Skeletal System Functions Complete Science Lesson - New TEKS 7.13A

This complete unit provides middle school teachers with everything needed to teach the functions and structure of the skeletal system and its role in supporting the body and enabling movement with the muscular system. Students explore the axial and appendicular skeleton, learn how bones protect vital organs, and model the key ways the skeletal system supports life. The resource includes editable presentations, worksheets, student-choice projects, a differentiated station lab, and assessments. Designed for multiday use with minimal prep, it emphasizes student-led, differentiated learning, giving teachers time to focus on supporting mastery.

Essential Questions for Students

• What are the main functions of the human skeletal system?

• How can we model the main functions of the skeletal system of the human organism?

Standards Alignment: Meets 2021 TEKS standard 7.13A.

Key Features

• Differentiated materials to support all learners

• Multimodal activities to boost engagement and comprehension

• Maximum flexibility—resources are available in both printable and digital formats

• Editable PowerPoints for classroom customization

• Spanish translations of vocabulary, a station lab reading passage, and interactive notebook pages

Instructional Framework: The 5E Model

This lesson is structured around the 5E instructional model—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—balancing inquiry, practice, and assessment.

Engage

• Objectives and Word Wall Cards (English & Spanish)

• Teacher file with discussion prompts, activities, and notes on misconceptions

Explore

• A nine-station, student-led lab introducing the functions, structures, and components of the skeletal system, including axial and appendicular skeletons

Input Stations:

• Explore It! – Hands-on demo or experiment

• Read It! – Differentiated passages (English & Spanish) with comprehension checks

• Research It! – Guided online activity with structured student tasks

• Watch It! – Short video with discussion prompts

Output Stations:

• Organize It! – Printable and digital card sorts for categorization

• Write It! – Open-ended written responses in complete sentences

• Illustrate It! – Sketching/drawing skeletal system concepts

• Assess It! – Vocabulary-in-context and mastery-based questions

Bonus Station:

• Challenge It! – Puzzles, crosswords, and mini-projects for enrichment or early finishers

Explain

• Editable PowerPoints in both standard and interactive versions

• Interactive Notebook templates (digital & print, English & Spanish)

• Guided note-taking templates

Elaborate

• Student-choice projects on skeletal system parts, functions, and disorders for extended learning

Evaluate

• Assessments updated for STAAR 2.0, with standard and modified versions

• Review worksheets and class discussion questions for practice, homework, or test prep

Flexible Learning Options

This lesson is designed for both in-person and virtual instruction. The digital station lab and interactive notebook resources are fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, making them easy to use in blended or online classrooms.

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future improvements and new features will be sold as a separate product.