Middle School Fitness Semester 2

 Middle School Fitness Semester 2
  • 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 5: Finding Your Fitness Team

There’s no denying it—fitness is a lot of fun. Whether you are running around on a soccer field with your teammates or hiking alone in a beautiful forest, exercise is wonderful for your body and mind. And one of the best things about being active is there’s no limit to what you can do. We’ve looked at ways that you can have fun exercising independently. Working with others to find your personal best is another way to be happy, healthy, and ready to take on new challenges.

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Understand the importance of personal responsibility in group efforts
  • Explain how common goals contribute to group fitness
  • Identify ways to make the best of difficult injuries
  • Learn the value of competition, trust, and strategy

Unit 6: Finding Energy In Food

Do you ever feel confused about what to eat? Chips, cookies, candy—they all taste delicious, but they don’t give your body lasting energy or keep it healthy. There are so many things to consider when choosing the right fuel — calories, sugar, fat, carbs — it can almost take the fun out of finding something to eat. But once you understand nutrition and how food can benefit your health, you may find your choices begin to change. Yes, it’s a little corny, but you really are what you eat, so take control and decide what you want to be!

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Recognize the benefit of daily physical activity
  • Explain how nutrition affects performance
  • Identify the various proteins, vitamins, and minerals in food
  • Understand how nutrition plays a key part in optimal body functions

Unit 7: Does Your Body Fit?

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you see the unique beauty that is there? Or do you see a disappointing picture of what is missing? Maybe it’s a little bit of both. These days, we are faced with endless images—online, in magazines, on television—and sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between what is real and what is not. This confusion can lead to uncomfortable feelings about your body and how you see yourself in relation to others. Because fitness asks us to think about our physical selves, learning how to understand and appreciate your own body image is important. Being healthy is not only about exercise and nutrition—it’s also about loving yourself.

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Recognize how outside influences affect body image and self-esteem
  • Explain how pressure from peers can be both positive and negative
  • Understand how substance abuse affects personal health and performance

Unit 8: Training For Life

Let’s be honest—doing what is good for you is not always fun. Sometimes it can just feel like a lot of hard work. Eating right, staying active, making a plan—there are moments when fitness can seem like more trouble than it’s worth, which is why it’s so important to remember the benefits of your healthy choices. When you are feeling doubtful or tired, remember that personal fitness is a life goal and not something that will always feel simple. The rewards are enough to make it all worthwhile, offering you a chance to live longer, think better, and enjoy the beauty of what your body can do.

What will you learn in this unit?

  • Understand how to train the body safely and effectively
  • Explain how range of motion affects overall fitness
  • Recognize how physical training relies on self-management and assessment
  • Appreciate the importance of sportsmanship and how it affects interpersonal relationships and fitness

Awards, Approvals, and Accreditation