Humerus
Ulna
Radius
Carpals
The ulna is the longer of the two bones of the forearm; the other being the radius.
When the palm faces forward, the ulna is the inner bone (the one nearest the body –
pinky finger side). The upper end of the ulna joins with the radius and fits around the
lower end of the humerus (the upper arm bone). This forms the elbow joint. The lower
end of the ulna is rounded and forms a joint with the wrist bones (carpals).
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Carpals
Metacarpals
Metacarpals
Phalanges
The metacarpal is one of five, long cylinder shaped bones in the body of the hand.
The bones run from the carpal bones of the wrist to the base of each digit
(phalange) of the hand. On the palm of the hand, these are padded by a thick layer
of fibrous, connective tissue; on the back of the hand, they can be seen and felt
through the skin. The heads of the metacarpal bones form the knuckles.
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Femur
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Tarsals
Patella is the technical name for the kneecap, the triangular-shaped bone at
the front of the knee joint. The patella is held in place by muscles and is
located between the femur and the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula). The
patella helps to protect the knee joint.
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Femur
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Tarsals
The fibula is the outer and thinner of the two long bones of the lower leg. It is much
narrower than the other bone (tibia or shin), to which it runs parallel to. The upper end
of the fibula does not reach the knee, but the lower end descends below the shin and
forms part of the ankle. Its main function is to provide attachment for muscles. It
doesn't give much support or strength to the leg.
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Fibula
Tibia
Tarsals
Metatarsals
Metatarsals
Phalanges
The metatarsal is one of five long, cylinder shaped bones in the foot. The bones
make up the central skeleton of the foot and are held in an arch formation by
surrounding ligaments. The metatarsal bones are joined to the toe bones
(phalanges) and the ankle bones (tarsals).
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Distal Phalange
Fibula
Tibia
Tarsals
Middle Phalange
Proximal Phalange
Metatarsals
Phalanges
The phalanges are the small bones that make up the skeleton of the toes. Each
toe has three phalanges except for the big toe. It has two. The phalange nearest
the body of the foot is call the "proximal" phalange; the one at the end of each digit
is the "distal" phalange; and, of course, when there are three, the middle one is
called the "middle" phalange.
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Cranium
Mandible
The cranium or skull is the bony section of the head. The skull encases and
protects the brain, houses the brain senses, provides attachments for muscles of
the head and neck, and helps to form the first portions of the respiratory and
digestive tracts. The skull rests on the first vertebra.
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Cranium
Mandible
The mandible is also known as the jaw bone. It is the
hardest bone in the human body. It also assists in chewing
and laughing.
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Scapula
Clavicle
Humerus
Sternum
Ribs
The clavicle is the collarbone. There are two of these bones, each curved a
little like an "f," that join the top of the breastbone (sternum) to the
shoulder blade (scapula). The clavicles support the arms and transmit
force from the arms into the central skeleton.
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Scapula
Humerus
Ulna
Radius
"Scapula" is the technical name for the shoulder blade. It is a flat, triangular bone
that lies over the back of the upper ribs. The rear surface can be felt under the skin.
It serves as an attachment for some of the muscles and tendons of the arm, neck,
chest and back and aids in the movements of the arm and shoulder. It is well
padded with muscle so that great force is required to fracture it.
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Sternum
Ribs
Cartilage
Ribs are flat, curved bones that form the framework of the chest and make up a cage to
protect the heart, lungs and other upper organs. There are twelve pairs of ribs, each joined at
the back of the cage to a vertebra in the spine. Between the ribs, and attached to them, are
thin sheets of muscle that help to expand and relax the chest during breathing. There are
seven true ribs attached to the sternum directly by their costal cartilages. The remaining five
pairs are called "false ribs," because their cartilages do not reach the sternum directly.
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Radius
Humerus
Ulna
Radius
Carpals
The radius is the shorter of the two long bones of the forearm. The other is the
ulna. The radius is the bone on the thumb side of the arm. The radius has a
broad base that joins the lower end of the ulna and the upper bones of the wrist.
The upper end of the radius, which is smaller than the base, joins the lower end
of the humerus (bone in the upper arm) to form the elbow joint.
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Pelvis
Hip Bone
Coccyx (Tail Bone)
The pelvis is a ring of bones in the lower trunk of the body, which is
bounded by the coccyx (tail bone) and the hip bones. The pelvis protects
abdominal organs such as the bladder and reproductive organs. The
pelvis also helps to support the weight of the body.
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Carpals
Metacarpals
Phalanges
The skeleton of the wrist consists of eight small "carpal bones" that are firmly bound
in two rows of four bones each. The resulting mass is called the "carpus.“ The
carpal bones are often referred to as the wrist bones because they make the
connection between the forearm bones (radius and ulna) and the metacarpals or
the first joint of the fingers.
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Carpals
Metacarpals
Proximal Phalange
Phalanges
Middle Phalange
Distal Phalange
The phalanges are the small bones that make up the skeleton of the fingers and
thumb. Each finger has three phalanges; the thumb has two. The phalange nearest
the body of the hand or foot is call the "proximal" phalange; the one at the end of
each digit is the "distal" phalange; and, of course, when there are three, the middle
one is called the "middle" phalange.
