projects for physical education

9 Activity Ideas for STEM in Physical Education

• Lauren Chiangpradit
• November 16, 2023
• Reviewed by Sean Barton
• Reviewed by Haley MacLean

Table of Contents

The Synergy of Movement and Learning

Physical education stem activities for elementary school, stem activities for middle school pe students, advanced stem challenges for high school learners, tech, tools, and supplemental resources for stem in physical education.

Integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into Physical Education (PE) classes offers an innovative approach to education. In an era where sports statistics, science, and technology increasingly influence athletics, PE classes are uniquely positioned to blend physical activity with STEM learning and 21st century skills. This article explores how PE educators and facilitators can use STEM learning in their coursework. It also provides a range of supplemental curriculum activity ideas to get students at different education and skill levels engaged.

Research indicates that physical activity can significantly bolster cognitive abilities. When students participate in movement-based learning, they benefit physically and experience enhanced concentration, memory, and creativity. This cognitive boost is crucial for comprehending and applying STEM concepts, which often demand high levels of problem-solving and critical thinking. Active learning, where students engage in physical activities while learning STEM concepts, results in more profound understanding and retention of information. Integrating physical and mental challenges not only makes learning more enjoyable, but is more effective, as students apply theoretical concepts in practical settings, leading to better comprehension and recall.

Integrating STEM into elementary physical education presents a fantastic opportunity to lay the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity in young students. Through these innovative activities, elementary school children can explore and understand key STEM concepts while engaging in fun and physical play. Each activity is designed to be not only educational but highly interactive and suitable for their developmental stage. Here are some engaging activities that blend physical education with STEM learning for elementary students:

• Jump and Measure: Students perform a variety of jumps – like the long jump and high jump – and measure their distances or heights. This activity introduces basic concepts of measurement and physics, encouraging students to understand how force and motion play a role in their physical activities.
• Geometry with Body Movements: In this activity, children use their bodies to create geometric shapes, either individually or in groups. It’s an engaging way for students to learn about basic geometry, spatial awareness, and symmetry. Teachers can challenge students to form complex shapes, enhancing their understanding and teamwork skills.
• STEM Soccer : In a lesson devoted to measuring throw-ins, students collect data in centimeters and convert their data to meters dividing by 100. Students then evaluate measurement systems to decide the best measurement size. This disguised learning,  interactive lesson is a great way for physical education teachers to add STEM into their PE classes.
• Weather and Exercise: Students observe and record weather patterns over a week and discuss how different weather conditions affect physical activities. This integrates meteorology into PE, allowing students to see the real-world application of science in their everyday activities.
• Heart Rate Exploration: After engaging in various exercises, students measure their heart rates to learn about the cardiovascular system and the science behind exercise. This activity not only educates them about their bodies, but about the importance of physical fitness in maintaining health.
• Playground Physics: Utilizing playground equipment, this activity allows students to explore concepts like gravity, force, and motion. They can experience firsthand how these physical laws impact their play and movements, turning the playground into a living laboratory.

As students enter middle school, their capacity for more complex and abstract thinking grows significantly. This developmental stage is an ideal time to introduce more intricate STEM concepts through physical education, enhancing their learning experience with practical applications. The following STEM activities are tailored for middle school students, offering a blend of intellectual challenge and physical engagement. These activities are designed to pique students’ curiosity in STEM fields through the familiar and enjoyable medium of sports and physical exercises. By participating in these activities, students not only deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, but learn valuable lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and the practical application of classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Here’s a look at some stimulating and educational STEM activities for middle school PE:

• Sports Statistics Analysis: Students gather and analyze sports statistics from games or physical activities. This teaches them about data collection, interpretation, and the importance of statistics in understanding and improving athletic performance.
• STEM Football: During a lesson in STEM Football, students collect and graph data of a controlled experiment by using a line graph. Students then explain the relationship between kinetic energy and mass by writing a claim evidence supported by evidence-based reasoning from class data. This lesson highlights the strong classroom connection between physical education and STEM learning, and how it can help create tangible examples for students.
• Energy and Movement: This activity focuses on the concept of kinetic and potential energy in the context of sports. Students explore how energy is transferred and transformed during different physical activities, such as running, jumping, or throwing a ball.
• Biomechanics of Sports: Here, students delve into the study of human movement and mechanics in various sports. They learn about the science behind athletic performance, injury prevention , and how athletes optimize their movements for maximum efficiency and safety.
• Mathletics Relay: A relay race where each leg involves solving a math problem before passing the baton. This combines physical fitness with mathematical skills, emphasizing quick thinking and teamwork.
• Technology in Sports Training: Students explore how technology is increasingly used in sports training and performance analysis. They might look at wearable tech, video analysis software, or other tools that help athletes improve their skills and coaches to make informed decisions.

High school students, with their advanced cognitive skills and heightened interests, are well-positioned to tackle complex STEM challenges through physical education. This section of the curriculum is designed to offer high school learners in-depth, hands-on experiences that combine higher-level STEM concepts with physical activities and sports. These advanced activities are not just about physical exertion; they require students to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative innovation. They provide an opportunity for students to see the real-world applications of the STEM knowledge they acquire in their classrooms, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical implementation. By participating in these activities, high school students can gain a deeper understanding of various STEM fields, such as physics, engineering, biotechnology, and environmental science, observing how these disciplines intersect with sports and physical fitness. Here are some challenging and intellectually stimulating STEM activities designed for high school learners:

• Physics of Sports Equipment Design: Students research and discuss the physics principles involved in the design of sports equipment. This can include topics like material science, aerodynamics, and ergonomics, providing insights into how equipment is optimized for performance and safety.
• Engineering a Miniature Golf Course: Students design and construct a miniature golf course, applying concepts of geometry, physics, and design. This project not only involves creativity, but a practical application of STEM principles by creating functional and enjoyable mini-golf holes.
• Sports Analytics Project: Students undertake a project to analyze a sports game using statistical methods and tools. This activity introduces them to data science in sports, teaching them how to interpret and use data to understand game strategies and player performance.
• Biotechnology in Athletics: This topic explores how biotechnology is used in sports, from equipment design to performance enhancement techniques. Students might study material innovations, genetic research in athletics, or the ethical implications of biotechnology in sports.
• Environmental Science in Outdoor Sports: Students analyze how environmental factors impact outdoor sports activities. They can study topics like climate change, pollution, and natural terrain, understanding the interplay between sports and the environment.
• Virtual Reality Sports Training: Students explore how VR technology is being used for skill development, strategy training, and injury rehabilitation in various sports by discussing the emerging role of virtual reality in sports.

Bringing STEM into PE classes effectively requires the right resources, including technology tools, educational kits, and comprehensive guides. Resources like the STEM Sports® kits provide ready-to-use activities that seamlessly blend physical education with STEM learning. These kits offer an invaluable resource for teachers looking to enrich their curriculum and engage K-8 students through a cross-curricular learning approach. For additional resources, tools, and innovative ideas, please visit STEM Sports® .

• +1 (602) 845-0316
• 1601 N. 7th Street Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ 85006

Quick Links

• Privacy Policy

Join Our Mailing List

And get access to exclusive offers and content

Do you wish to stay up-to-date with STEM Sports®?

Sign up below to receive the latest information on our STEM education, curriculum and available resources. 

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Book Bracket Template. For March and Beyond!

46 Unique Phys Ed Games Your Students Will Love

Get your steps in!

There’s nothing kids need more to break up a day spent sitting still and listening than a fun PE class to let off some steam. In the old days, going to gym class probably included playing kickball or dodgeball after running a few laps. Since then, there have been countless reinventions of and variations on old classics as well as completely new games. Although there is no shortage of options, we love that the supplies required remain relatively minimal. You can transport to another galaxy using just a pool noodle or two or create a life-size game of Connect 4 using just Hula-Hoops. You’ll want to make sure to have some staples on hand like balls, beanbags, and parachutes. There are even PE games for kindergartners based on beloved children’s TV shows and party games. Regardless of your students’ athletic abilities, there is something for everyone on our list of elementary PE games!

1. Tic-Tac-Toe Relay

Elementary PE games that not only get students moving but also get them thinking are our favorites. Grab some Hula-Hoops and a few scarves or beanbags and get ready to watch the fun!

Learn more: Tic-Tac-Toe Relay at S&S Blog

2. Blob Tag

Pick two students to start as the Blob, then as they tag other kids, they will become part of the Blob. Be sure to demonstrate safe tagging, stressing the importance of soft touches.

Learn more: Blob Tag at Playworks

3. Cross the River

This fun game has multiple levels that students have to work through, including “get to the island,” “cross the river,” and “you lost a rock.”

Learn more: Cross the River at The PE Specialist

4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones

Line up cones, then have students pair up and stand on either side of a cone. Finally, call out head, shoulders, knees, or cones. If cones is called, students have to race to be the first to pick up their cone before their opponent.

Learn more: Head, Shoulders, Knees & Cones at S&S Blog

5. Spider Ball

Elementary PE games are often variations of dodgeball like this one. One or two players start with the ball and attempt to hit all of the runners as they run across the gym or field. If a player is hit, they can then join in and become a spider themselves.

Learn more: Spider Ball Game at Kid Activities

6. Crab Soccer

We love elementary PE games that require students to act like animals (and we think they will too). Similar to regular soccer, but students will need to play on all fours while maintaining a crab-like position.

Learn more: Crab Soccer at Playworks

7. Halloween Tag

This is the perfect PE game to play in October. It’s similar to tag, but there are witches, wizards, and blobs with no bones!

Learn more: Halloween Tag at The Physical Educator

8. Crazy Caterpillars

We love that this game is not only fun but also works on students’ hand-eye coordination. Students will have fun pushing their balls around the gym with pool noodles while building their caterpillars.

9. Monster Ball

You’ll need a large exercise ball or something similar to act as the monster ball in the middle. Make a square around the monster ball, divide the class into teams on either side of the square, then task the teams with throwing small balls at the monster ball to move it into the other team’s area.

