Science·The Human Body·conceptual
How Muscles Move Bones
Understand that muscles work in pairs to move bones: when one muscle contracts (gets shorter and pulls), the opposite muscle relaxes, and that some muscles are voluntary (we choose to use them) while others like the heart are involuntary (they work automatically)
Suggested ages 7–9
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how their body works — learning about different types of teeth, how food travels through the digestive system, how bones and muscles work together, and understanding the importance of a balanced diet.
Evidence of understanding
- Demonstrate or describe how biceps and triceps work as a pair to bend and straighten the arm
- Explain the difference between voluntary muscles (we control them) and involuntary muscles (they work automatically)
- Name the heart and muscles of the digestive system as examples of involuntary muscles
Assessment prompt
Can How Muscles Move Bones bend their arm and explain that one muscle is pulling while the other is relaxing — and that their heart muscle works without them thinking about it?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.