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Femur
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Tarsals
The "femur" is the thigh bone, the longest bone in the body. The lower end joins
the tibia (shin) to form the knee joint. The upper end is rounded into a ball that fits
into a socket in the pelvis. This makes up the hip joint. The top or ball of the
femur gives the hip joint a wide range of movement.
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Femur
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Tarsals
The tibia or shin bone is the inner and thicker of the two long bones in the lower leg. The
tibia is the supporting bone of the lower leg and runs parallel to the other, smaller bone
(the fibula). The front of the tibia lies just below the skin and can easily be felt. The upper
end joins the femur to form the knee joint, and the lower end forms part of the ankle joint.
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Fibula
Tibia
Tarsals
Metatarsals
Phalanges
The foot consists of an ankle, an instep, and five toes. The ankle is composed of seven
"tarsal bones," forming a group called the tarsus. These bones are arranged so that one of
them, the "talus," can move freely where it joins the tibia and fibula (lower leg bones). The
remaining tarsal bones are bound firmly together, forming a mass on which the talus rests.
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What is the flexible connection between bones that
allows movement to occur called?
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A. Internet
B. Joints
C. Marrow
D. Sternum
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End
Quiz
Review
What is another name for the knee cap?
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A. Patella
B. Femur
C. Tibia
D. Radius
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Quiz
Review
Which of the following bones help to protect vital areas of the body?
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A. Cranium
B. Spine
C. Ribs
D. All of the above
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Quiz
Review
What part of a bone is responsible for making red
and white blood cells?
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A. The Ends
B. The Outside
C. The Hollow Center
D. The Joint
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Quiz
Review
What is the most common mineral found in all bones?
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A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Iron
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Quiz
Review
What is another name for the jaw bone?
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A. Mandible
B. Clavicle
C. Tibia
D. Ulna
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Quiz
Review
What is the name of the bone that is on the thumb
side of the forearm?
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A. Tibia
B. Ulna
C. Fibula
D. Radius
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Quiz
Review
What is the technical name for the fingers and toes?
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A. Femurs
B. Ribs
C. Phalanges
D. Fibulas
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Quiz
Review
What is the technical name for the shoulder blade?
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A. Scapula
B. Ulna
C. Clavicle
D. Tarsal
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End
Quiz
Review
Which bone is not part of the foot or ankle?
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A. Tarsal
B. Phalanges
C. Metatarsals
D. Carpals
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End
Quiz
Review
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Next Question.
What is the name of the bone that
the red arrow is pointing at?
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A. Cranium
B. Mandible
C. Clavicle
D. Carpal
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End
Quiz
Review
What is the technical name for the shin bone?
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A. Fibula
B. Radius
C. Ulna
D. Tibia
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Quiz
Review
What is the name of the bone that
the red arrow is pointing at?
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A. Femur
B. Sternum
C. Radius
D. Metatarsal
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Quiz
Review
What is the technical name for the collar bone?
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A. Scapula
B. Tibia
C. Clavicle
D. Patella
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Quiz
Review
What is the name of the bone that
the red arrow is pointing at?
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A. Femur
B. Spine
C. Humerus
D. Tibia
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End
Quiz
Review
Instructional Objectives:
The learner will be able to identify human bones and their characteristics
Growth & Development
component of the Michigan Model
for Comprehensive School Health
Education Curriculum.
•
Characteristics of human beings
•
Recognition of six body systems
•
•
Functions of six body systems
Parts and functions of skeletal
system
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Life Science - Elementary
Organization of Living Things
Standard SCI.III.2
All students will use classification systems to describe
groups of living things; compare and contrast differences
in the life cycles of living things; investigate and explain
how living things obtain and use energy; and analyze how
parts of living things are adapted to carry out specific
functions.
All Elementary Resources for Standard SCI.III.2
Benchmark SCI.III.2.E.1
Explain characteristics and functions of observable
body parts in a variety of animals.
Resources for Benchmark SCI.III.2.E.1
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Active Response:
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Learner can choose to take a self-guided tour of the skeletal system to learn about the location
and function of various bones and then take a quiz demonstrating their understanding (inductive)
Learners can choose to take the quiz first and then read the information provided (deductive)
Overt responses are used in the form of kinesthetic actions by pointing out various bones on the
learner’s body
Feedback:
•
•
Immediate feedback is provided in the form of a correct or incorrect response on the quiz.
– Correct responses signal the students to progress to the next question
– Incorrect responses allow the students the opportunity to try again or review more information
Graphics and sounds are utilized to keep the students interested in continuing with the project
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Teacher Resources:
1. The PE Central site has great lesson plan ideas for teachers - http://pecentral.org/lessonideas/ViewLesson.asp?ID=1075
2. This Gettysburg site is an excellent resource for teachers - http://www.gettysburg.edu/academics/hes/Unit/skeletal_system_lesson_plans.html
3. Teach-nology has wonderful teacher links that pertain to the skeletal system - http://teachers.teach-nology.com/themes/science/humanb/
Student Resources:
1. This eskeletons site provides useful information pertaining to individual bones - http://www.eskeletons.org/
2. Medtropolis is a great site that allows for exploration of a virtual body - http://www.medtropolis.com/VBody.asp
3. Teach-nology has wonderful student links that pertain to the skeletal systemhttp://teachers.teach-nology.com/themes/science/humanb/
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