Animals that do not have bones, including a spine, on the inside of their bodies are invertebrates.

The backbone of an animal is also called its spine.

An exoskeleton is the hard outer layer that covers, supports, and protects the body of an invertebrate.

We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.

A fluid is a gas or liquid that moves freely.

Animals without bones

Science

In The human skeleton and muscles unit, pupils learn that humans and some other animals have skeletons and muscles for support, protection and movement. In The human digestive system unit, they will build on this knowledge to describe the basic parts of the digestive system in humans

In the Human body parts unit, pupils learnt to describe and compare the structure of common animals and identify and name the basic parts of the human body. In this The human skeleton and muscles unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify and name some common bones in the human skeleton

This unit explores the role of skeletons and muscles in humans and other animals for support, protection, and movement. It involves setting up practical enquiries, making observations, measuring accurately, recording findings, and using results to draw conclusions and suggest improvements.

Introduction to the human skeleton and muscles

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

If an animal is an invertebrate, it doesn't have a...

What is the scientific name for the hard layer, or covering, that protects some invertebrates? 

Which of these animals has an exoskeleton? 

An invertebrate without an exoskeleton, has {{}} inside its body instead of bones. 

Which of these living things that are found on Earth are animals?

A human has different shapes and sizes of {{}} to protect and support their body. 

Bones are soft and flexible. They bend easily.

Bones are hard and rigid. They don't break easily. 

Bones are soft and rigid. They break easily. 

Which of these describes the properties of a bone?

Where would you find a vertebrate's spine? 

Where is the skeleton of an animal that has an endoskeleton?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Animals without bones

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.