Learn more: Monster Ball at The PE Specialist

10. Striker Ball

Striker ball is an enjoyable game that will keep your students entertained while working on reaction time and strategic planning. We love that there is limited setup required before playing.

Learn more: Striker Ball at S&S Blog

11. Parachute Tug-of-War

What list of elementary PE games would be complete without some parachute fun? So simple yet so fun, all you will need is a large parachute and enough students to create two teams. Have students stand on opposite sides of the parachute, then let them compete to see which side comes out on top.

Learn more: Parachute Tug-of-War at Mom Junction

12. Fleas Off the Parachute

Another fun parachute game where one team needs to try to keep the balls (fleas) on the parachute and the other tries to get them off.

Learn more: Fleas Off the Parachute at Mom Junction

13. Crazy Ball

The setup for this fun game is similar to kickball, with three bases and a home base. Crazy ball really is so crazy as it combines elements of football, Frisbee, and kickball!

Learn more: Crazy Ball at Health Beet

14. Bridge Tag

This game starts as simple tag but evolves into something more fun once the tagging begins. Once tagged, kids must form a bridge with their body and they can’t be freed until someone crawls through.

Learn more: Bridge Tag at Great Camp Games

15. Star Wars Tag

Elementary PE games that allow you to be your favorite movie character are just way too much fun! You will need two different-colored pool noodles to stand in for lightsabers. The tagger will have one color pool noodle that they use to tag students while the healer will have the other color that they will use to free their friends.

Learn more: Star Wars Tag at Great Camp Games

16. Rob the Nest

Create an obstacle course that leads to a nest of eggs (balls) and then divide the students into teams. They will have to race relay-style through the obstacles to retrieve eggs and bring them back to their team.

17. Four Corners

We love this classic game since it engages students physically while also working on color recognition for younger students. Have your students stand on a corner, then close their eyes and call out a color. Students standing on that color earn a point.

Learn more: Four Corners at The Many Little Joys

18. Movement Dice

This is a perfect warm-up that requires only a die and a sheet with corresponding exercises.

Learn more: Roll the Dice Movement Break at Teaching Littles

19. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag

A fun spin on tag, children will tag one another and then play a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who has to sit and who gets to continue playing.

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag at Grade Onederful

20. Cornhole Cardio

This one is so fun but can be a little bit confusing, so be sure to leave plenty of time for instruction. Kids will be divided into teams before proceeding through a fun house that includes cornhole, running laps, and stacking cups.

Learn more: Cardio Cornhole at S&S Blog

21. Connect 4 Relay

This relay takes the game Connect 4 to a whole new level. Players must connect four dots either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

22. Zookeepers

Students will love imitating their favorite animals while playing this fun variation of Four Corners where the taggers are the zookeepers.

23. Racket Whack-It

Students stand with rackets in hand while balls are thrown at them—they must either dodge the balls or swat them away.

Learn more: Racket Whack-It via PEgames.org

24. Crazy Moves

Set mats out around the gym, then yell out a number. Students must race to the mat before it is already filled with the correct number of bodies.

Learn more: Crazy Moves at PEgames.org

25. Wheelbarrow Race

Sometimes the best elementary PE games are the simplest. An oldie but a goodie, wheelbarrow races require no equipment and are guaranteed to be a hit with your students.

Learn more: Wheelbarrow Race at wikiHow

26. Live-Action Pac-Man

Fans of retro video games like Pac-Man will get a kick out of this live-action version where students get to act out the characters.

27. Spaceship Tag

Give each of your students a Hula-Hoop (spaceship), then have them run around trying not to bump into anyone else’s spaceship or get tagged by the teacher (alien). Once your students get really good at it, you can add different levels of complexity.

28. Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance

We love this spin on Rock, Paper, Scissors because it works on balance and coordination. Students walk around the gym until they find an opponent, then the winner collects a beanbag, which they must balance on their head!

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance at PE Universe

29. Throwing, Catching, and Rolling

This is a fun activity but it will require a lot of preparation, including asking the school maintenance staff to collect industrial-sized paper towel rolls. We love this activity because it reminds us of the old-school arcade game Skee-Ball!

Learn more: Winter Activity at S&S Blog

30. Jenga Fitness

Although Jenga is fun enough on its own, combining it with fun physical challenges is sure to be a winner with young students.

Learn more: Jenga Fitness at S&S Blog

31. Volcanoes and Ice Cream Cones

Divide the class into two teams, then assign one team as volcanoes and the other as ice cream cones. Next, spread cones around the gym, half upside down and half right side up. Finally, have the teams race to flip as many cones as possible to either volcanoes or ice cream cones.

Learn more: Warm-Up Games at Prime Coaching Sport

This fun variation on dodgeball will have your students getting exercise while having a ton of fun! Begin with three balls on a basketball court. If you are hit by a ball, you are out. If you take a step while holding a ball, you are out. There are other rules surrounding getting out and also how to get back in, which can be found in this video.

33. Musical Hula-Hoops

PE games for kindergartners that are similar to party games are some of our favorites! Think musical chairs but with Hula-Hoops! Lay enough Hula-Hoops around the edge of the gym minus five students since they will be in the muscle pot. Once the music starts, students walk around the gym. When the music stops, whoever doesn’t find a Hula-Hoop becomes the new muscle pot!

34. 10-Second Tag

This game is perfect to play at the beginning of the year since it helps with learning names and allows the teacher to get to know the first student in line.

35. The Border

This game is so fun and requires no equipment whatsoever. Divide the gym into two sides. One side can move freely while the other side must avoid letting their feet touch the floor by rolling around, crawling, etc.

36. Freedom Catch

This is a simple throwing, catching, and tag game that will certainly be a hit with your PE class. Captors attempt to tag players so they can send them to jail. You can be freed if someone on your team runs to a freedom cone while throwing a ball to the jailed person. If the ball is caught by the jailed person, they can rejoin the game.

37. Oscar’s Trashcan

As far as PE games for kindergartners goes, this one is a guaranteed winner since it is based on the show Sesame Street . You’ll need two large areas that can be sectioned off to use as trash cans and also a lot of medium-size balls. There are two teams who must compete to fill their opponent’s trash can while emptying their own. Once over, the trash will be counted and the team with the least amount of trash in their trash can wins!

38. 4-Way Frisbee

Divide your class into four separate teams, who will compete for points by catching a Frisbee inside one of the designated goal areas. Defenders are also able to go into the goal areas. There are a number of other rules that can be applied so you can modify the game in a way that’s best for your class.

39. Badminton King’s/Queen’s Court

This one is simple but fun since it is played rapid-fire with kids waiting their turn to take on the King or Queen of the court. Two players start and as soon as a point is earned, the loser swaps places with another player. The goal is to be the player that stays on the court the longest, consistently knocking out new opponents.

40. Jumping and Landing Stations

Kids love stations and they definitely love jumping, so why not combine those things into one super-fun gym class? They’ll have a blast challenging themselves with all the different obstacles presented in this video.

41. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

Regardless of whether you’ve ever seen an episode of American Ninja Warrior , you are probably familiar with the concept and so are your students. Plus, you’ll probably have just as much fun as your students setting up the obstacles and testing them out!

42. Balloon Tennis

Since kids love playing keepy-uppy with a balloon, they will love taking it a step further with balloon tag!

43. Indoor Putting Green

If your school can afford to invest in these unique putting green sets, you can introduce the game of golf to kids as young as kindergarten. Who knows, you might just have a future Masters winner in your class!

44. Scooter Activities

Let’s be honest, we all have fond memories of using scooters in gym class. Regardless of whether you do a scooter sleigh or scooter hockey, we think there is something for everyone in this fun video.

45. Pick It Up

This is the perfect PE game to play if you are stuck in a small space with a good-size group. Teams win by making all of their beanbag shots and then collecting all of their dots and stacking them into a nice neat pile.

46. Dodgeball Variations

Since not all kids love having balls thrown at them, why not try a dodgeball alternative that uses gym equipment as targets rather than fellow students? For example, have each student stand in front of a Hula-Hoop with a bowling ball inside of it. Students need to protect their hoop while attempting to knock over their opponents’ pins.

What are your favorite elementary PE games to play with your class? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group  on Facebook.

Plus, check out  our favorite recess games for the classroom ..

You Might Also Like

38 Old-School Recess Games Your Students Should Be Playing Now

Ready to feel nostalgic? Continue Reading

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• Browse By Category
• View ALL Lessons
• Submit Your Idea
• Shop Lesson Books
• Search our Lessons
• Browse All Assessments
• New Assessments
• Paper & Pencil Assessments
• Alternative Assessments
• Student Assessments
• View Kids Work
• Submit Your Ideas
• Browse All Best Practices
• New Best Practices
• How BPs Work
• Most Popular
• Alphabetical
• Submit Your Best Practice
• Browse All Prof. Dev.
• Online PD Courses
• Onsite Workshops
• Hall of Shame
• Becoming a PE Teacher
• PE Articles
• Defending PE
• Substitute Guidelines
• Online Classes
• PE Research
• Browse All Boards
• Board of the Week
• Submit Your Bulletin Board
• Browse All Class Mngt
• Lesson Ideas
• New Teacher Tips
• Reducing Off-Task Behavior
• Browse All Videos
• Find Grants
• Kids Quote of the Week
• Weekly Activities
• Advertise on PEC
• FREE Newsletter

PE Central has partnered with S&S Discount Sports to provide a full range of sports and PE products for your program.

Get Free Shipping plus 15% OFF on orders over $59! Use offer code B4260. Shop Now!

