Introduction to Physical Education

Course Overview

In this course, students will learn about being active and improving their physical fitness.  Being proactive is the key to a better physical YOU, now and in the future.

The minimum requirement for this course is to participate in a physical activity, chosen by each student, for fifty minutes for three days in each unit. These fifty minutes include ten minutes of warm-ups, thirty minutes of activities, and ten minutes of a cool down. Students may also decide to increase the number of days and minutes of each activity. They will keep track of their activities on a unit activity log that will be attached to the question section in each unit.

In addition to improving physical activity, students will be learning about various aspects of fitness and a healthy lifestyle.  Students will learn to set goals, both in the level of personal fitness and other areas of life.  They will learn about proper clothing for working out, how to stay hydrated, and how the new food pyramid can help them make better choices.  Besides learning to properly warm-up before and cool-down when exercising, they will test their fitness levels throughout the course and hopefully see improvement in their abilities as they strive to achieve a more active lifestyle.

You will learn about various motor skills and movement patterns based on the Ohio Physical Education Standards.  You will then be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of these standards through five Presentation Videos or PowerPoints that you will attach to the question and answer section in five of the units.   

Student Requirements

1.  Medical Release Form (located to the left of the screen in Unit Resources icon)

2.  Complete all 18-Unit Activity Logs.

3.  Read the Unit and Answer Questions for all 18 units.

4.  Complete a Presentation Video or PowerPoint in Units 4, 8, 12, 16, and 18.

 


Section A:  Getting Started

To begin a physical fitness program, set goals that are reasonable and realistic.  Everyone can improve on his or her fitness level, even those individuals who are already active.

Tips:

(1)   Have a set time each day to devote to your exercise.

(2)   Find a friend to exercise with you.

(3)   Set goals.

The best way to set goals is to use the SMART Goal method.  The letters SMART each stand for one thing that will help you create an attainable goal. 

 

 

Let's Practice:  Video Challenge


Section B:  Phases of Exercise

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Warm-Up/Stretching - Before you start any type of exercise or activity, you should warm up your body.  When you warm up your body, you increase the flow of blood to your joints and muscles. This helps you get ready for exercise.  Most people know they are warmed up when they are sweating, and their breathing increases.  Warming up makes you more limber, and this decreases the chances of pulling or straining a muscle or joint.   Once you are warmed up, you can stretch your muscles to prepare your whole body for exercise.  You should concentrate on the muscles that you will be using the most.  For example, if you were going to jog or walk, you would focus on your lower back, hips, ankles, and feet. 

Exercise Activity - Complete the exercise activities that you have chosen to do.  Always make sure that you wear appropriate clothing and safety gear (look for safety tips at the end of some units).  Exercise for the duration and intensity that is appropriate for your fitness level.

Cool Down - Once you have completed your activities, you need too cool down your body to near resting rate. It is almost more important to do this than warming up before exercise!  When you cool down, you should let your breathing come back to normal, and your heart rate needs to slow down.  The best way to do this is by walking for a few minutes.  After your breathing and heart rate are back to normal, you need to stretch your muscles again.  This will help prevent injuries and increase your range of motion.  You can repeat the stretches you did before your workout and add a few more to the specific muscles you worked.  You will learn more about cool down activities in a later unit.

Exercise Safety Tips

·         Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers or flat shoes with laces.

·         Drink a cup of water before, during, and after exercising.

·         Don't exercise right after meals, when it's very hot or humid, or when you just don't feel up to it.

·         It is essential that you consult your physician before you start any exercise program.

Let’s Practice:  SMART

 

 

 

Section C:  Unit Activity Log

You will complete a "Unit Activity Log" for all 18 units in this course.  You are required to log at least three days for each unit and indicate your warm-up (10 minutes), exercise activity (30 minutes), and cool down (10 minutes).  Each unit activity needs to be signed by your parent/guardian and attached to the last question in each unit.  You can find the "Unit Activity Log" to the left of your screen in the Unit Resources icon.  Below is an example of an activity log.

 

Throughout this course, you will be given more examples of warm-ups, exercise activities, and cool downs.  If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please message your teacher.  Below are two charts provided by SHAPE America that you can utilize to complete your "Unit Activity Logs."