How Is It That We Move? Science

10-12 yo
90 min
See lesson plan

About the lesson plan

Introduction

A feature of all living organisms is the ability to move. In the human body the musculoskeletal system is responsible for movement and maintaining correct posture. It consists of three systems: bone, muscle and ligament. They work together under the control of the nervous system, the central point of which is the brain. It is the brain that sends out information about the need to execute a movement.
 
During the lesson, students will examine how movement arises in the human body. By performing an experiment and observing each other’s upper limbs, they will see how muscles work when humans move. In a second experiment, they will draw the bones and muscles of the upper limbs and learn their names. During a movement game they will learn how the brain transmits nerve impulses.
 
Teachers have at their disposal a short video featuring a specialist – a doctor-orthopedist – and instructions and photos that will help in performing the experiments.

Aims

Main:
  • Students know how movement arises in the upper limbs.
Detailed:
Students know:
  • the structure of the upper limb,
  • what types of movement there are.
Students understand:
  • the functions of the musculoskeletal system,
  • how the brain transmits nerve impulse.
Students know how to:
  • perform the experiments (how muscles work when human moves) in accordance with the instructions.

Core curriculum

Health Education Content Standards for California Public Schools
http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/healthstandmar08.pdf

“Grade 5, Nutrition and Physical Activity
1.10.N     Describe how physical activity, rest, and sleep are related.
1.11.N     Identify physical, academic, mental, and social benefits of regular physical activity”.
“Standard 5: Decision Making
5.1.P     Use a decision-making process to determine personal choices that promote personal, environmental, and community health”.

Work methods

  • Independent knowledge-acquisition, including problem-solving method.       
  • Experiential – expressive and impressionist methods.
  • Assimilation of knowledge: talk, discussion.