Background:

The human skeleton has many important functions. The skeleton supports the body and gives it shape. It protects body organs such as the heart and lungs. The skeleton also allows movement. Muscles are attached to the bones and pull on them, allowing the bones to move. The bones act as a warehouse for the body storing minerals such as  calcium and phosphorus. These minerals make the bones hard. The bones also act as a factory producing blood cells to transport oxygen, fight disease-causing bacteria, stop bleeding, and replace worn out cells. The human body contains 206 bones!

In this webQuest, you will take a virtual tour of our skeletal system, practice labeling some of the major bones, compare our bones to those of a rodent and bird, explore the various functions of the skeletal system, and learn about the different joints in the human body that allow for movement. 

Purpose: Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the human skeleton by identifying the various bones and joints using online computer links. name all the major bones of the body identify and label the major bones of the body describe the functions of the skeletal system recognize the different types of joints  know the number of the bones in the body at birth and as an adult  compare the bones of the human skeleton to the bones of a vole and a bird.

Your Tasks: Task #1:   Visit each website to learn about the functions of the skeletal system and the names of the major bones in the human body.  The Kidport Reference Library-Skeleton Site. Your Skeletal System Task #2: Test your knowledge of the human skeleton. Study sheet: Go to this site and print this sheet to study the names of all major bones in the human skeleton Task #3: Compare the bones of the human skeleton to the bones of rodent (vole) and a bird. You may need support from an adult for this task. Review your knowledge of human bones and then answer these questions verbally: Predict the similarities and differences between human bones and rodent bones.   Based on your prior knowledge, do you think that the human bones will be similar or different from the rodent bones?  Why?  Compare your human skeleton with the labels that you printed in task 2, to the vole skeleton (below).  Share your observations. Discuss the following questions: Based on your observations, predict the similarities and differences between human/ vole bones and the bones of a bird.  Will the bird's bones be similar or different?   Compare the human and vole skeleton to the bird's skeleton. Share your observations. Click to see the skeleton of the bird. Task #4: Visit each website to learn about the different types of joints, where in the body they are located, and how they work. Types of Human Joints Joints  Task #5: Visit the websites to further test your knowledge of the skeletal system.   Skeleton Word Search: Print this word search out and give it a try!  Skeleton Crossword Puzzle Print this crossword puzzle  Meet Mr. Bones: Now that you have studied the human skeleton try this game. Can you put Mr. Bones back together?? Extra -Just for fun SKELETINA a skeleton paper doll   Task #6:  Click here to do some really fun extension activities: Take a tour of the skeletal system.   Challenge yourself to build a skeleton and learn about some other systems of the body. Watch a youtube video hip-hop song about the skeletal system (only with an adult please!) Play some bone games.  Create a word search or crossword puzzle with some of the new terms you learned. Visit the Yuckiest Site on the Internet to explore gross body sounds and the yuckiest body parts. Conclusion:  By following the sites you have now become an expert on the human skeletal system , joints and how they work. CONGRATULATIONS!