Animal Science: Anatomy & Physiology of Movement (Printable PDF)

In this unit, kids will discover how bones, muscles, joints, and conformation shape the way animals move. Using horses as our main example—alongside livestock and dogs—you’ll see how structure connects to function, endurance, and performance.

WHAT THEY'LL LEARN

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Movement – Learn why animals move, how anatomy and physiology work together, and compare horses to livestock and dogs.

• Chapter 2: Skeletal System – Explore bones, joints, and how skeletons vary across species. Build a horse skeleton model using Wikki Sticks.

• Chapter 3: Biomechanics– Discover how muscles drive motion, work in pairs, and differ between animals built for speed, endurance, or strength.

• Chapter 4: Locomotion and Gaits – Study hoof-fall patterns, recreate gaits with cards, and compare horse gaits with other animals.

• Chapter 5: Conformation & Endurance – Examine proper vs. improper structure, how it affects gait, and why soundness is key to performance and longevity.

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE...

• 60 (sixty) page, printable, PDF lesson guide and activities

• Materials shopping list.

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