Get pupils to look at and feel their own heads and a model skull. Ask them to identify as many parts as possible.

Look at photos of the heads of newborn babies and observe the “soft spots”

(fontanelles).

KS3

Look at the human skull and compare it with those of dogs, cats, cows or sheep.

Observe the jaw articulation and the positions of the eye and ear sockets and ask students to relate these to the mode of life of the animals.

KS4

Look at the places where the different bones of the skull meet. Consider the way the jawbone articulates with the cranium and the way in which the structure of the joints between the first three bones of the neck permits the different movements of the head on the neck. Compare the different joint surfaces and work out how structure and function are linked.

KS5

Look at real X-rays of different parts of the body and identify as many as you can. Research the way CAT and MRI scans have helped in the diagnosis of disorders and in our knowledge of the way the body works.

* The Science Museum website is a useful starting point for CAT scans www.sciencemuseum.org.ukexhibitionsbrain For MRI, look at www.cancerhelp.org.uk and hcd2.bupa.co.ukfact_sheetshtmlMRI.html