California Career and Technical Education Standards

• ANR.D.D3.1 Understand the major systems and the function of the organs within each system.
• ANR.D.D3.2 Understand the animal management practices that are likely to improve the functi...
• ANR.FS.11.0 Demonstration and Application
• ANR.FS.5.1 Apply appropriate problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills to wor...
• ANR.FS.5.2 Understand the universal, systematic problem-solving model that incorporates inp...
• ANR.FS.5.3 Use critical thinking skills to make informed decisions and solve problems.
• ANR.FS.9.3 Understand how to organize and structure work individually and in teams for effe...

California Academic Content Standards (Reinforced)

• ELA.11-12.R.VCD.1.2 Apply knowledge of Greek, Latin, and Anglo-Saxon roots and affixes to draw infer...2
• ELA.9-10.R.CAGT.2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis...3

• Anticipatory Set - Hooks / Set

  I would start my class by showing them a video clip from the Animaniac's Cartoon Show, entitled "The Bone Song." It is a cute way to show how all of the bones are connected in the body, plus it allows for a visual way to connect students with the skeleton components. This song is 2:18 long.

  • Animaniacs Bone Song [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ]
• Lecture - Lecture

  I have attached a copy of my lecture on the two different skeletal sections. About half way through the lecture it calls for you to stop and shift gears to the Build a Spine Activity. This activity is outlined for you below. This will help to break up what feels like endless pages of notes to your students! I have attached my PowerPoint for you to use.

  • Skeletal System PPT [ Download ]
  • Dog Skeleton [ Download ] Reference Materials for your students
• Build a Spine - Group Work

  After teaching the Axial Skeleton portion of the lecture, pause for 25 minutes to allow the students to build an axial skeleton as a group. You will need to gather construction paper, scissors, and tape for each group. Hand each student a handout and direct them to get into groups. You can chose how to assign groups (numbered heads, allow them to sort themselves, rows, etc.) Once students are in groups, explain the assignments to them. Give them 25 minutes to complete and clean up. In an effort to save paper when copying, the assignment is only 1/2 page in length!

  • Build a Spine [ Download ] Worksheet to give for Build A Spine Activity
• Simon Says Use Your Cranium! - Demo / Modeling

  After completing the lesson on the skeletal system and bones, I have my student play Simon Says. This game reinforces their memorization of the bones of an animals body. I start by explaining that human bones are located in the same location as that of a dog, cat, or cow. I point a few out, such as the patella is your knee or the carpal is your wrist. Once I have reviewed a few of the body parts, I remind the class of the rules of Simon Says, then we play a round of Simon Says! Each winner in the round gets 25 points extra credit and the opportunity to be the next Simon. We usually play 2-3 rounds. I have attached a copy of the rules I use as well as a word bank for ease of play!

  • Simon Says Rules [ Download ] Rules and word bank for Simon Says
  • Simon Says Clip [ Watch Video ] [ Download Original Video ] Clip to show your class if you want to drive home the rules.
• Build a Skeleton - Lab / Shop

  This activity is to be completed after part two of the lecture. This activity will allow for your students to build a skeleton out of toothpicks. This is designed to be an individual assignment. Once the skeleton has been built, students must label the bones they have created. For an added bonus if you would like, have the students identify if the bones are part of the axial or appendicular skeletons! I hang the skeletons on the wall for a few weeks, in the "Bone Yard"! Students can see their work and compare their skeletons with the rest of the class.

  • Build a Skeleton [ Download ] Directions for the Build a Skeleton Activity