Skeletal System Functions Activities for Middle School Science
The Kesler Science Skeletal System 5E Lesson is a student-led unit that explores how the skeletal system supports the body and works with the muscular system for movement. This low-prep lesson includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments in both print and digital formats, with key materials available in Spanish.
Following the 5E Model, students begin with engaging discussions and activities before exploring concepts through a hands-on station lab with nine interactive stations. The explanation phase features editable PowerPoints and interactive notebook templates in English and Spanish. In elaboration, student-choice projects reinforce learning about skeletal system functions and disorders. The lesson concludes with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials, making it ideal for middle school classrooms in both in-person and virtual settings. The resources below will give students a comprehensive understanding of the skeletal system. All of the following materials are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
The Kesler Science Skeletal System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit covering how the skeletal system supports the body and works with the muscular system for movement. This low-prep, differentiated lesson includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, ensuring flexibility in both print and digital formats. Spanish translations are available for key materials, and all content aligns with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engaging class discussions and activities. In the exploration phase, students participate in a hands-on, differentiated station lab with nine stations, including interactive tasks such as hands-on demos, reading comprehension, video discussions, research activities, and creative outputs like writing and illustrations. The explanation phase provides editable PowerPoints and interactive notebook templates in both English and Spanish. For elaboration, student-choice projects deepen understanding of skeletal system functions and disorders. The lesson concludes with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
Designed for middle school classrooms, this unit supports multimodal learning and can be seamlessly implemented in both in-person and virtual settings.
The Kesler Science Skeletal System 5E Lesson is a comprehensive, student-led unit covering how the skeletal system supports the body and works with the muscular system for movement. This low-prep, differentiated lesson includes editable presentations, worksheets, choice projects, and assessments, ensuring flexibility in both print and digital formats. Spanish translations are available for key materials, and all content aligns with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A.
Following the 5E Model, the lesson begins with engaging class discussions and activities. In the exploration phase, students participate in a hands-on, differentiated station lab with nine stations, including interactive tasks such as hands-on demos, reading comprehension, video discussions, research activities, and creative outputs like writing and illustrations. The explanation phase provides editable PowerPoints and interactive notebook templates in both English and Spanish. For elaboration, student-choice projects deepen understanding of skeletal system functions and disorders. The lesson concludes with STAAR 2.0-aligned assessments and review materials.
Designed for middle school classrooms, this unit supports multimodal learning and can be seamlessly implemented in both in-person and virtual settings.
Engage your students with this modular, student-led station lab covering the functions of the skeletal system, aligned with TEKS 7.13A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this interactive lesson allows students to explore and model the skeletal system’s main functions while fostering independent learning.
The station lab includes nine differentiated activities, providing multiple ways for students to engage with and demonstrate their understanding. Input stations introduce key concepts through hands-on activities, videos, reading passages in English and Spanish, and research tasks. Output stations allow students to organize information, illustrate models, write responses, and complete assessments. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities such as crosswords, games, and mini projects.
With minimal prep, this student-centered resource promotes engagement, critical thinking, and active participation in life science learning.
Engage your students with this modular, student-led station lab covering the functions of the skeletal system, aligned with TEKS 7.13A. Designed for in-class or virtual learning, this interactive lesson allows students to explore and model the skeletal system’s main functions while fostering independent learning.
The station lab includes nine differentiated activities, providing multiple ways for students to engage with and demonstrate their understanding. Input stations introduce key concepts through hands-on activities, videos, reading passages in English and Spanish, and research tasks. Output stations allow students to organize information, illustrate models, write responses, and complete assessments. A bonus challenge station offers extension activities such as crosswords, games, and mini projects.
With minimal prep, this student-centered resource promotes engagement, critical thinking, and active participation in life science learning.
The Skeletal System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, offering middle school students a range of creative ways to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Skeletal System Functions Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.13A.
These flexible projects allow for differentiation, with two versions of the project page. The modified version includes three options designed for students needing remediation, while advanced learners can be challenged with multiple project combinations using the same rubric. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
Standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors are all that’s needed, and many projects can also be completed digitally.