• Shop Online Courses:
• Classroom Management
• Integrating Literacy & Math
• Grad Credit
• All PE Courses

• Cooperative Fitness Challenge
• Cooperative Skills Challenge
• Log It (Activity Tracker)

• Instant Activities
• Grades 9-12
• Dance of the Month
• Special Events Menu
• Cues/Performance Tips
• College Lessons
• Search All Lessons

• Paper & Pencil Assessments
• Shop Assessment

• How BP's Work

• Shop Bulletin Board Books

• Apps for PE Main Menu
• Submit Your App
• Ask our App Expert
• Active Gaming

• What is Adapted PE
• Ask Our Expert
• Adapting Activities
• IEP Information
• Adapted Web Sites
• Shop Adapted Store

• PreK Lesson Ideas
• PreK Videos
• Homemade PreK PE Equip
• Shop PreK Books

• Shop Class Mngt Products

• Search Jobs
• Interview Questions
• Interview Tips
• Portfolio Development

• Becoming PE Teacher
• Fundraising/Grants

• New Products
• T-Shirts/Accessories
• Class Management
• Middle School
• High School
• Curriculums
• Limited Space

• Search Our Lessons

New Online Courses

• Among Us Fitness Challenge
• Mystery Exercise Box
• The ABC's of Yoga
• Fun Reaction Light Workout
• Virtual Hopscotch
• Red Light, Green Light
• My Name Fitness Challenge
• Holiday Lessons
• Fitness Challenge Calendars
• Field Day Headquarters
• Field Day Online Course
• Star Wars FD
• Power Rangers Field Day
• Superhero FD
• SUPER "FIELD DAY" WORLD
• Nickelodeon FD
• What's New on PEC
• Halloween Station Cards
• Halloween Locomotors
• Thriller Halloween Dance
• Halloween Safety Tips Board
• Spooktacular Diet Board
• Halloween Nutritional Board
• Chicken Dance Drum Fitness
• Mission "Possible" Fitness
• Setting Goals - Fitnessgram
• Muscular Endurance Homework
• Poster Contest-Good Fitness
• Musical Fitness Dots
• FALLing for Fitness
• Fitness Routines
• Free PE Homework Lessons
• K-4 Report Card
• K-2 Progress Report
• Central Cass MS Report Card
• MS Evaluation Tool
• Activity Evaluation Tool
• SLO and Smart Goal Examples
• No Quacks About It-You Can Assess
• Super 6 Fitness Stations
• Throwing at the Moving Ducks
• Basketball Station Team Challenge
• Tennis Stations
• Olympic Volleyball Skills
• Fitness Stations Self Assessment
• Peer Assessment Fitness Checklist
• Where s the Turkey Fitness Game
• Thanksgiving PE Board Game
• Turkey Bowl
• Thanksgiving Extravaganza!
• Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
• Team Turkey Hunt
• Thanksgiving Healthy Food & Locomotors
• View Spring Schedule
• Curriculum Development in PE
• Assessment in PE
• Methods of Teaching Elem PE
• Methods of Teaching Adapted PE
• Using Technology in PE
• History of PE
• View Self-Paced Courses
• PE for Kids with Severe Disabilities
• Add Int'l Flair to Your Program
• Teaching Yoga in PE
• Classroom Management Tips
• Social & Emotional Learning in PE
• Large Group Games in PE
• Teaching PE In Limited Space
• My Favorite Apps in PE
• See All Courses
• PE Homework Ideas
• Home Activity Visual Packet
• Home Fitness Games
• Activity Calendars
• 10 At Home Learning Activities
• Distance Learning Google Drive
• Log It Activity Log
• Hair UP! Dance
• Jumping Jack Mania Dance
• Shaking it to "Uptown Funk"
• Dynamite Line Dance Routine
• Core Strength w Rhythm Sticks
• Dancing with the Skeletal System
• Team Building and Rhythms Dance
• Back to School Apple Board
• How I Exercised Over the Summer
• Picture Yourself Participating in PE
• Thumbs Up for Learning PE
• Welcome to PE
• Let's Get Moving
• What Makes You a Star
• Do Not Stop Trying!
• Fall Team Buildiing Field Day
• Better When I'm Dancin'
• Locomotor Scavenger Hunt
• Follow My Lead IA
• Pass, Dribble, "D"
• Fitness Concepts Assessment
• Silvia Family Hometown Hero's BB
• See All New Ideas
• Project Based Learning in PE
• Flipped Teaching in PE
• Assessment Strategies
• Technology in PE
• Fitness and FitnessGram
• Curriculum Planning/Mapping
• Call to Book - 678-764-2536
• End of Year PE Poem
• Just Taught My Last Class Blog
• We've Grown so Much Board
• Time Flies Board
• Hanging Out This Summer Board
• How will YOU be ACTIVE? Board
• Staying Active Over Summer Board
• St. Patrick's Day Circuit
• Catch The Leprechaun
• Leprechaun Treasure Hunt
• Irish Jig Tag
• Celebrating St. Patty\92s Day Dance
• LUCKY to have PE Board
• Eat Green for Health Board
• Activity Skills Assessment
• Smart Goal Example
• Understanding Fitness Components
• Cooperation Assessment
• Line Dance Peer Evaluation
• View All Assessments
• Detective Valentine
• Valentine Volley
• Valentine's For the Heart
• Valentine Rescue
• 100 Ways Heart Healthy Board
• Make a Healthy Heart Your Valentine
• Don't Overlook Your Health
• Star Wars Dance Lesson
• Merry Fitmas Bulletin Board
• Welcome to PE Bulletin Board
• Gymnastics Skills Bulletin Board
• Don't Let Being Healthy Puzzle You
• It's Snow Easy to be Active
• Exercise Makes You Bright
• Basketball Lesson
• Bottle Cap Basketball
• Skills Card Warm Up
• Building Dribblers
• Feed the Frogs
• Rings of Fire Dribbling
• All basketball ideas on PEC
• Fall Into Fitness Board
• Turkeys in Training
• Gobbling Up Healthy Snacks
• Gobble If You Love PE
• Don't Gobble 'Til You Wobble
• Hickory Elem is Thankful
• Mr. Gobble Says
• Fall & Rise of PE Part 1
• Fall & Rise of PE Part 2
• PE Teachers Making a Difference
• Leading Enthusiastic Student Groups
• Using Twitter for PE PD
• Two Person Parachute Activity
• Pool Noodle Lessons in PE
• Basketball Shooting Stations
• Thanksgiving Stations
• Sobriety Testing Stations
• Seuss-Perb Stations
• Cooperative Skills Stations
• Cooperative Fitness Stations

Help for HPE at Home Download Free

Pe central online courses learn more, shop the p.e. & sports flash sale now shop now.

Call Sandy ( 800-243-9232 , ext. 2361) at S&S Worldwide for a great equipment deal!

What's New | Search PEC | Teaching Articles | Hall of Shame | Kids Quotes | Shop S&S

What's New Lesson Ideas Newsletter Site Updated: 6-11-15

Great PE Ideas! Superstars of PE

PE Job Center (Job Openings, Sample Interview Questions, Portfolio Guidelines

Inspirational Video! Cerebral Palsy Run--Matt Woodrum Cheered on by PE Teacher, Family and Classmates

New Blog! Physical Educators \96 You Are Making a Difference!

Physical Education teachers are truly amazing! I have believed this ever since I become one back in 1986 and I was reminded of how truly special they are the other day while reviewing 236 responses to a survey that S&S conducted on PE Central. Question number 21 of the survey reads, \93What gets you most excited about your physical education job?\94 Continue to read full blog post

Use LOG IT To Keep Kids Active Over the Summer

We have searched our site and found some fun things to encourage your kids to become physically active over the summer. Check out some of our cool summer bulletin boards and for a great professional development conference we highly recommend the National PE Institute July 27-29 in Asheville, NC.

• LOG IT --walk virtually around the USA. Sign your kids up before they leave school!
• Log It is a Step Towards Fitness (Education World Article)

Best Practices:

• Leadership and Summer Fitness through "Charity Miles"

Bulletin Boards:

• Countdown to Summer
• Hanging Out This Summer
• Summer Plans

New! Dancing with Math Dance Idea of the Month | More New Ideas

FREE Top 10 Field Day Activities eBook Enter $2,500 Giveaway Contest for a chance to win the "Field Day of Your Dreams!" 25% off Field Day equipment! Offer code E4213. (Expires 4/30/15)

Field Day just got easier! We have worked with our partner S&S Discount Sports to come up with the ultimate "Top 10 Field Day Activities" FREE eBook . You can enter their $2,500 Giveaway contest for a chance to win the "Field Day of Your Dreams!" Check it out!

Congrats to Nicki Newman Case and her Student!

Last week, physical education teacher Nicki Newman Case, got her Kids Quote of the Week published. She sent us the picture (below) of the young man who was responsible for the quote! By getting the quote published on PE Central, she has earned a $50 eGift card from our sponsor, S&S Worldwide! Here is her Facebook post on PEC. Thanks for sharing Nicki and congrats to both of you!

Nicki Newman Case, PEC Facebook Post " I wanted to thank PE Central for sending me an email that said I won $50 for a published kid quote. I am going to let the kid who wrote the Valentine help me pick out what he wants from the S&S catalog to use in our gym. I am also going to buy him the "I got Published" t-shirt. THANK YOU! I presented the winner of the Kids Quote of the Week with his T-shirt this morning at assembly! He LOVED it! "

Take the PE Central Survey! Complete and enter to win a $250 S&S Worldwide eGift Card

Stay Connected with PE Central Join the PE Central Facebook Page | Follow PE Central on Twitter

New Dances Waltzing Line Dance (with video) Shake It Senora Dance (with video) McDowell County, WV Happy Dance

Holiday Bulletin Boards | Holiday Lesson Ideas | What's New on PEC

New! Unedited Full Length Video Lessons

New! Valentine's Day Physical Education T-Shirts Order them now! They are awesome!

Share the Cooperative Fitness Challenges! 6 Free Fitness Station Activities

Dance Lesson Ideas of the Month!

Enter for a Chance to Win $100!

