Third graders will learn most effectively through visual displays, as opposed to lectures. You can begin your science lesson on the bones of the body by bringing a fake human skeleton into the classroom. Having a skeleton display offers students a chance to see how the human body is made up and how the bones connect to one another. Let your students come up to the skeleton to get a closer look and keep the skeleton in the classroom throughout the duration of your science lesson. Refer to the skeleton as you teach students about the skeletal system. You can even have the class come up with a name for it.
Students must learn what the skeletal system is responsible for, such as protecting vital organs and abetting movement. Have your students get up and wiggle their bodies around. Encourage them to flap their arms, hop on one foot and shake out their hands. Teach them that their skeletal system--in conjunction with their muscular system--is what allows them to have movement and be flexible.
You can teach your students about the names of the major bones in the body using your class skeleton to demonstrate. Then, have students complete a worksheet of a human body diagram. The diagram will show only bones, and students will have to fill in the name for each of the major bones they learned about. Allow your students ample amount of class time to work individually on the diagram activity.
Students will appreciate the opportunity to play games during their science lesson. You can play "Head and shoulders, knees and toes" with your class and replace some of the lyrics with the bones of the body that students have been educated about. Other game ideas include a human quiz. Have a handful of students stand in the front of the class, and when you call out a bone, students must point to that bone on their bodies.
You can incorporate an arts and crafts activity for students to enjoy while they demonstrate what they have learned about the bones in the body. Have your third graders create skeletons out of clay and toothpicks. Start by passing out blocks of gray clay with a bunch of toothpicks. Bring the full-sized skeleton to the front of the class so that students can use it as they mold their own skeletons. The toothpicks should represent the bones, and the clay should be the joints.