Middle School Fitness Semester 1

 Middle School Fitness Semester 1
  • Recommended Grade Level: 6-8
  • Course Price: $299.00

Course Overview:

Are you physically fit? What does being fit mean to you? Physical fitness is a lot more than just a number on a scale – and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this course! This course will help you understand the basics behind what it means to be physically fit; allow you to gain a deeper understanding about how your body functions; learn the complex science behind exercise; explore what it means to be mindful and what inspires you; and determine how you can test your current level of fitness. Learning about and improving your physical fitness is a smart choice to make at any age - and by signing up for this course, you will be doing exactly that! Consider this course to be the first step on your exciting journey to understanding and improving your physical fitness!

Required Materials:

  • Video recording device - either camera phone, iPad, computer camera - as long as video and sound can be recorded
  • Paper and pencils if student chooses to hand draw certain labs rather than using slide-show presentation
  • Free weights or a free-weight substitute like canned soup or milk jugs
  • A ball for throwing
  • Flying disc
  • Hockey stick, golf club, or baseball bat and matching ball
  • Timer
  • Distance tracker or distance tracking app
  • Tennis racket, badminton racket, or ping-pong paddle
  • Jump rope
  • Volleyball or football
  • A friend or family member to act as a partner

Syllabus:

Unit 1: Your Body, Your Home

Right now, no matter where you are, you are already home. It’s true! Your body is your home, even though it doesn’t have a roof and walls. It’s the place where you keep all of your feelings and where you spend every single day of your life. For that reason, taking care of yourself and knowing a bit about fitness is a super-important way to keep your physical “home” comfortable and safe. Being fit means your body can meet your needs – on the playground, when you’re running, or doing anything physical. It also means you are making smart choices for yourself. Because, just like the home where you sleep, your body needs someone to care for it – and that person is you!

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Describe the five zones of fitness and how they work
  • Take your resting heart rate
  • Tell the difference between aerobic and anaerobic activities
  • Set some personal fitness goals

Unit 2: Your Body Is A Machine

Are most of your days filled with activities? Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day life, it’s hard to find time to do the things we love. Eating right and getting enough sleep can be challenging, so learning how to take care of yourself is important if you want to feel energetic and happy. Knowing how your body works and why fitness matters will help you discover just how easy it is to be healthy. And when you are healthy, you can do anything!

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Understand the benefits of exercise to body and mind
  • See how certain physical movements affect health
  • Apply Newton’s law of motion to fitness
  • Identify how stress can be handled through fitness

Unit 3: The Fitness Inside

Your body is more than just skin, bone, and muscle—it is a living model of different systems all working to communicate with each other, and you. Jumping around to your favorite song is a great way to stay active, but staying truly “fit” also calls for an understanding of what is happening inside your body every day. Are you ready to take a glimpse of the amazing things you can do?

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Describe how fitness is improved through exercise
  • Explain how muscles function in the body
  • Recognize how certain internal systems are affected by fitness
  • Identify safe ways to exercise

Unit 4: Mind Your Own Fitness

The word fitness can mean a lot of things. Being fit means you are physically healthy and able to move your body, but what about total fitness? This is a type of well-being that includes the mind as well as the body. Finding this kind of healthy relationship between mind and body takes effort, self-acceptance, and a willingness to try new things. But it is also a great deal of fun! Creating your own fitness plan will help you strike the right balance and fill your time with activities you love.

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Understand the different functions of the body
  • Explain how the mind and body are connected
  • Recognize how to use technology to monitor health
  • Identify ways to stay happy and healthy through personal fitness

Awards, Approvals, and Accreditation