Are you teaching The First Tee National School Program in your school? What's working at your school? Send in your best practices and lesson plan ideas for the National School Program. Your roles as physical educators and leaders is vitally important to making a difference in a child\92s life. That\92s why we want to do our part in supporting you and share the great work you are doing. Click here to learn more

Want to bring The First Tee National School Program to your elementary school? To learn more go here

New! Physical Education Report Cards New! Pink PE Women's V-Neck Tee Register for the Cooperative Fitness and Skill Challenges

Featured Article: Using PE Central's \91LOG IT\92 as a Step Toward Fitness (Great way to track summer physical activity-- Log It )

New Teaching Videos Content is King: High School Circuits Lesson Highlights (9-12) Content is King: Food Pond Common Core Lesson Highlights (4th) Content is King: 4 x 4 fitness Lesson Highlights (5th) Basketball Dribbling Full Elementary Lesson

Featured Product! Elements of Dance Poster Set Workbook, Flashcard Set, Value Pack

61 Essential Apps for PE Teachers Book

20% Off Adapted PE Products

Featured Holiday Bulletin Boards

New Boards | View All Boards | Board of the Week | Submit a Board

School Funding Center Find grants for your school and program!

Featured Halloween Bulletin Board Don't Let Fitness Testing Spook You!

New Product Section: eBooks (PDF Downloads) Adapted PE Desk Reference eBook

NEW! Dance Lesson Idea of the Month: Team Building and Rhythms Dance (w/ Video)

Submit Your Ideas Now Published Ideas Earn a $50.00 eGift Card from S&S Worldwide

Sale! Save 20% on Most of Our Products! $3.00 Flat Rate Shipping Rate on ALL Orders

New eBOOKS! TEPE Books: Fitness, PreK, Assessment, PE Homework

Great Back to School Lesson Idea and Product! Behavior Self Check Lesson Idea and Poster Set

This Class Management Lesson idea, featuring 3 vinyl posters should help physical educators when students get a little bit off-task. View the entire lesson idea . Purchase Poster Set

Featured Classroom Management Lesson Idea: Behavior Self-Check Lesson (w/posters)

Check Out Our PE T-shirts

Happy thanksgiving.

Featured Thanksgiving Bulletin Boards

Featured Bulletin Boards ( View All Boards )

PE Central Copyright 1996-2020 All Rights Reserved

PE Central 2516 Blossom Trl W Blacksburg, VA 24060 E-mail : [email protected] Phone : 540-953-1043 Fax : 540-301-0112

Copyright 1996-2016 PE Central® www.pecentral.org All Rights Reserved Web Debut : 08/26/1996

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and receive

physical education lesson ideas, assessment tips and more!

Your browser does not support iframes.

No thanks, I don't need to stay current on what works in physical education.

• Our Content
• Success Stories
• Schedule A Demo
• Login / Register

PE Lesson Plans for High School (FREE High School PE Activities)

• Doug Curtin
• November 17, 2021

Physical education teachers have a lot to cover! We have put together a week’s worth of PE lesson plans for high school students that range in fitness, nutrition, yoga and more. We hope you enjoy the free content and give some lessons a try with your students! 

Struggling to find engaging PE activities for high school students ?

Finding quality physical education lesson plans for high school is no simple task! Getting the right instructional materials that will engage and excite your students while not breaking the bank is hard! 

Yes, you can search online, go to a Shape America conference, or talk to fellow PE teachers and find hundreds of PE activities and physical education lesson plans to use.

But, you will often end up with tons of phys ed games for high school students that are fun once and then quickly lose student’s attention. Or, you end up finding workouts that have barely clothed models that are a far cry from what you want for high school fitness lesson plans . 

What is there for high school PE ?

Producing high school physical education units on multiple topics is tough!

Do you feel like you are a jack of all trades and yet a master of none? You only have so much money in your budget and time in your day to teach all the different PE topics well. You are left asking yourself, 

• What equipment do I need for fun and cutting edge PE games for high school ? 
• Do I have the right equipment to run PE workouts for high school ? 

How does this all even fit into what my administrators want for high school physical education lesson plans ?

A week’s worth of free PE lesson plans for high school classes

When you feel like you are at stalemate with your lessons, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to sample! With so many great phys ed lesson plans for high school, it is hard to make sense of all that is out there. Here you will find a sample week of high-quality content that high school pe teachers tap into on a yearly basis. 

With a combination of fitness, nutrition, yoga, and dance, there is something to for every student to look forward to in the week. Additionally, you’ll find that some days give you a little extra time to sprinkle in some of those fun pe games that your kids still long for!

Day 1: Intro To Fitness – Air Squat & Hinge 

Many students arrive to high school needing a full introduction to foundational human movements. Even if they did learn things like the squat, lunge, hinge, press, and pull at the middle school level, chances are that your high school physical education class will greatly benefit from movement review. 

Today, we are beginning our movement and fitness journey by learning two of the most important foundational human movements – the Squat & the Hinge.

• 2 Minutes of light cardio
• Spiderman & Reach – 1 Minute Continuous Movement, Alternating 
• Alt. Samson – 1 Minute Continuous Movement
• Good Mornings 4 x 10 Reps 
• Elbow Plan 4 x :20 Seconds 
• 1:00 Rest After Each Round
• Introduce the 4 points of performance 
• Air Squat 2 x 5 Reps

5 Rounds Of 10 Air Squats + 2:00 Walk/Jog/Run

Day 2: Intro To Nutrition – Calories 

Are you tasked with teaching wellness within your physical education class? If you need a day off from physical activity and in need of lesson ideas, nutrition can be a fantastic addition. 

While nutrition can be a part of k-12 physical education plan, high school is often the first time where students can start to contextualize the science and practical application of nutrition. With written and video lessons, paired with chapter questions students have an interactive way to start exploring their everyday nutrition.

• Written lesson breaking down what our body sees when we eat and how many calories we need 
• Video breaking down energy and chemistry of calories
• Check out the full lesson segment here
• Written lesson discussing signs of not eating enough or eating too much 
• Video introducing and explaining the hunger to fullness scale
• Check out the full lesson segment here 
• 9 chapter questions provided that can be either done individually or incorporated as part of a group discussion

Discover the Power of PLT4M

Curious how more than 10,000 PE teachers are using PLT4M’s Fitness and Wellness Curriculum and digital learning software? 

Day 3: Intro to Fitness – Press & Pull 

Returning back to another fitness lesson plan for high school PE. Now, we hit the upper body and learn how to safely press and pull. We focus on scaling and modifying with all our physical activity, but place a special emphasis on this with things like pressing and pulling. 

In this lesson students will learn how to appropriately scale the level of difficulty the push up and inverted row.

• Shoulder Warm Up – 15 Slow Reps per movement 
• 1:00 Jumping Jacks
• Introduce the 4 points of performance of push up  
• Review movement scaling and elevating the push up 
• Elevated Push Ups 4 x 5
• Introduce the 4 points of performance of the inverted row 
• Inverted Row 5 x 5
• Introduce the butterfly sit up 
• Butterfly sit up 2 x 5
• AMRAP 8: 60 Jumping Jacks, 10 Push Ups, 10 Butterfly Sit ups

Day 4: Intro To Yoga – Standing Poses 

Yoga is one of the most popular exercise options and requires no equipment. But as a physical education teacher you may not feel comfortable teaching yoga. 

Like any type of physical activity, yoga has basic components that can be introduced as an excellent start. In this lesson, students will get a chance to try and practice four of the most popular standing poses in yoga, and then put them into a more traditional flow.

• Begin yoga integration 
• Flow Sun A with performance and refinement cues 
• Flow Sun A using breath to movement
• Chair Pose Intro & Practice 
• Warrior 2 Intro & Practice 
• Extended Side Angle Intro & Practice 
• Reverse Warrior Intro & Practice
• Apply new poses to a full flow 
• Practice 2 times through, 1 slow, 1 faster

Day 5: Dance Fitness 

Many physical education programs have what is called a ‘fun Friday.’ If you arrive on day 5 and want to give the choice of different gym games for high school students, then go for it!

You have had a great week of lessons, and your students can now have some time to explore and play different games like frisbee, badminton, or volleyball that you have throughout the gym. 

If you want to have a little more structure but keep the fun, give dance fitness a try! A trending topic in the world of fitness, dance gives students a fun way to sweat and move.

• Get moving with some light cardio 
• Layer in a few static stretches
• Introduce and and practice the 8 main dance moves for the main cardio effort
• Put the 8 dance moves to work through a fun sequence following along with Coach Alexa
• Let your heart rates come back down and hit some stretches before going on with the rest of your day

Let us do the heavy lifting! Get access to our complete lineup of PE lesson plans for high school students

This was just one week of PE lesson plans to give you a taste! At PLT4M, you can tap into hundreds of high school physical education lesson plans that fit your goals and needs. Tap into fitness, flexibility, yoga, dance, weightlifting, and more all in a centralized and easy to use spot. 

All of PLT4M’s instructors make these resources with high school students in mind and work to keep it fun and engaging. On top of keeping your students excited about PE, keep your administrators happy knowing all of PLT4M’s programs are aligned to Shape America national standards.

How are Plt4m’s high school PE units delivered?

PLT4M is totally flexible and customizable to your classroom, students and teaching style. Use it as much or as selectively as you like to enhance your curriculum. PLT4M is designed to work seamlessly with your classroom technology, whether you have a projector, are one-to-one, or can allow students to use their phones. 

What types of high school physical education activities do you cover?

Our ever-growing library of original content includes a variety of programs intended to spark lifelong physical literacy. Check out the options below: 

• Weight Training 
• Dance Fitness 
• Mindfulness 
• Remote Learning 

Do you only provide fitness activities for high school students?

No, we also have PE lesson plans for middle school students that are age appropriate and engaging! There is something for everyone within PLT4M! 

