Skeleton and Bones Worksheet
Learning Objective: Pupils can name major bones and explain the functions of the skeleton
About this resource
This engaging worksheet helps Year 3 pupils in Science learn about the human skeleton, enabling them to identify major bones and understand their vital functions. Teachers can use this resource to reinforce classroom learning or as a quick assessment tool, directly supporting the National Curriculum's requirements for understanding the human body.
Foundation Task
Label the skeleton: Draw arrows to match the bone names to the correct position: skull, ribcage, spine, pelvis, femur, tibia, humerus, radius, scapula
True or False:
- Adults have 206 bones. (True)
- The smallest bone is in your foot. (False — it's in your ear)
- Bones protect your organs. (True)
- Your skeleton cannot move on its own. (True)
Core Task
Functions of the skeleton — match and explain:
| Function | Example |
|---|---|
| Protection | Skull protects the ______ |
| Support | Spine keeps you ______ |
| Movement | Bones and ______ work together |
| Blood cell production | Made inside ______ |
Explain in your own words: Why couldn't you live without a skeleton?
Challenge Task
- Compare a human skeleton to an animal skeleton (e.g., bird, fish, or frog). What is similar and different?
- Research: What happens when you break a bone? How does it heal?
- Design an experiment to test which bone shape is strongest (tube, flat, or solid).
Differentiation
SEN Support
Pre-labelled skeleton with some blanks. Word bank. Simplified true/false.
EAL Support
Visual skeleton diagram. Key vocabulary with pictures. Paired labelling.
Gifted & Talented
Complete Challenge with detailed comparison. Research osteoporosis and bone health.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can name at least 6 major bones
- Can describe 3 functions of the skeleton
- Can explain why the skeleton is important