Biological Sciences
Muscular System
Year 8
Biological sciences: Multi-cellular organisms contain systems of organs that carry out specialised functions that
enable them to survive and reproduce (ACSSU150)
Science as Human Endeavour
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Scientific knowledge changes with new evidence. Scientific discoveries have changed people’s understanding of the world (ACSHE134)
Science knowledge can develop through collaboration and connecting ideas across the disciplines of science(ACSHE226)
Science and technology contribute to solutions to issues. They may impact on society and involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
Science understanding influences the development of: industry, agriculture and marine and terrestrial resource management (ACSHE136)
People use understanding and skills from across the disciplines of science in their occupations (ACSHE227)
Scientific Inquiry Processes
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Identify questions and problems and make predications that can be investigated scientifically. (ACSIS139)
Plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines. (ACSIS140)
In fair tests, measure and control variables, and select equipment to collect data with accuracy appropriate to the task (ACSIS141)
Construct and use a range of representations, including graphs, keys and models to represent and analyse patterns. (ACSIS144)
Summarise data, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions(ACSIS145)
Evaluate the method used to investigate a question or solve a problem, including: the quality of the data. Identify improvements (ACSIS146)
Use scientific knowledge and findings from investigations to evaluate claims. (ACSIS234)
 Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies (ACSIS148)
Knowledge and Understandings
Muscles
Muscles are made of cells that
contract to pull on bones
producing movement.
They are connected to bones by
tendons.
Bones are connected together by
ligaments at joints.
Cartilage and synovial fluid
prevent friction at joints.
Muscles are arranged in
antagonistic pairs as they cannot
expand.
Exercise increases strength and
fitness.
Learning Process
Muscles
Purpose: Students become familiar with the human muscular system as
well as fundamental principles that apply to systems in other animals. They
understand the relationship between the muscular system and skeletal
system.
Inform: Discuss the human muscular system, its purpose to provide
movement, strength, support and protection. You may also wish to discuss
muscle fibres, short twitch and long twitch muscles – how do these differ in
sprinters vs long-distance runners?
Use diagrams to identify important muscle groups in the human body. Test
students’ knowledge by asking them to label a diagram of the human
muscular system.
Look at arrangement of muscles. Activity p. 134 Science Outcomes Book 2.
MuscleMania
Through observation, demonstration and brainstorming, students will learn
the three different types of muscles and their functions.
Investigate: Look at muscle tissue, e.g. chicken wing dissection.
Observe/record the structures involved at a joint to produce friction-free
movement.
Compare voluntary/involuntary muscle activity by clenching/unclenching fist
to show that voluntary muscle tires, unlike involuntary.
Research/Apply: As individuals or in small groups assign a muscle or
muscle group of the human body. Students are to develop a fitness program
for exercising this muscle group consisting of 3-5 exercises.
Students identify the muscles, draw diagrams of the exercises involved as
well as identify any likely injuries that you could encounter and how these
© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia
could be avoided.
[Could be performance/video/multimedia presentation]
Evaluation: Discuss how the muscular system and skeletal system work
together to provide movement. What attaches muscles to bones? Highlight
that muscles can only contract and never push so they must always be
‘antagonistic’ muscle pairs.
Have students create a model of a major skeletal muscle group as outlined
in the activity below.
Know Bones About It
Activity: Students make a model of a major skeletal muscle group. They
then consider how their life might change if they didn’t have, or lack use of,
this particular muscle group.
L725 Body parts: muscles
Learning Object Education Services Australia The Le@rning Federation
Look closely at major muscles in the human body. Find out which muscles
control functions such as smiling, moving arms and legs, and pumping food
through the body. See how muscles contract and relax. Test your knowledge
by answering multiple-choice questions. This learning object is one in a
series of 14 objects. *
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/objectLink.action?action=content&id=L725
Assessment:
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Students label a diagram of the human muscular system
Student produce a report or multimedia presentation covering 3-5 exercises for a particular muscle group
Students create a model of a major muscle group.
Standards
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Curriculum/F-10?y=8&s=SU&s=HE&s=IS&layout=1
Teacher Resources IWB T
Muscular System Menu - info and interactive sites
Muscular System (Front View) Interactive with animations
Muscular System Diagram with info, further web sites and resources
The Strength of the Muscular System
Students use microscope slides to learn about the difference between voluntary and involuntary muscles.
Student Resources IWB S
Yahoo Kids! Anatomy
The Visible Human Project This site contains numerous anatomically detailed photographs and 3D representations
of the human body. Click on "A sampler of images and animations from the Project" to see an animated trip through
the Visible Human male body.
Exploratorium: Revealing Bodies Move the slider to look inside the human body and see where different organs
and systems are located.
© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia
Lesson Planner
Lesson
Teacher Notes
Student Activities
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© Education Research Solutions T: 1300 669 810 E: contactus@educationresearch.com.au W: www.educationresearch.com.au
This is an ERS plan and is NOT endorsed by ACARA. Green font is ACARA sourced materials. Go to: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
* © Education Services Australia