Share this article:

Recent Posts

Off Season Basketball Workouts For High School Athletes

Spin Bike Workouts For Beginners

Lesson Plans On Emotions For Middle and High School Students

Interested if PLT4M can work at your school?

With SEL playing a more prominent role in the crafting of physical education curriculum, how do you go about addressing mental health by way of emotion?

We discuss the importance of teaching social-emotional development in middle and high schools and provide 3 sample lesson plans on emotions.

How did one high school place students, with their own personal goals and choices, at the center of the approach to Physical Education?

Student-Centered Strength And Fitness Classes

Littlestown High School in Pennsylvania is seeing the positive results of student-centered learning in Strength and Fitness classes.

#SHAPECleveland TODAY at 3:15pm HCC Room 1 In #Pursuit of Better. @PLT4M @FocusedFitness2 @IHTSpirit Tech tools in #physicaleducation Make them work for your students! #PLT4M #IHTSpirit #FocusedFitness #qualitype

How does a High School create a year-round strength and conditioning program that addresses the complete picture of multi-sport athletes, to the benefit of all?

Total Athletic Development at Denmark High School

Denmark High School supports student-athletes total athletic development via year-round strength and conditioning. See how.

Does your PE department have access to a cardio equipment? Have you tried incorporating spin lessons?

Check out spin bike workouts for beginners that are a perfect fit for middle and high school students in PE and athletics.

"In the world of education, it is all about showing progress and improvement.” Can technology enhance the power of the weight training classroom for students and educators alike?

Weight Training Classes Go From Print Outs To PLT4M

Harper Creek HS wanted a better way to measure the growth and progress of students in weight training classes. See how they did it.

The leader in quality Physical Education, Athletics, and Fitness equipment for 75 years.

STEM in the Gym: Tips and Activity Ideas for Physical Education

In many schools around the country, administrators are encouraging teachers to evaluate their methods of teaching. Are we as effective as we could be at preparing our students? Administrators are encouraging teachers to find a better way to engage the students. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has been one of many tools that has helped our teachers better prepare our students for their future. Our school believes that the jobs we are preparing our students for have not yet been created. Think about that! How are we to prepare our students for something that currently doesn’t exist? Our school has been implementing STEM lessons in the classroom for past four years. We just finished our third summer of summer STEM camps. We are into our second school year of being a Computer Science Immersion school with Code to the Future and it is has been my responsibility to include STEM in the Gym. Here is a quote from our schools’ website explaining the new initiative:

“In Kindergarten through grade two, students will balance the time they spend on computers by engaging in hands-on, high-interest lessons with manipulatives, such as Legos, in order to develop an understanding of patterns and sequences that will serve as a foundation for computer programming. Starting in grade three, students will participate in blindfolded chess to develop visual-spatial abilities that would contribute to their success as programmers. In grades four and five, students will start to learn Java, the most popular programming language in the world.” (Davis, 2018)

Three years ago, I was asked to help plan our schools first STEM camp. The plan was to have three classroom teachers teaching STEM activities in the classroom, myself teaching STEM in the Gym and our Technology Teacher engaging the students in the lab.Campers would rotate through all of us in 55-minute intervals.

The focus of my first year was Simple Machines, such as wedges, pulleys, and levers. We culminated by making a robot hand out of paper, string, and straws. The hand simulated the tendons, muscles, and bones in our hands that help us move our fingers to pick up a ball. The video for our 2016 STEM in the GYM can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/CURhDLNrRqU

For our second year of STEM camp, we had a space theme throughout all parts of the camp. In the gym, our focus was how to beat gravity. We studied the weight, size, and density of PE equipment. We studied force and launch angles to give us the best way to beat gravity. Bottle flipping was just catching on, so we studied the science behind the bottle flip. Conclusion: Gravity always wins in PE. But we sure did have fun. The video for our 2017 STEM in the GYM can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/hSYssy1m3Tg

For year three, we just received a grant for 15 Makey Makey boards. Makey Makey is an external circuit board that allows the students to turn everyday objects into touch pads and combine them with the internet to create fun inventive projects. I spent two months studying and researching how to implement Makey Makey into a Physical Education setting and found next to nothing. I was able to create four different stations for the first day of camp. With the campers and myself, we were able to launch ourselves into a whole new world we never expected. By the end of the second week of camp we had created 15 different stations using the Makey Makey boards.The video for our 2018 STEM in the GYM with Makey Makey can also be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/TSMPym-8NG8 . Find 15 Physical Education activities to perform with Makey Makey here.

This school year starts my 23 rd year of teaching physical education. As the number of years grows, so does my mental rolodex of teaching strategies for implementing any cross curricular content. As I mentioned before our school is in our second year of being a Computer Science Immersion school. My primary integration focus has been technology. Here are some of the ways I have been able to integrate technology into my program.

• We are currently playing a game, inspired by Ben Pirillo, that is a spin-off of the board game Battleship. In this game players are using the floor markings and tile pieces to map out the opposing team’s battleship locations, then plan how to knock down their bowling pins. Students are mentally coding the sequence on how to move their Sprite in Scratch.

• At the beginning of the school year, we played a game called Robot. In this game, the students work on spatial awareness. Divide students in to groups of three. One student is the robot programmer and the other two are the robots. Robots have a pretend sensor on their forehead that prevents them from walking into any harm. When danger presents itself, the robot stops and emits a beeping sound. The robot programmer must reprogram their robots to safety.

• Last school year we warmed up with a Scratch coding activity. Students were in groups of three. Place two robots on one side of the gym and the programmer on the other side. In the middle was a plethora of noodles and rubber animal obstacles. Programmer had a poly spot with a directional arrow. Programmer had to direct his/her robot one at a time through the obstacles. Robots could only take one step at a time and only go in the programmed direction. If a robot hit an obstacle, the group’s robot “Glitched” and students had to perform five burpees.
• Using the same directional arrow poly spots, students were divided into groups of eight and given a bunch of noodles. Groups created their own maze with the noodles. One programmer stood at the exit point of the maze while the rest of the group stood at the entrance point of the maze. The students pretended they were a Sphero Ball and the programmer had to guide their Sphero Ball through the maze by providing directional input one step at a time.

• My students are very familiar with the phrase “There’s an app for that”. I have contacted two app developers with suggestion son how I could use their app in my class if they would change or add various parts. The app developers have been able to help me out. I shared these stories with the students on how collaboration within technology can be used.

• We have a morning TV Show. I work with six fifth graders at a time for three weeks intervals to use WireCast software to create and broadcast our Morning TV Show to the school then we upload toYouTube for parents and grandparents.
• We have a Camera Crew made up of fifth graders who walk around the school in the mornings with an iPad broadcasting using the Switcher Studio app what is going on in the classrooms around the school as students are getting ready for their day.
• That same Camera Crew of fifth graders help me broadcast our school assemblies using Switcher Studio through Twitter Periscope for our families to also experience what our students are learning.

• We have a deck of Technology vocabulary words that we put in a small kiddy pool in the center of the gym. Around the perimeter of the gym we have letters of the alphabet with exercises posted under the letters. Students partner up and travel around the gym spelling their Technology vocabulary words while exercising. We use this as a five-minute warmup before we get into our lesson.
• Today in class I found myself pulling the student groups together and guiding them through a group strategy meeting and encouraging them to collaborate with one another. Integration is just part of what we do. It has become so natural within the flow of the lesson, that we don’t even realize what exciting things we are incorporating.

Cross curricular integration and STEM is so much of what we are already doing as physical educators. My administrator loves it when I incorporate the same vocabulary being used in the classroom. They understand I still need to teach physical education, and for some lessons I won’t be able to incorporate cross curricular content. But when I can combine content with physical education, my administration goes crazy.

My objective to STEM or any cross curricular content is to make sure I can keep activity time up. Regardless of what we are doing, activity time for the students must be the focus. When I’m able to keep activity time up and incorporate cross curricular content my students are very receptive. When activity time drops, the activity is a flop. They enjoy the lessons we come up with because they are engaging, active, and fun.

My recommendation to you is to start small. Take tomorrow’s lesson and implement a STEM vocabulary word. Your students will notice, and they’ll get a kick out of it. Slowly, add more vocabulary. Next, your teachers are going to notice. Once you get comfortable, modify an activity. Now, your administrators are going to notice.Get a grant or make a request for new equipment from your PTA/PTO, and now your community is going to take notice.

Thank you for your interest in STEM in the Gym. I hope, I was able to put you at ease and was able to give you the confidence to start implementing some cross curricular content.

If you have any questions or if you want to chat about Elementary Physical Education, STEM in the Gym, or other cross curricular content.

You can reach me at:

[email protected]; Round Hill Elementary; Round Hill, VA

Twitter: @RHEPE1

Website: RHEPE.com

YouTube Channel: RHEPE

  [KL1] We do not sell these as of my proofing. Do we want to take this out?

3 Responses

Great stuff! Some other great resources for STEM in the GYM, written by Cindy Jones, are: STEM in the Gym: Simple Machines, STEM in the GYM: Electricity & Magnetism, and STEM in Motion with Phonics.

Hello! I am very interested in the possibilities for this type of integration. I am in the process of planning some lessons that incorporate fitness activities for the summer and I think it would be an interesting take to incorporate STEM in the Gym as a different vantage point. I would appreciate any feedback, suggestions or potential activity ideas you could share for approximately 2 weeks worth of programming geared toward grades 3-8. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to many resource and have limited know-how going in. Thank you!

Thanks for this!

Coach Jim Ames, Iowa

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The leader in quality Physical Education, Athletics, and Fitness equipment.

Featured Resources

5 ways small sided games make a big impact, author: jessica shawley, a brand new tool for pe you didn’t know you needed, author: brett fuller, 5 skill-based floor hockey games, author: michael beringer, 16 parachute team building activities, author: tim mueller, we're social, motivating unmotivated students​, author: dr. robert pangrazi, jessica shawley, and tim mueller, promoting activity and success through adapted pe, author: dr. robert pangrazi, marci pope and maria corte, author: randy spring.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign up to receive the latest physical education resources, activities, and more from educational professionals like you straight to your inbox!

