Integrating Science into Physical Education

I focused on integrating science into our physical education program throughout the year. My goal is for students to be actively engaged in physical activity while learning about science. This year, the students had a chance to learn how the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems relate to physical activity. We purchased large poly spot skeleton and muscular systems that were used in games and relays. The students also participated in “Jump Rope for Heart” that integrates the circulatory system into jumping rope and fitness games we do in class.  Additionally, the students participated in a NASA program called “Train Like An Astronaut” where we took common practices for physical fitness activities and studied how astronauts train. For example, the students learned how astronauts have to have strong muscles and bones and learned some exercises they do to build up their strength before and after space travel. The students also learned how microgravity affects the body’s ability to exercise. I expanded this unit to include learning about our solar system and healthy nutritional habits that would be important for astronauts to understand. I purchased a solar system parachute we used to help students learn about the planets while doing different parachute activities.  The students also learned how good nutrition is important and how to pick foods from the My Plate model. For example, the students played a game of tag where unhealthy food choices would freeze students and healthy food choices could unfreeze them. The overall goal was to have the students understand how important physical fitness is for their health. This is a learning connection they can take into adulthood and future careers.

Challenges or Obstacles:

• Integrating science lessons into physical education required a lot of creativity and planning to implement.
• I received two Bell Grants that helped provide the funds for physical education equipment for cross-curricular themed units.
• “Jump Rope for Heart” and “Train Like An Astronaut” are programs that can be utilized with standard equipment found in most physical education classes.

Benefits and Successes:

• The overall goal was to have the students understand how important physical fitness is for their health.

Additional Information:

Click here to view the newspaper article regarding teachers receiving Bell Grants

Submitted by: Bethany Clegg, Burris Laboratory School