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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the role of the human skeleton in support, protection and making blood cells.

      Key learning points

      1. The human body contains a skeleton made up of bones.
      2. A joint is where two or more bones meet.
      3. The skeleton supports the body and provides protection for organs and tissues.
      4. Bones are made of living tissue made up of cells.
      5. Red and white blood cells are made in the bone marrow.

      Keywords

      • Bone - Bones are living tissues that are made up of cells.

      • Skeleton - The skeleton is made up of bones. It provides support, protection and movement.

      • Joint - A joint is where two or more bones meet.

      • Tissue - A tissue is a group of similar cells working together for the same function.

      • Red blood cell - Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

      Common misconception

      Bones are not living; bones are not made up of cells.

      This lesson explores the idea that bone is a tissue made up of cells, and that it is living (because it can heal).

      Teacher tip

      Models of the skeleton and organs can be used to increase engagement.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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.
      Which of the following are parts of the human skeleton?

      eye
      Correct answer: knee cap
      muscle
      Correct answer: skull

      Q2.
      Which type of material is the human skeleton made from?

      Correct Answer: Bone, Bone tissue, Bones

      Q3.
      The skeleton provides ________ for organs inside the body.

      tissues
      Correct answer: protection
      bones
      blood

      Q4.
      Which of the following are living tissues?

      Correct answer: Bones
      Heart
      Lungs

      Q5.
      Match the item to its description.

      Correct Answer:cells,the building blocks that living organisms are made from
      Correct Answer:organ,A group of different tissues that work together
      Correct Answer:organ system,A group of organs that work together to perform functions
      Correct Answer:tissue,A group of similar cells in the same place with the same job

      Q6.
      All living organisms are made up of cells. Starting with cell, put the parts in order of increasing size.

      1 - cell
      2 - tissue
      3 - organ
      4 - organ system
      5 - organism

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      True or false? Bone is made up of cells.

      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q2.
      Select the reasons why we need a skeleton?

      Correct answer: To make red blood cells.
      To keep the body in a fixed position.
      To make skin cells.
      Correct answer: To provide support.

      Q3.
      Who is correct?

      Correct answer: Jun: "Bone is a living tissue because it can grow.”
      Sam: "Bone is non-living because it is just for structure."
      Laura: "Bone is dead because it no longer grows."
      Lucas: "Bone is made of cells but it is not alive."

      Q4.
      Bones are living and need glucose and for respiration.

      Correct Answer: oxygen, Oxygen

      Q5.
      Inside bone we find bone .

      Correct Answer: marrow, Marrow, marrow.

      Q6.
      Select the substances that are made by bone marrow?

      oxygen
      muscle cells
      Correct answer: red blood cells
      skin cells
      Correct answer: white blood cells

      To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: The human skeleton, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...