Classification of bones applied to performance in physical activities and sports

I can describe the different types of bone and their function in relation to sport.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

New

Year 10

Edexcel

Classification of bones applied to performance in physical activities and sports

I can describe the different types of bone and their function in relation to sport.

Download all resources

Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

View new resources

Slide deck

Download slide deck

Skip slide deck

Lesson details

Key learning points

The shape and type of bones determines their function
Short bones are used for fine movements
Long bones are used for gross movements
Flat bones are used for protection of vital organs
Irregular bones are used for protection and muscle attachment

Keywords

Short bone - a small bone that is used for weight bearing
Long bone - a large bone that is used for leverage and movement
Flat bone - a bone that protects a vital organ and provides a flat surface for muscle attachment
Irregular bone - a bone shaped to provide protection and muscle attachment

Common misconception

Little bones in the hand and foot are not considered long bones.

Bones are classified based on their shape, if the shaft is longer than than the width and depth of a bone, it is referred to as a long bone even if it is small in size.

There are other bone categories (e.g. sesamoid) that are not needed for this specification. Meanwhile, a nice arrival activity is to get pupils in groups of four with post it notes to recall and label one pupil with bone names.