New
New
Lesson 4 of 4
New
New
- Year 7
Biomechanics
I can calculate the moment of a force around a joint.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A muscle attached to a bone exerts a force on the bone when the muscle contracts, which makes the bone move.
- Biomechanics is the study of this movement.
- A moment is the turning effect of the force when a bone pivots at a joint.
- The size of the moment when a bone pivots at a joint can be calculated.
Keywords
Muscle contraction - Muscle contraction is the shortening of muscles.
Force - A force is a push or a pull that acts on an object.
Biomechanics - Biomechanics is the study of how the body moves.
Moment - A moment is the turning effect of a force.
Pivot - The point around which an object can rotate is a pivot.
Common misconception
Pupils may not have encountered the moment equation in physics.
Pupils might need extra support substituting values into the equation.
If making the model in learning cycle 1, string can be used to replace elastic bands and is sometimes easier to manage. Make a model first so that pupils can see what a good one looks like.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Lolly sticks, elastic band/string, tape, tiny elastic bands/loom bands.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What holds two bones together?
What holds two bones together?
Joint
Tendon
Q2.True or false? Cartilage is found between a joint to prevent bones from wearing away.
True or false? Cartilage is found between a joint to prevent bones from wearing away.
False
Q3.Who has the best description for how a muscle tissue moves bone?
Who has the best description for how a muscle tissue moves bone?
Jacob “Muscle tissue uses energy to push the bone”.
Alex “Muscle tissue uses energy to push and pull the bone”.
Q4.Two muscles that work together to move a bone at the joint are known as pairs.
Two muscles that work together to move a bone at the joint are known as pairs.
Q5.What is needed for respiration?
What is needed for respiration?
Carbon dioxide
Water
Q6.Which picture shows a muscle cell(s)?
Which picture shows a muscle cell(s)?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. is the study of how the body moves.
is the study of how the body moves.
Q2.The bicep and tricep are an antagonistic pair of muscles. When the biceps contract the triceps...
The bicep and tricep are an antagonistic pair of muscles. When the biceps contract the triceps...
Q3.True or false? The pivot in your arm is at the elbow.
True or false? The pivot in your arm is at the elbow.
False
Q4.Which units is a force measured in?
Which units is a force measured in?
Meter
Joules
Q5.Who has the best description of a moment?
Who has the best description of a moment?
Aisha “The point around which an object can rotate”.
Laura “The muscle contraction”.
Q6.Calculate the moment when a boy with a forearm measuring 0.25 m holds a 2 N mass. The answer is Nm.
Calculate the moment when a boy with a forearm measuring 0.25 m holds a 2 N mass. The answer is Nm.
