This document provides an overview of an exercise module designed to teach elementary and middle school students about healthy choices related to exercise. The module uses online and in-person activities to help students understand the importance of exercise, learn about different exercise activities and games, and develop plans for getting sufficient daily physical activity. A pilot test of the module was conducted with teachers, who provided feedback that led to recommendations for improving the organization, clarity, and content of the module's lessons and resources.

1. Debbie Lau, Lyssa Hughes, Greg PitzerMaking Healthy Choices

2. About the Exercise Module

3. BackgroundObesity is a growing concern that affects all Americans, but particularly children as they are learning healthy habits. Often, parents are not available to monitor and teach good habits, so schools must play a rollThroughout the school year, students are taking P.E., however they need to learn to plan their exercise and balance it with healthy nutrition and meal planning.

4. LearnersStudents have often been told what to eat and to exercise, but never in a concerted manner, nor has been in depth so that the content is retained.By using online games, discussion forums, interactive posters, and engaging team projects, students retain knowledge about proper exercise.The content is designed for the upper elementary school learner, however it could apply to middle school students as well

5. CurriculumThis module covers the exercise component of the Making Healthy Choices curriculum.This module can be delivered anytime during the school year and is designed to be independent of any other curriculum. It can be connected with current, regular activities.The exercise portion of the course should take about 5 school periods to complete – ideally delivered during a 1 week time period.

6. Purpose of this UnitThe goal of this specific exercise unit is to teach students a variety of ways they can exercise so they can find a system that works for them. Student will also learn to plan for an appropriate amount of activity each day.

7. Unit ObjectivesUpon completion of this unit, the students will be able to:List 5 reasons why exercise is important.

8. Play 5 games that an entire class could play.

9. List the rules and equipment for one of these games.

10. Plan activities that will give the student the required amount of play time.

11. Name one activity a student can do at home.InstructionThis unit is designed to be used in a blended environment. There are several online activities for the students to along with instructions for activities to be done face-to-face.Implementation would depend on the students access to the online site. If access at home is limited, the unit can be done completely in the classroom with a computer cart. q

12. ResourcesTeacher’s guideIncludes instructions for both in-person and online use, day-by-day instructions on each activity.PowerPoint® slidesStudent handoutsRubricsDiscussion groups for class membersOnline quizzesVideos

13. The Pilot TestMethod, Observations, Survey Results, and Conclusions

14. MethodThe module was delivered to 4th and 5th grade teachers.We provided the teachers with a web link, user name and password, and instructions on how to get into the Moodle site.

15. ObservationsTeachers seemed pleased overall with the unit, as many said they do not have a health curriculum to use.Teachers thought that some of lessons, especially the second day would be longer than a 45-minute lesson as planned.Teachers thought that we could be more explicit about what students were supposed to accomplish, at the beginning of the module.Teachers thought the organization of the information on Moodle could be “cleaned up”, and look more like the first modules.More images/clips to enhance PowerPoint

16. Evaluation ResultsWe performed a Kirkpatrick level 1 evaluation by distributing a feedback form to the teachers via e-mail.Most teachers liked the lessons, especially those which had interactive components, like the game board.Some teachers asked to have more organization to the lessons, it gets very wordy.

17. Conclusions From Pilot TestBased on the results of the pilot test, we will:Organize the modules so they are more user friendly, similar to that of the first five modules.Make the poster project and final project more clear to users.Add images/clips to Day1 PowerPointMake sure the teacher guide is understood how the lessons can be broken up into 3-5 days, which ever suits the teacher’s preference.

18. Some Sample Slides

19. OpeningDuring the first day of the exercise unit, students will watch a video found on SchoolTube. It is about childhood obesity, and it is made by students from Peachtree Ridge High School. Students are encouraged to watch the video several times (it’s only 2 minutes long) to answer the worksheet questions correctly.

20. Video Question___% of children are completely inactive (which means getting no physical activity at all).

21. Video AnswerIf you said 10%, then you are correct!

22. PowerPoint PresentationLesson Topics:Physical activity is an activity that causes your body to work harder than normal. Moderate activity is easy and calm, and doesn’t make you lose your breath. Vigorous activity is hard and intense and makes you lose your breath.