The Skeletal System Functions Student Choice Projects align with the 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A, offering middle school students a range of creative ways to demonstrate their understanding. A project page outlines six student-led options plus a “design your own” project, all supported by an editable rubric for teacher, peer, or self-assessment. This resource is also included in the Skeletal System Functions Complete Lesson for TEKS 7.13A.
These flexible projects allow for differentiation, with two versions of the project page. The modified version includes three options designed for students needing remediation, while advanced learners can be challenged with multiple project combinations using the same rubric. Teachers can adjust the rubric to fit grading needs.
Standard classroom supplies such as paper, markers, and scissors are all that’s needed, and many projects can also be completed digitally.
The Skeletal System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS, guiding students through an investigation of the structural support of long bones in the appendicular skeleton. By testing whether a cylindrical shape provides the most stability, students gain a deeper understanding of the skeletal system's role in supporting and protecting the body. This hands-on experiment encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry while reinforcing key biological concepts.
This resource includes three differentiated lab versions to accommodate diverse learning needs. The dependent lab provides step-by-step procedures with guided inquiry questions, making it suitable for on-level learners. The modified lab offers a more structured experience with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions for students needing additional support. The independent lab allows advanced learners to take control of the experiment, making their own decisions with minimal guidance. Each version includes Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) reflection questions to deepen student understanding.
Teachers will find editable resource pages that include preparation guidelines, standards, objectives, detailed instructions, and materials lists. Answer keys and reflection prompts simplify grading and assessment. Using simple materials like computer paper, tape, and textbooks, students actively explore the functions of the skeletal system in a meaningful and engaging way.
The Skeletal System Inquiry Lab aligns with TEKS, guiding students through an investigation of the structural support of long bones in the appendicular skeleton. By testing whether a cylindrical shape provides the most stability, students gain a deeper understanding of the skeletal system's role in supporting and protecting the body. This hands-on experiment encourages critical thinking and scientific inquiry while reinforcing key biological concepts.
This resource includes three differentiated lab versions to accommodate diverse learning needs. The dependent lab provides step-by-step procedures with guided inquiry questions, making it suitable for on-level learners. The modified lab offers a more structured experience with sentence stems and multiple-choice questions for students needing additional support. The independent lab allows advanced learners to take control of the experiment, making their own decisions with minimal guidance. Each version includes Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) reflection questions to deepen student understanding.
Teachers will find editable resource pages that include preparation guidelines, standards, objectives, detailed instructions, and materials lists. Answer keys and reflection prompts simplify grading and assessment. Using simple materials like computer paper, tape, and textbooks, students actively explore the functions of the skeletal system in a meaningful and engaging way.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
The Body Systems Escape Room is an interactive experience that allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the major body systems, including their structures and functions. Prior knowledge of these systems is necessary before participating.
This escape room gives teachers full control over the eight independent puzzles, allowing customization based on class time and student needs. It can be conducted using manila envelopes and passwords or a more authentic lock-and-box setup. A digital version is available for online learning via PowerPoint or Google Slides, with printable versions for home use.
The resource includes teacher directions, a detailed answer key, a digital answer sheet for Google Classrooms, editable templates, video challenges, and engaging props. Students will work through puzzles using various materials, such as a mirror, red cellophane, or an optional UV pen and flashlight. Reward templates, over 50 prize ideas, and fun photo signs enhance the experience, making this a memorable, standards-aligned learning activity.
This Human Skeletal System Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the structures and functions of the skeletal system through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project where they research and profile a human joint. Designed for grades 6-8, with higher-level 5th graders in mind, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging graphics can be printed in grayscale for flexibility.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key skeletal system concepts. It is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally.
This Human Skeletal System Science Reading Comprehension Lesson helps students explore the structures and functions of the skeletal system through a nonfiction article, comprehension questions, and a hands-on mini-project where they research and profile a human joint. Designed for grades 6-8, with higher-level 5th graders in mind, the leveled passage supports science literacy and reading comprehension.
The resource includes two Lexile-leveled articles (1100-1300), five to seven comprehension questions, a mini-project, and a Cornell notes template. Engaging graphics can be printed in grayscale for flexibility.
Ideal for sub plans, extra credit, ISS, or whole-class instruction, this resource fosters critical thinking, classroom discussions, and textual analysis while reinforcing key skeletal system concepts. It is compatible with virtual learning platforms like Google Classroom, MS Teams, Schoology, and Canvas, allowing students to complete assignments digitally.