All Formats

Resource types, all resource types.

• Rating Count
• Price (Ascending)
• Price (Descending)
• Most Recent

Physical education projects

Complete Kindergarten - Grade 2 PE Games - Elementary physical education lessons

Volleyball Unit - Elementary physical education drills, skills & lessons

Easter Fitness Egg Hunt for Physical Education OR the Classroom Teachers!

Mental and Physical Health for Elementary

• Google Apps™

Fast Food Nutrition Lessons for Teen Healthy Eating: 4 Lessons!

Kobe Bryant Collaboration Poster

Build Your Own Field Day! Project Based Learning (PBL) Print & Distance Learning

Sports Craft | Football Player | Super Bowl 2024 | Super Bowl Activities

Health & Wellness Presentation Assignment

• Word Document File
• Internet Activities

Inquiry Based Learning Project: VAPING

Philadelphia Phillies Phanatic Baseball Hat

Nutrition Project for Health Class with Learning Menu, Choice Board, and More

Vaping QR Code Activities: Smoking, Laws, Juuls, E-Cigarettes, Drug Addiction

The Mini-Golf Sculpture Project!

Celebrity Mental Illness Research Project | Mental Health | Distance Learning

• Google Docs™

Sports Craft | Basketball Player Craft | Sport Activities | Basketball Activity

Phys Ed (PE) Fitness Challenge Unit Plan

The Health Triangle Lesson/Project- Basic Health | Physical, Mental and Social

Dance Research Project

High School Nutrition Project

Sports Craft | Baseball Player Craft | Sport Activities | Baseball Activities

New Alberta Curriculum - Grade 6 Health and Wellness - Healthy Relationship Unit

Health Choice Boards & Projects Bundle: Nutrition, Mental Health, Sex Ed, Drugs

Sports Craft | Soccer Player Craft | Sport Activities | Soccer Activities

All-in-One Dance Unit

Make a Tik Tok: Mental Health + Social-Emotional Learning | Social Media Project

Middle & High School PE Fitness Walking Unit - Lifetime Fitness & Wellness

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

Using Project Based Learning in Physical Education

Project Based Learning (PBL) often seems best suited for academic subjects, and when it comes to physical education and play, it's difficult to see how PBL fits. But with a closer look at Gold Standard PBL , and some creative planning, projects have a place in the gym or on the ball field as much as they do in the classroom. Here are some ideas and tips.

Ensure that Physical Education Is Happening

One reason PBL is not often brought into PE classes is that it’s difficult to find a way to encourage physical activity while working on a project. It’s easy to think of projects about health and wellness that may connect to PE class – such as “create a plan for a healthy lifestyle” – but those do not typically involve actual physical activity. While it may require some creativity, it is possible to ensure students are getting physically active while problem solving, conducting inquiry, creating a product, and all the other elements of PBL.

In an article from Whole Child , Andrew Miller explained one way this could work. He presented a scenario where high school seniors were given the task of creating PE units for middle school students, with the goal of encouraging the seniors to apply concepts and strategies they learned in their own PE education to create an engaging unit appropriate for middle school students, similar to those the PE teachers themselves would create. As the students focused on effective solutions, they were required to perform the activities in their unit to ensure that exercise and play were encouraged and achieved, and to prove the units would provide an adequate level of activity.

Create a Compelling Problem or Question

The central focus of Gold Standard PBL is giving students a problem or question they have to answer through the project. The problem or question has to go beyond simple knowledge — it needs to require students to apply the knowledge they have gained.

In Miller's example, the high school seniors, through experience and instruction, knew what activity and play looked like. They were also provided instruction on standards from the National Association for Sports and Physical Education that showed measurable ways they could determine if physical activity and appropriate learning were taking place.

Keep the Task Open Ended

Reflection and student voice and choice are crucial parts of PBL. For a PE classroom attempting to include PBL, keeping the challenge or task open ended is essential; this is done best by asking students to craft something new. Instead of simply quoting back knowledge, they will be involved in inquiry and innovation.

Consider a unit that asks students to create a new game for the class. The teacher may have their students include a skill they’re working on to help them practice, such as dribbling the ball, cardio stamina or one of the NASPE standards. The students are then given free rein to experiment and create, designing a game that will incorporate the skill. The open-ended nature of the challenge makes experimentation natural. Similar ideas include planning and conducting an Olympic Games with original events, or designing and using a running course around the campus (or out in the community, if possible) with obstacles or exercise stations with varying levels of challenge.

Use Peer Feedback

Peer feedback works well in the PE classroom. In the example of a student creating a new game, the class can be asked to play the game. This gives the students more physical activity, and also gives the game's creator crucial feedback as to what works and what doesn’t. Revision, another important spoke on the Gold Standard wheel, is often necessary to perfect the game.

Know the Educational Goal

While the student's main goal is to create and present a product, the entire project needs to center on the unit’s educational goal. From the beginning, teachers should have a clear understanding of what they hope to accomplish through the PBL process, whether it’s meeting PE curriculum standards or seeing students excited and engaged by physical activity.

PBL is effective because it involves the students on a deeper level, providing them with real-world skills they can take into college and beyond. Both of these benefits make it worth considering as an addition to the traditional gym class.

Do you have ideas for projects in PE? Make a comment below!

Don't miss a thing! Get PBL resources, tips and news delivered to your inbox.

• How to Teach

How to Teach Fitness

When teaching Fitness in Physical Education lessons, it is helpful to have a range of activities, teaching models and styles in the toolbox to help ensure students make great progress. Fitness lessons can be delivered in a range of ways depending upon the age, group size, resources available and your level of knowledge of the game.

If teaching lower Elementary (Primary/KS1) you may want to opt for a range of fun games and challenges that are intermittent in nature which more closely replicates children's play. This could be tag games where when students are tagged they have to perform an exercise like star jumps until they are set free by a classmate. However, teaching Fundamental Movement Skills would be more age appropriate at this stage of their development and you can always drip-feed in health education principles into those lessons.

For upper Elementary (Primary/KS2) students can experience a range of games, activities, and short workout challenges with age-appropriate exercises. Exercises that wouldn't be age appropriate would be ones that they are unable to perform with good/safe technique e.g., a push-up may not be deemed appropriate for many younger students as they lack the strength to perform correctly. Nonetheless, most bodyweight exercises will be appropriate but should be closely monitored by the teacher. Once again encouraging students to work in pairs to observe and coach each other into good technique is a great way to emphasize quality technique.

Once students move into Middle-School (KS3) and High-School (KS4 & 5) this is where students can begin to experience increasingly more challenging exercise activities from cardiovascular challenges and workouts to even designing their own routine using exercise principles.

Below are a few Fitness activities and example skill cards with fitness principles that are from our ‘Full Fitness Pack’ that you can download today and use in your lessons.

Activity: PARTNER CIRCUIT

• EQUIPMENT: Benches, exercise mats
• SPACE: Gymnasium or large open space
• DURATION: 10-30 mins
• GROUPINGS: 2's/Whole Class

Description: For the track - set up four cones around the corners of the gym, and two small cones on each side of the area to represent gates. For the stations – set up mats inside of the track (one mat per pair). Provide pupils with an order of exercises which they have to complete (8-12 exercises). Pupils take it in turns to perform the exercise while their partner completes laps of the gym (1-3 laps recommended) – runners must enter and exit the exercise area via the nearest gate. There are no specified number of reps for the exercises on the mats, as pupils must continue that exercise until their partner has completed their laps. For example, 1 performs Push ups, whilst 2 runs laps; then 2 performs Push ups, whilst 1 runs laps; 1 performs Squats, whilst 2 runs laps etc. If pupils complete all the designated exercises before the time expires, they start back at the first exercise and continue.

Teaching Points

• Keep a smooth and controlled movement
• Maintain a neutral spine
• Breath regularly
• Avoid locking joints
• Work at your own level
• What are the main teaching points for the Squat?
• Which exercise was the hardest to perform?
• Why do you think we should avoid locking our joints when exercising?
• Compare and comment on your own and partner’s technique. What were your strengths and weaknesses?

Activity: AMRAP

• EQUIPMENT: Benches, exercise mats, Cones, Skipping rope
• SPACE: Exercise mat size per pair
• DURATION: 8-15 mins
• GROUPINGS: Individual/Pairs

Description: Students work individually or in pairs with a mat each. Pupils can either plan a sequence of exercises (approximately 5-12) or the teacher can provide them with one. The aim of this workout is to complete As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) within a designated time period e.g., 8-15 mins. This workout can be performed with minimal equipment and space and optimizes use of time.

• What does AMRAP stand for?
• What do you think are the benefits of this type of training?
• What kind of people is this training most suitable for? Unsuitable?

Skill Card: Squats

Skill Cards: When teaching Fitness it can be extremely useful for students to use skill cards to deepen their understanding of exercise techniques. For example, when trying to teach students how to squat they could use the above skill card to learn about the technique with a partner. Then they can take turns performing the exercise whilst their partner observes and gives feedback. This is an example of a 'Reciprocal Teaching Style' which you can learn more about in our 'Teaching Styles' article.

Skill Card: Hand Eye Coordination

Skill Cards: When teaching Fitness, you can also use skill cards to help perform fitness tests. For example, the above skill card has two sides - on one side a diagram and description of how to conduct the test; then on the reverse a table with normative data where students can compare their results and set personal goals. Another good example of the 'Reciprocal Teaching Style' which you can learn more about in our 'Teaching Styles' article.

Training Method Card: F.I.T.T.

Another great thing about skill cards is that they can be used to pepper in teaching points and principles such as the above FITT principle. One simple way to use this in a circuit is to have these type of cards placed as a recover/rest station where student can take a short break a read the principle with a partner.

