The Skeletal System
The human skeleton provides our bodies with a framework so that we don't flop around in a big pile on the floor. It allows us to maintain an upright position. A skeleton is the name given to a collection of bones. Bones are important for protecting our internal organs, keeping us upright and they are attached to our muscles which allow us to move. The skeleton is extremely important! Check out the image below for a labelled diagram of the bones that make our skeletons.
Key Facts - The Skeletal System
- An adult skeleton has 206 bones
- A child skeleton has 300-350 bones (bones fuse together during growth)
- Supports our posture and protects our internal organs
- Allows us to move
- Produces blood cells
- Stores Calcium
- A child skeleton has 300-350 bones (bones fuse together during growth)
- Supports our posture and protects our internal organs
- Allows us to move
- Produces blood cells
- Stores Calcium
Interactive Learning
Watch the following fun videos to learn more about the skeletal system and its functions......
Activity Ideas
Now that you have learned more about the skeletal system, why not try out one of these cool activities?
Pasta Skeleton
Create your own mini skeleton using a variety of dried pastas and then label your creation. Simply glue the pasta pieces either on top of a skeleton picture or on a blank piece of paper and label the major bones of the skeletal system. Use the above videos and diagrams to help you.
Create your own mini skeleton using a variety of dried pastas and then label your creation. Simply glue the pasta pieces either on top of a skeleton picture or on a blank piece of paper and label the major bones of the skeletal system. Use the above videos and diagrams to help you.
Interactive Body
Click on the image to begin this fun interactive bone placement game!
Click on the image to begin this fun interactive bone placement game!
Useful websites that were used to create this page:
http://www.kidport.com/RefLib/Science/HumanBody/SkeletalSystem/HumanSkeleton.htm
http://www.oz-e-books.com/5th-grade-skeletal-system-diagram/
http://www.livescience.com/22537-skeletal-system.html
http://www.neok12.com/Skeletal-System.htm
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/SSmovie.htm
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/media/services/thechildrensuniversityofmanchester/flash/skeleton.swf
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/index_interactivebody.shtml
http://www.oz-e-books.com/5th-grade-skeletal-system-diagram/
http://www.livescience.com/22537-skeletal-system.html
http://www.neok12.com/Skeletal-System.htm
http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/SSmovie.htm
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/media/services/thechildrensuniversityofmanchester/flash/skeleton.swf
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/index_interactivebody.shtml