The Skeletal System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, story-based writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of life science. Using a "Day in the Life" format, this activity encourages students to apply their knowledge of the skeletal system while developing their writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it fosters science reasoning and exploration beyond the classroom.
Aligned with TEKS, this student-centered, low-prep resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics. It offers projection and print handouts in full-sized and half-sheet formats, as well as a digital PowerPoint version compatible with Google Slides. The activity serves as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, student choice project, enrichment for early finishers, or differentiation tool. It can also be used for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS writing samples. This engaging writing prompt is a valuable addition to any science classroom, with the potential to be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies.
The Skeletal System Science Writing Prompt Activity engages middle school students in a creative, story-based writing exercise to reinforce their understanding of life science. Using a "Day in the Life" format, this activity encourages students to apply their knowledge of the skeletal system while developing their writing skills. Designed for both in-person and virtual learning, it fosters science reasoning and exploration beyond the classroom.
Aligned with TEKS, this student-centered, low-prep resource includes teacher directions with an answer guide, project ideas, and rubrics. It offers projection and print handouts in full-sized and half-sheet formats, as well as a digital PowerPoint version compatible with Google Slides. The activity serves as a cross-curricular exercise, pre-test assessment, student choice project, enrichment for early finishers, or differentiation tool. It can also be used for extra credit, make-up work, or TELPAS writing samples. This engaging writing prompt is a valuable addition to any science classroom, with the potential to be displayed on bulletin boards or compiled into student anthologies.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
The Body Systems WIKI Tickets© provide engaging formative assessments for 6th-8th grade science, offering flexible ways to check student understanding. This set includes nine assessments covering the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, muscular, nervous (including senses), respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic is available in five formats: a full-screen display for projection, three printable handout versions, and an interactive digital option in PowerPoint or Google Slides.
Aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards, these assessments can be used as exit tickets, bellringers, or quick progress checks in both in-person and virtual learning settings. Students can respond on their own paper, use printed handouts, or complete the digital version in a 1:1 or remote learning environment. A bonus table of contents file is included to show standard alignment. WIKI Tickets© provide a versatile and engaging way to assess student learning throughout the year.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
Lesson Extensions provide engaging, student-choice activities designed to challenge early finishers and deepen their understanding of body systems. These activities support critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving while aligning with NGSS and TEKS standards. They are perfect for wrapping up lessons, filling downtime, and keeping students engaged with rigorous yet enjoyable learning opportunities.
Each extension includes four interactive components: Puzzler for problem-solving, Maker Space for hands-on STEAM activities, Tech Connection for digital demonstrations, and Word Master for creative writing. With teacher directions, answer keys, and both print and projection versions, these extensions provide flexible, high-level resources for independent learning and enrichment.
Covering topics such as the circulatory, digestive, endocrine, excretory, integumentary, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems, as well as sensory information, these extensions ensure students explore middle school anatomy and physiology in a meaningful way.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students with the skeletal system through a real-world connection to broken bones. The lesson begins with an introductory reading on broken bones, followed by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind the skeletal system, with additional questions to reinforce understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for use in Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters for differentiated support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as effective supplements to reinforce learning in any classroom setting.
This Amazing Anchors Phenomenon Lesson engages students with the skeletal system through a real-world connection to broken bones. The lesson begins with an introductory reading on broken bones, followed by comprehension and extension questions to prepare students for deeper learning. An explanatory reading then breaks down the science behind the skeletal system, with additional questions to reinforce understanding.
Aligned with TEKS, this no-prep resource includes teacher directions, answer keys, projection slides, and both print and digital formats for use in Google Classroom and other LMS platforms. A modified version provides sentence starters for differentiated support. Designed to bookend a lesson, these engaging readings serve as effective supplements to reinforce learning in any classroom setting.
Year-Round Resources
These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.
Visual Data & Graphing
You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.
Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups
These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.
Review Board Games
Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.
Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.
Essential Questions and Standards
Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the atoms unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.
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What are the main functions of the human organism’s skeletal system?
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How can we model the main functions of the skeletal system of the human organism?
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TEKS Science - 7.13A Skeletal System Functions
Kesler Science Membership
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