Would you like to deliver high-quality health and fitness lessons in your PE class? If so, then this pack is for you! It has been developed by highly-qualified and experienced PE teachers for specialists and non-specialists alike who want to deliver fun, engaging fitness lessons where students can make exceptional progress.

In the Full Fitness Pack by the PE Project you will find:

• Lots of Fitness activities and games
• Exercise Cards
• Fitness Test Cards & Normative Data
• Lesson Plans
• Personal Exercise Program (for students to fill out)
• Non-doer sheets
• Plus lots of additional extras like questions, teaching recommendations, differentiation strategies.

The Full Fitness Pack

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Free Tennis activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Free Basketball activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Free Track & Field activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Free Volleyball activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Free FMS activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Free Soccer activities for your Phys Ed. lessons.

Implementing PBL in PE Classes

Physical education performances and playing the whole game.

Many schools have been looking to implement project-based learning, or PBL, for improved student learning. In this instructional approach, students are first presented with a real-world problem or issue with the goal of crafting a solution or response. During the process of developing their response through questioning, research, ideation, and solution building, students develop a host of other essential life skills such as collaboration, leadership and project management.

PBL is a powerful approach to content learning, but does that mean physical education should jump on board as well? Here are a few things to consider.

Project vs. Performance

The vocabulary of project-based learning often gets in the way of using this approach in a variety of settings, especially physical education. PE is about activity and building movement skills with your body and brain, not sitting at a desk working on a project. An easy solution is to insert the word performance every time you encounter the word project . A similar terminology switch can be helpful in music and the arts too.

The language of performance-based assessments is a place to start. What can you ask students to do to demonstrate proficiency? This could be a performance or a product and oftentimes the lines are blurred. For example, acting for a video is a performance, making a speech to local business owners is a performance, even writing a letter to persuade local government officials is a performance.

PBL in the PE Classroom

According to the SHAPEAmerica standards, the goal of physical education is to "develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity."

While this goal certainly does not state one needs to meet standards with a project or PBL, it also does not state play basketball. But basketball is a part of many PE programs because it is a way to help students meet this goal, and more specifically:

• [demonstrate] competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
• [apply] knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

PBL offers similar opportunities.

UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were approved by all member nations in 2015. The 17 SDGs are designed to promote peace and prosperity for all people now and in the future. The third goal, Good Health and Well-Being is perfectly suited to the goals of the Physical Education Curriculum.

Specifically, SDG Goal 3 encourages the world to develop solutions that "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." The wording of this goal opens up a range of possibilities for "products" that meet the goals of physical education as well.

For example, students in PE classes could:

• Develop fitness courses and signage for their school or community.
• Work with their food service department to design a healthy school lunch menu .
• Raise awareness and promote mental health.
• Use 3D printers to construct prosthetic hands for those who can't afford them.
• Develop PSAs to promote health and safety .
• Partner with a local sports team to apply their strategies to improving fitness community-wide.

Find Connections to Other Subjects

You might also connect fitness, health, and safety topics to learning in other subjects. For example, physics teachers at Dripping Springs High School in Texas asked students to help improve the free throw percentages of players on their basketball team. Students dissected a specific player's free throw shooting to determine if the issue might be trajectory or force, mapping out the parabola and making physics-based suggestions for improvement.

While this was a physics classroom, PE students can certainly benefit from using properties of physics to improve their own sports performance. Similarly, athletes benefit from knowledge of structure, function, body systems, and nutrition.

Students in history class at South Doyle High School in Tennessee noticed a lack of sidewalks in their community, impacting both safety and possibilities for active lifestyles. After a visit by a city engineer, students quickly learned about budgets and the criteria for constructing new sidewalks.

While PE needs to include physical activity and movement, tackling health requires skills that may not normally shine during a typical PE class. This allows many kids to participate in physical education classes in ways they wouldn't otherwise normally, forming better connections between students and valuing a range of skills for athletic and non-athletic students.

Use Big Ideas to Guide Instructional Design

Any great PBL addresses a big idea and involves an interesting question or challenge to drive student motivation and engagement. Start by considering big ideas and essential questions in physical education, like:

• How can you take care of yourself?
• What does it mean to be healthy?
• What motivates a person to be healthy?

Use the big ideas to drive instructional goals and help you develop more specific questions to drive student work. For example, the essential question of "What does it mean to be physically fit?" can be made into more specific and actionable driving questions like:

• How can I personally increase and maintain proper fitness?
• Can I design a game to make fitness or skill practice more fun?
• How can I motivate someone else to increase and maintain proper fitness?

Even better, kick off a unit by asking that question to students and let them come up with more specific applications and questions to drive their work, boosting motivation, engagement, ownership and responsibility.

PE Educators as PBL Leaders

Connecting PBL to the content area of physical education may not be obvious, but it is easy to connect the pedagogy of the PE teachers. I might even argue that many sites implement PBL in order to make core learning a lot more like the experience students have in PE!

PE teachers are uniquely qualified to support a PBL approach. Why? Consider David Perkins's statement, "You don't learn to play baseball by a year of batting practice." In his book, Making Learning Whole , Perkins describes the often " elementis " nature of academics, where students are taught individual pieces (rules, theories, and procedures) with the promise that they will learn them later in high school or college.

Physical education doesn't ask students to wait, students learn to play sports, not just develop specific sports skills. While students may practice skills, they are quickly applied and learned more deeply through playing the whole game and in doing so:

• make the game worth playing,
• provide obvious reasons to work on the hard parts,
• play out of town (use it in different contexts),
• help reveal the hidden game, and
• learn from the team (social, interactive, and interdependent).

Grant Wiggins words it similarly:

"In athletics this is very clear: the game is the curriculum; the game is the teacher. And each game is different (even as helpful patterns emerge). Knowledge about the game is secondary, an offshoot of learning to play the game well. As I learn to play, knowledge — about rules, strategy, and technique — accrues, but it is not the point."

This doesn't mean "gamify" the classroom, but being clear that the goal of classroom learning isn't knowledge about a subject, but using that knowledge in order to actively think like a mathematician, inquire like a scientist, or work as a historian.

Instead of asking PE teachers to implement PBL, consider asking them to coach and model a more performance-based approach to learning for the ELA, math, science, and social studies teachers working to take a PBL approach to learning.

In Conclusion

Before you ask physical education classes to implement PBL, consider the goals of PBL and the nature of physical education. By asking PE teachers to implement classroom projects, we can actually encourage them to move away from the student-centered, powerful nature of PBL by moving to an " aboutis " form of learning where students end up telling us about a sport without "taking part in the processes that created that knowledge."

PBL does, however, provide powerful opportunities for students to become physically literate, understanding the benefits of involvement in physical activity and understanding how it contributes to overall health.

by Melinda Kolk

Melinda Kolk ( @melindak ) is the Editor of Creative Educator and the author of Teaching with Clay Animation . She has been helping educators implement project-based learning and creative technologies like clay animation into classroom teaching and learning for the past 15 years.

Project-based Learning Professional Development

Creative Educator can help you bring project-based learning to your school.

• What is PBL and why do it?
• Make It Matter! Move it from projects to project-based learning
• Developing the questions for project-based learning
• Write a Great Authentic Task
• It's the Process, Not the Product
• Assessing Project Work
• Formative assessment during project-based learning
• Collaboration
• PBL and Presentations of Learning

Six ways to implement digital storytelling

Get the most out of collaboration during student project work

The glorious, wonderful, empty page

Make It Matter! Move from projects to project-based learning

More sites to help you find success in your classroom

Share your ideas, imagination, and understanding through writing, art, voice, and video.

Rubric Maker

Create custom rubrics for your classroom.

Pics4Learning

A curated, copyright-friendly image library that is safe and free for education.

Write, record, and illustrate a sentence.

Interactive digital worksheets for grades K-8 to use in Brightspace or Canvas.

Professional Learning

Digital Storytelling

21st Century Classrooms

Project-based Learning

Teaching and Learning

Informational Text

English Language Aquisition

Language Arts

Social Studies

Visual Arts

© 2024 Tech4Learning, Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

© 2024 Tech4Learning, Inc | All Rights Reserved | https://www.thecreativeeducator.com

Physical Education Ideas

Games, activities and more

Discover games, activities and other useful P.E. needs

Physical Education develops students’ competence and confidence to take part in a range of physical activities that become a central part of their lives, both in and out of school.

Not only does a high-quality PE curriculum enable students to enjoy and succeed in many kinds of physical activities, but research also suggests that it helps students succeed in other academic subjects as well. 

Clicking on the links below will take you on  a journey towards high quality, practical resources that will help you and your students on the path to success.

Curriculum Maps (K - 6) 

Get the complete K - 6 guide for teaching Physical Education (FREE)

Alphabet Word Wall

Explore this great visual display for your classroom or Gym today.

Get your kids running with these TAG Games - FOR FREE!  You're It!

Instant Activities

Enjoy a series of instant activities that can help as a brain break or just a bit of fun!

Cooperative Games

Explore these cooperative games and get your students working together.

Game Sense Wall Posters

Download this great visual display for your primary students on the 4 types of "Game Sense." (FREE)

P.E. Display Posters

5 Colourful and engaging P.E. display posters.

Warm-up Activities

Enjoy a series of warm-up activities to get your class engaged from the start of the lesson.

Team Challenges

Get your students learning the art of teamwork and communication with these series of games.

"I CAN" Posters

Enjoy the popular "I CAN" posters that help guide students learning in Early Childhood

PE Games Super Bundle

Over 100 Games in this super bundle pack.  Find something new to engage your students.

T&F Carnival Run Sheets

Download this FREE resource that has 3 different types of Track & Field carnival run sheets (FREE)

40 Large Group Games

Engage your students with these fun, detailed large group games

Active Icebreakers

Perfect way to start your P.E. Year with these 25 get to know you ice breaker activities.

Inspirational PE Posters

Inspire and motivate your students with these colourful and engaging posters.

