Lesson Plan | Socioemotional Learning | Human Body: Skeletal System

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the Socioemotional Lesson Plan is to establish a solid foundation for understanding the skeletal system while promoting the development of students' socioemotional skills. By setting clear objectives, students can direct their focus and efforts more effectively, facilitating the integration of scientific knowledge with emotional recognition and regulation skills.

Main Goals

1. Understand how the skeletal system works, identifying its main components and their functions in the human body.

2. Develop the ability to recognize and name emotions associated with learning new scientific content, using the RULER method.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

Emotional Warm-up Activity

Breath Awareness

The emotional warm-up activity consists of a Mindfulness practice focused on breathing. This technique helps promote focus, presence, and concentration among students before starting the lesson on the skeletal system. Mindfulness is a practice of being fully attentive that allows students to be present in the moment, observing their sensations, feelings, and thoughts without judgment.

1. Ask the students to sit comfortably in their chairs, with their backs straight and feet flat on the floor.

2. Instruct them to close their eyes or to fix their gaze on a spot on the floor if they prefer.

3. Suggest that they place one hand on their chest and the other on their abdomen to feel their breathing.

4. Guide them to take a deep breath in through the nose, feeling their abdomen expand, and exhale slowly through the mouth.

5. Ask them to repeat this deep breathing for a few minutes, concentrating only on the sensation of air entering and leaving their lungs.

6. If their mind wanders, instruct them to gently bring their attention back to their breath without judgment.

7. After a few minutes, ask them to slowly open their eyes and do some light stretches, such as reaching their arms above their heads and moving their necks from side to side.

Content Contextualization

The skeletal system is fundamental to the functioning of the human body. It provides structure, protects vital organs, allows movement, and stores essential minerals. Imagine how difficult it would be to perform everyday activities such as walking or even breathing without a healthy skeleton. Furthermore, knowledge of the skeletal system can inspire careers in health fields such as medicine and physiotherapy, where care for bones and joints is crucial.

In the socioemotional context, the skeletal system can be compared to our emotional support. Just as bones physically support us, our emotions and social skills support us mentally. Understanding how to care for our physical body can be a step toward also caring for our emotional health by recognizing and regulating our emotions effectively.

Development

Duration: (60 - 75 minutes)

Theoretical Framework

Duration: (25 - 30 minutes)

1. Main Components of the Skeletal System:

2. Skull: Protects the brain and forms the structure of the face.

3. Vertebral Column: Composed of vertebrae, it protects the spinal cord and supports the head.

4. Ribs: Protect the heart and lungs, and assist in breathing.

5. Sternum: Connects to the ribs and helps protect the thoracic organs.

6. Shoulder Girdle: Includes the collarbone and scapula, allowing arm movement.

7. Upper Limbs: Composed of the humerus, radius, ulna, and bones of the hands, enabling mobility and object manipulation.

8. Pelvic Girdle: Formed by pelvic bones, supports body weight and protects internal organs such as the bladder and reproductive organs.

9. Lower Limbs: Includes the femur, tibia, fibula, and bones of the feet, which are essential for locomotion and support.

Socioemotional Feedback Activity

Duration: (30 - 35 minutes)

Building the Human Skeleton with Modeling Clay

The activity consists of building a model of the human skeleton using modeling clay. This hands-on activity will allow students to visualize and better understand the structure and function of the different bones in the human body.

1. Divide students into groups of 3 to 4.

2. Distribute modeling clay of different colors to each group.

3. Provide a sheet with an image of the human skeleton for reference.

4. Instruct the groups to model the main bones of the human skeleton using the reference image.

5. After modeling, ask each group to present its model, explaining the function of each part of the constructed skeleton.

6. During the presentation, encourage students to discuss how they felt during the activity, using the RULER method.

Group Discussion

Start the group discussion by applying the RULER method practically. First, ask students to recognize the emotions they felt during the activity, whether frustration, excitement, or curiosity. Then, help them understand the causes of these emotions, such as the difficulty of modeling certain bones or the satisfaction of completing the model. Encourage them to name these emotions accurately, using precise terms like 'anxiety' or 'joy.' Ask students to express their emotions appropriately, discussing openly with the group about their experiences. Finally, work with the students to regulate these emotions by discussing strategies to cope with negative feelings and reinforcing positive attitudes, such as collaboration and mutual support among peers.

Conclusion

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

Emotional Reflection and Regulation

 Reflection and Emotional Regulation Activity 

Suggest students write a brief reflection on the challenges they faced during the lesson and how they managed their emotions. Ask them to respond to questions like: 'What was the biggest challenge you faced when building the skeleton model?', 'How did you feel working in a group?', 'What strategies did you use to overcome difficulties?' Alternatively, lead a group discussion where students share their experiences and emotions felt during the activity.

Objective:  Objective of Reflection and Emotional Regulation 

The aim of this activity is to encourage self-assessment and emotional regulation, helping students to identify effective strategies to deal with challenging situations. By reflecting on their emotions and actions, students develop better self-awareness and self-control, which are fundamental to their personal and academic growth.

Closure and A Look Into The Future

 Closing Activity and Looking Forward 

Encourage students to set personal and academic goals related to the content studied. Ask them to write a list of objectives they wish to achieve, both in terms of knowledge about the skeletal system and in socioemotional skills, such as improving group collaboration or better managing stress during challenging activities.

Possible Goal Ideas:

1. Enhance knowledge about the function and structure of the skeletal system.

2. Develop teamwork and collaboration skills.

3. Improve the ability to recognize and regulate emotions in learning situations.

4. Implement mindfulness techniques to increase concentration and reduce stress.

5. Establish effective study routines to deepen biology knowledge. Objective:  Objective of the Closing Activity and Looking Forward 

The goal of this activity is to strengthen students' autonomy and the practical application of learning, encouraging ongoing development in academics and personally. By setting clear goals, students can direct their efforts in a structured and efficient manner, promoting continuous growth in their cognitive and socioemotional skills.