Skeleton Puzzle Relay
Each team draws a chalk outline of a classmate lying on the ground and relays bone cards to place in the right spot. Before setting down a card, the runner touches that bone on their own body and names it. Students practice speed and learn the major bones of the body.
How to play
- Make 5 teams of 5. Each team traces a classmate lying face up on the blacktop with chalk, about 6 feet in front of their starting cone (3 min).
- About 50 feet away, place 12 face-down cards per team: skull, jaw, collarbone (clavicle), ribs, spine, humerus, radius, ulna, pelvis, femur, kneecap (patella), and tibia.
- On the whistle, the first runner grabs one card, runs back, and before placing it touches that bone on their own body and says its name out loud.
- The runner places the card where it goes on the outline and high-fives the next runner. Teammates can help by saying "higher" or "lower."
- When all 12 cards are placed, the team sits and the teacher checks: one point per bone in the right spot. Shuffle and play again (7 min).
- Finish: the teacher names a bone and everyone touches it; then the teacher calls an action, like kicking, and each team points to the bones that move most (3 min).
Rules
- One card per trip, and only the runner places it.
- Do not step on another team's outline while running.
- When touching a bone on your body, just point with your hand; no slapping.
- Return along the side so you do not collide with the next runner.
Variations
Easier
Six big bones with a picture and label: skull, ribs, spine, pelvis, femur, and humerus.
Standard
Twelve bones with no hints on the outline.
Harder
Add bones of the hand and foot, or also place the joints such as elbow, knee, and ankle.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: place all the cards teammates bring on the outline, deciding with the team.
- Students who are blind or visually impaired: mark the outline with rope and use raised or large high-contrast cards.
- Fitness level: students who want more challenge use a different locomotor skill on each trip.
Learning goals
- Identify and locate the major bones of the human body.
- Connect each bone with its location on their own body.
- Cooperate respectfully with teammates in a relay.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bone cards: 60
- sidewalk chalk: 5
- cones: 5
Teacher tip
Trace a volunteer who only lies down while the outline is being drawn.
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