How Muscles Move Bones — Reading Comprehension

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NGSS 4-LS1-1

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This comprehensive 250-word reading passage introduces fourth-grade students to the fundamental concept of how muscles and bones work together to create movement in the human body, aligned with NGSS 4-LS1-1 standards. Students discover that muscles can only pull, not push, which is why they must work in pairs to move bones in different directions. Using the relatable example of bending and straightening an arm, the passage explains how the biceps muscle pulls the forearm up while the triceps muscle pulls it back down. The audio-integrated content helps students understand the structure and function of the muscular and skeletal systems working together. This passage builds foundational knowledge about body systems and prepares students for hands-on investigations and deeper discussions about human anatomy. The simplified differentiated version ensures all learners can access the same core science concepts through shorter sentences and familiar language. Spanish translations of both versions support English language learners. Accompanying activities include multiple-choice comprehension questions, writing prompts that encourage application of concepts, and graphic organizers that help students visualize the cause-and-effect relationships and structure-function connections in the musculoskeletal system.

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