Science Organisms & Life Processesusually ages 11–13

The Human Skeleton

Describe the structure and four main functions of the human skeleton: support, protection, movement, and production of blood cells in bone marrow

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Lists and explains the four functions of the skeleton with examples
Names key bones and identifies which organs they protect (e.g. ribcage protects heart and lungs)
Explains what bone marrow is and where blood cells are made

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Try this together

If your child was asked why we have bones, could they explain that bones do more than just hold us up — describing at least three different things the skeleton does for the body?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Skeletons & Musclesages 7–8KS3 skeleton detail (blood cell production, biomechanics) extends KS2 skeleton and muscles introduction

Cells to Organ Systemsages 11–12The skeleton is an organ system — understanding this level of organisation gives context

The Human Skeletonthis skill · ages 11–13

Unlocks

Joints, Tendons & Ligamentsages 11–13Understanding joints, tendons and ligaments requires first knowing skeletal structure and function

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

This skill sits outside the F–6 Australian Curriculum — no candidate code matched (v0.1). No NSW K–6 outcome code matched (v0.1). No Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code matched (v0.1).

Nearby on the map

Calculating Dietary Energyages 11–13 Cells to Organ Systemsages 11–12 Cells Under the Microscopeages 11–12 Diet Imbalance & Deficiencyages 11–13

All Organisms & Life Processes skills →