PRIMARY 5: BASIC SCIENCE – SECOND TERM | WEEK 3

TOPIC: THE HUMAN BODY – SKELETAL SYSTEM I

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

1. Human skeleton chart.
2. Model of a human skeleton.
3. Pictures of different bones.
4. Flashcards showing names of bones.
5. Pupils’ notebooks and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of work.
2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 5.
3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils know that the human body has different parts such as the head, trunk, arms and legs.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define the skeletal system.
2. Explain the meaning of skeleton.
3. Identify major bones in the human body.
4. Mention different shapes of bones.
5. State the functions of the skeleton.
6. Explain the importance of bones.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the framework of bones that supports the human body. The complete arrangement of bones is called the skeleton. 🦴 An adult human body has many bones joined together to form the skeleton.

Major Bones of the Body

Some important bones include:

• Skull.
• Backbone or vertebral column.
• Ribs.
• Pelvis.
• Arm bones.
• Leg bones.

Bones of the Head

The skull protects the brain.

Bones of the Trunk

These include:

• Backbone.
• Ribs.
• Pelvis.

Bones of the Limbs

These include bones of:

• Arms.
• Hands.
• Legs.
• Feet.

Shapes of Bones

Bones may be:

1. Long bones – such as the thigh bone.
2. Short bones – such as bones in the wrist.
3. Flat bones – such as the skull.
4. Irregular bones – such as some bones of the backbone.

Functions of the Skeleton

The skeleton:

1. Gives the body shape.
2. Supports the body.
3. Protects delicate organs.
4. Helps movement.
5. Provides attachment for muscles.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

1. Displays a skeleton chart or model.
2. Explains the meaning of skeleton and skeletal system.
3. Identifies major bones.
4. Describes different shapes of bones.
5. Explains the functions of the skeleton.
6. Guides pupils to identify bones on their bodies.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

1. Observe the skeleton chart.
2. Identify major bones.
3. Touch and identify some bones in their own bodies.
4. Name different shapes of bones.
5. State functions of the skeleton.
6. Participate in class discussion.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises the meaning, major parts and functions of the skeletal system. Pupils are reminded that bones form the framework that supports and protects the body.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

1. What is the skeletal system?
2. What is a skeleton?
3. Mention four major bones in the human body.
4. Mention three shapes of bones.
5. State four functions of the skeleton.
6. Which bone protects the brain?