Active or Not, Here It Comes!

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Answer pre-assessment questions to determine which activities to complete with your students.

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Description:
The goal of this section is to expand students' understanding of physical activity beyond organized sports. By extending their view of physical activity, students will recognize that organized sports (e.g., playing on the football or soccer team), less competitive or personal fitness activities (e.g., swimming with friends or weight training), lifetime sports (e.g., golfing or walking), and some everyday activities (e.g., walking their dog, dancing to their favorite song, or mowing the lawn) are all forms of physical activity. As students understanding grows, they will determine that they already participate in physical activities to some extent and gain confidence to expand upon their activities.

Objectives:
Students will:

• Describe the health benefits associated with physical activity.
• Relate physical activities to a wide range of events besides organized sports.
• Maintain an accurate log of data on personal physical activity.

Relevant Standards:

National educational standards that correspond to this activity appear below. Grades 5-8 and grades 9-12 standards are listed to address those middle schools that include ninth grade.

National Science Education Standards

Grades 5-8, Standard F

• Regular exercise is important to the maintenance and improvement of health. The benefits of physical fitness include maintaining a healthy weight, having energy and strength for routine activities, good muscle tone, bone strength, strong heart/lung systems, and improved mental health. Personal exercise, especially developing cardiovascular endurance, is the foundation of physical fitness.
• Individuals can use a systemic approach to thinking critically about risks and benefits. Examples include applying probability estimates and comparing them to estimated personal benefits.
• Important personal and social decisions are made on perceptions of benefits and risks.

Grades 9-12, Standard F

• Personal choice concerning physical fitness and health involves multiple factors. Personal goals, peer and social pressures, ethnic and religious beliefs, and understanding of biological consequences can influence decisions about health practices.

Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Chapter 6, Benchmark E, Grades 6-8

• Regular exercise is important to maintain a healthy heart/lung system, good muscle tone, and bone strength.

National Health Education Standards

Grade 5-8
Standard 1

• Students will be able to reduce the risks related to adolescent health problems.

Standard 3

• Students will explain the importance of assuming responsibility for personal health behaviors.
• Students will analyze a personal health assessment to determine health strengths and risks.

Standard 6

• Students will apply strategies and skills needed to attain personal health goals.

BAM! Body and Mind Resources:

• Activity Cards — Information on many physical activities; how to play, gear needed, safety tips, and expert advice.
• Activity Calendar Section — Many articles and features on physical activity and staying fit. Includes a personal physical activity calendar.