Standard of Learning

7.2 The student will describe and exhibit the behaviors associated with a physically active and healthy lifestyle. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the effects of nutrition on daily performance;
2. the importance of participating in recreational and leisure activities;
3. strategies for avoiding drugs, alcohol, tobacco, inhalants and other harmful substances;
4. the health benefits of regular physical activity and fitness;
5. the impact of sleep and rest on physical and mental performance.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the importance of recreational and leisure activities, identify the benefits of regular physical activity and fitness, and understand the relationship between sleep and physical and mental performance.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define and give examples of recreational or leisure activities. (play, amusement, and relaxation - activity that provides a positive outlet for physical energy)
• determine the benefits of physical activity and fitness:
  • relieves stress;
  • promotes sleep;
  • provides feeling of well-being;
  • maintains cardiovascular health;
  • strengthens bones;
  • improves brain function;
  • tones muscles; and
  • helps with weight management.
• how sleep affects your physical and mental performance. (helps your body rebuild and re-energizes your mind and body)

Instructional Strategies

Eating Forever
Grades 6-12
Importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Sponsor: PBS
One-two class periods
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource (select Health & Fitness – Middle School – Diet & Nutrition)
Free

HeartPower
Grades 6-8
Teaches students about the heart and how to keep it healthy. Includes physical activity, nutrition, and living tobacco-free. Science-based.
--Healthy Snacks - quick activity (Discusses what makes snacks healthy. Students develop recipes for healthy snacks and plan how they would market the snack.)
--Build Your Own Pyramid - activity sheet (Students record what they eat throughout the day on the food pyramid and discuss the results.)
--Become a Fat Detective - quick activity (Students analyze fast food menus to find fats and discuss more healthy ways to cook.)
--Aerobic or Anaerobic? - quick activity (Discusses differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, and the relationship between regular physical activity and a healthy heart. Students keep records of their activities.)
--How Does the Heart Work? - lesson idea
--What Increases the Risks of CVD? - lesson idea
--More or Less? - lesson idea
--Why Is a Low-Fat Diet a More Healthful Diet? - lesson idea (Encourages children to eat a variety of healthy foods to maintain a healthy heart. Activity sheets.)
--How Do You Choose a Physical Activity? - lesson idea (Relationship between exercise, body concept and a healthy heart. Activity sheets. Create an exercise video.)
--How Can You Help Others Stay Tobacco Free? - lesson idea
--Why Is Secondhand Smoke Dangerous? - lesson idea
--Build Your Own Pyramid - activity sheet
--Today's Specials - activity sheet
--What or Who Influences Your Food Choices? - lesson idea (Relationship between healthful food choices and self-concept.)
Sponsor: American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org (select HeartPower!)
Free

Let's Get Moving!
Students consider different forms of physical activity; track exercise; and compare with other children throughout the US. Keep daily log for one-two weeks.
Three class periods
--Keeping a Physical Activity Log
--Classroom Comparison of Activities
--Family Fitness
Sponsor: Michigan State University
http://commtechlab.msu.edu/sites/letsnet/noframes/subjects/health/b8u4.html
Free

Middle Level Interdisciplinary Curriculum (Mid-LINC)
Curriculum teaches nutrition concerns to pre-adolescents.
--Prehistoric vs. Modern Diet
--Growing to the Max
--Food-Environment Connection
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Education
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/food_nutrition/cwp

Mission Nutrition
Grades 6-8
Web-based units and lesson plans covering:
--Self-esteem & body image
--Gender
--Media Awareness
--Healthy Eating (multiple lessons)
--Physical Activity
Sponsor: Dietitians of Canada and Team from Kellogg Canada, Inc.
http://www.missionnutrition.ca/misionnutrition/eng/educators
Free

Planet Health
Grades 6-8
*Evaluated program with mixed results
Interdisciplinary curriculum encouraging students to choose healthy foods, increase physical activity, and decrease inactivity. Includes 63 lessons, "Power Down" campaign to decrease television viewing, FitCheck tool to check fitness level, and worksheets. Gives students skills to make healthy changes, strengthen competence, and foster support.
Sponsor: Harvard University
http://www.humankinetics.com
+Cost

Physical Activity
Grades 7-8
Focuses on fitness as fun; the benefits of physical activity; and barriers to physical activity.
Three class periods
Sponsor: Mission Nutrition
http://www.missionnutrition.ca/missionnutrition/eng/6to8.html
Free

The SPARK Programs (Sports, Play and Active Recreation in Kids)
Grades preK-8
*Evaluated program with mixed results
Program to increase physical activity within and outside of school. Includes materials for PE and non-PE teachers. Special teacher training required.
Sponsor: San Diego University
http://www.sparkpe.org
+Cost

Sports Nutrition for Adolescents
Grades 6-8
Promotes healthful nutrition to students participating in school or community-based athletics.
--Sports Drinks
--Sports Bars and Energy Foods
--Sports Diet
--Protein Power
--Recovery Carbs
Sponsor: Pennsylvania Department of Education
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/food_nutrition

Additional Instructional Resources

• A Good Night's Sleep - http://www.globalhealthandfitness.com/sleep.htm
• American Cancer Society - "Generation Fit" - E-mail: rita.w.miller@cancer.org
• American Heart Association - Hoops For Heart (basketball fund-raising activity for AHA - middle schools) - http://www.americanheart.org
• Energy Calculator - http://www.nat.uiuc.edu
• Presidential Physical Fitness Award - http://www.presidentschallenge.org/the_challenge

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• design a collage or poster depicting examples and benefits of recreational and physical activities.
• record for a one-week period the amount of sleep and success or struggles in classes or athletics. Determine the relationship between sleep and mental performance.
• identify and explain personal benefits of regular physical activity.

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