Why PE poster

Brighten your PE space with this influential and engaging poster (FREE)

Fitness Circuits

Explore these fitness circuits with results and goal setting sheets (FREE)

• Our Mission

There has been an error with the video.

How to Make PE More Inclusive

When gym class is a place where all students feel welcome, phys ed has the power to help kids develop lifelong habits of well-being.

Though the positive link between exercise and learning is clear, PE (physical education) can instill a feeling of dread in many students. If movement is essential to learning, how can we shake off the negative reputation of gym class and encourage kids to take full advantage of the brain benefits that come with physical activity? Explore four ways to reimagine PE and get kids moving and engaged—from giving more choice in kinds of activities to offering noncompetitive and competitive options.

To read the research cited in the video, check out the links below:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) framework for schools on increasing physical education and activity (2019)
• Harold W. Kohl III and Heather D. Cook’s report on educating the student body by taking physical activity and physical education to school (2013) 

For more information on how PE is evolving around the country, see Paige Tutt’s Edutopia article “ How Schools Are Reframing Gym Class to Be More Engaging ,” which was based in part on Linda Flanagan’s reporting for KQED/MindShift in the article “ Six Ways Schools Improved PE to Prioritize Student Interests and Motivation .” And find more resources about integrating physical education with wellness in the Edutopia video Making Physical Education More Well-Rounded .

Physical Education and Physical Activity

Schools are in a unique position to help students attain the nationally recommended 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. 1 Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and well-being and preventing various health conditions. 1–3

To learn more about benefits of physical activity, physical activity behaviors of young people, and recommendations, visit Physical Activity Facts . For more information on the Physical Activity Guidelines , 2 nd edition, visit Physical Activity Guidelines for School-Aged Children and Adolescents . Find out what CDC is doing nationwide to help more adults, children, and adolescents become physically active.

Figure 1. The 5 components of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program PDF [PDF – 247 KB] | JPEG | PNG

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Framework [PDF – 3 MB]

This document provides school health professionals, school administrators, physical education teachers, other school staff, and parents with detailed information on the components of a CSPAP framework. It identifies key professional development opportunities and resources to help schools implement the framework.

Infographic

Benefits of School-Based Physical Activity

A CSPAP can increase physical activity opportunities before, during, and after school. This graphic explains how 60 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can benefit a  student’s health and directly impact teachers and the community.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: A Guide for Schools [PDF – 6 MB]

CDC, in collaboration with SHAPE America, developed a step-by-step guide for schools and school districts to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school physical activity programs. The guide can be read and used by an existing school health council or wellness committee, or by a new group or committee made up of physical education coordinators and teachers, classroom teachers, school administrators, recess supervisors, before- and after-school program supervisors, parents, and community members. It can be used to develop a new comprehensive school physical activity program or assess and improve an existing one.

Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: A Guide for Schools [EPUB – 5 MB]

The eBook can be viewed on your iOS (iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch) or Android device with an eReader. An eReader is an app that can display eBooks on your mobile device or tablet.

If you do not have an eReader app installed on your iOS (iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch) device, search the App Store for an eReader, like iBooks. If you do not have an eReader app installed on your Android device, search the Google Play Store for an eReader. After an eReader app is installed on your device, you can download the eBook and open it on your device.

The purpose of this module  is to familiarize you with the components of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program and the process for developing, implementing, and evaluating one. After this module , you should be able to take the next steps to begin the process of developing a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program .

The course objectives are for you to:

• Understand the importance and benefits of youth physical activity.
• Recognize the components of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program.
• Learn the process for developing, implementing, and evaluating a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program .
• US Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2 nd edition. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2018.
• Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community: A Collaborative Approach to Learning and Health. 2014. Retrieved from  http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/siteASCD/publications/wholechild/wscc-a-collaborative-approach.pdf [PDF – 2.24 MB] .
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. MMWR. 2011;60(No. RR-5):28–33.

Healthy Youth

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

Physical Education Project On Swimming For Class 11th

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement

Embarking on the journey of crafting “Dive into Fitness: A Comprehensive Physical Education Project on Swimming for Class 11th” has been a fulfilling endeavor, and it brings me great pleasure to express my gratitude to those who have contributed to its realization. Firstly, I extend my sincere thanks to my physical education teachers whose guidance and expertise have been invaluable in shaping the content of this project. Their passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle through swimming has been a constant source of inspiration. I am also deeply thankful for the support and encouragement from my peers who provided constructive feedback, fostering an environment of collaboration and shared enthusiasm. Additionally, I would like to acknowledge the broader community of swimmers, coaches, and researchers whose collective knowledge has enriched the depth and breadth of this project. This endeavor would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends, who patiently encouraged me throughout the process. Lastly, I express my gratitude to the vast pool of resources available, both online and offline, that have served as a wellspring of information. This project stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of a community dedicated to promoting the holistic benefits of swimming in physical education.

Introduction

In the fluid world of physical education, where the pursuit of holistic well-being is paramount, the rhythmic strokes and buoyant movements of swimming emerge as a beacon of fitness. Welcome to a dive into the essence of aquatic vitality – a comprehensive exploration titled “Dive into Fitness: A Physical Education Project on Swimming for Class 11th.” In this project, we plunge into the refreshing waters of swimming, not merely as a skill but as a transformative journey towards physical, mental, and emotional wellness. As we navigate the currents of knowledge, we aim to unravel the multifaceted benefits, unravel the technical nuances, and explore the profound impact that swimming can have on an individual’s overall health. Join us in this immersive experience, where the confluence of education and aquatic fitness propels us into the depths of understanding, appreciating, and integrating swimming into the fabric of physical education. It’s time to make a splash – both in the pool and on the path to a healthier lifestyle.

Features Of Swimming

• Comprehensive Exploration: The project offers a thorough examination of swimming, encompassing its historical significance, health benefits, various strokes, safety measures, and its potential integration into the school’s physical education curriculum.
• Health-Focused Approach: Emphasis is placed on the health benefits of swimming, covering cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, weight management, and stress reduction. The project aims to highlight swimming not just as a sport but as a holistic fitness activity.
• Technique Breakdown: The project meticulously breaks down the fundamental techniques of swimming, providing a clear understanding of essential skills such as breathing, floating, and body positioning. It also explores the nuances of popular swimming strokes like freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
• Safety First: Recognizing the paramount importance of safety, the project delves into water safety measures and basic lifesaving skills. It equips students with knowledge essential for a secure aquatic experience.
• Historical Context: A historical perspective on swimming is presented, tracing its evolution from a survival skill to a competitive and recreational activity. Understanding the roots of swimming adds depth to the appreciation of this water-based fitness endeavor.
• Integration into Curriculum: The project explores the feasibility of incorporating swimming into the school’s physical education curriculum. It discusses potential challenges, benefits, and extracurricular opportunities, paving the way for a more holistic approach to fitness education.
• Engaging Visuals and Resources: To enhance comprehension, the project incorporates engaging visuals, diagrams, and multimedia resources. These aids serve as valuable tools for a more interactive and immersive learning experience.
• Collaborative Community Involvement: Acknowledging the contributions of the broader swimming community, the project integrates insights from swimmers, coaches, and researchers. This collaborative approach enriches the content with diverse perspectives and expertise.
• Inspiration for Lifelong Fitness: Beyond the classroom, the project aspires to inspire a lifelong commitment to fitness through swimming. By showcasing the enduring benefits and joy of swimming, it encourages students to embrace aquatic activities as part of their ongoing wellness journey.
• Holistic Wellness Advocacy: “Dive into Fitness” is not just a project; it’s an advocacy for holistic wellness through swimming. By combining education, physical activity, and safety awareness, the project strives to create a platform for students to develop a positive and enduring relationship with aquatic fitness.

Uses Of Swimming

The “Dive into Fitness: A Physical Education Project on Swimming for Class 11th” holds immense value and serves various purposes, contributing to the holistic development of students and the broader educational community. Here are some key uses of this physical education project:

• Promoting Physical Fitness: The project serves as a catalyst for promoting physical fitness among students. By exploring the health benefits of swimming, it encourages regular physical activity that contributes to cardiovascular health, muscle toning, and overall well-being.
• Skill Development: Through a detailed breakdown of swimming techniques and strokes, the project becomes a practical guide for skill development. It empowers students with the knowledge and confidence to engage in swimming as a lifelong skill.
• Safety Awareness: Incorporating water safety measures and lifesaving skills, the project enhances safety awareness. Students not only learn how to swim but also acquire essential knowledge about staying safe in aquatic environments, fostering a responsible approach to water activities.
• Educational Enrichment: The project provides an educational enrichment opportunity, offering historical insights into swimming and its evolution. This historical context adds depth to the educational experience, connecting the physical activity to its cultural and historical significance.
• Curricular Integration: With a focus on the feasibility of integrating swimming into the school’s physical education curriculum, the project becomes a resource for curriculum development. It opens discussions on the benefits of diversifying physical education programs and introduces the idea of incorporating aquatic activities.
• Multimedia Learning: Incorporating engaging visuals and multimedia resources, the project caters to diverse learning styles. It becomes a versatile educational tool, enhancing understanding through visual aids, diagrams, and interactive content.
• Community Collaboration: The project encourages collaboration within the school community by acknowledging the contributions of swimmers, coaches, and researchers. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the benefits of swimming.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: By discussing the potential for creating swimming clubs, competitions, and events within the school, the project opens doors to extracurricular opportunities. These activities not only reinforce the lessons learned but also provide avenues for social interaction and team building.
• Promoting Lifelong Fitness Habits: Beyond the immediate curriculum, the project serves as a foundation for promoting lifelong fitness habits. By instilling an appreciation for swimming, it encourages students to embrace aquatic activities as a regular part of their fitness routine even beyond the classroom setting.
• Empowering Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Ultimately, the project becomes a tool for empowering students to make healthy lifestyle choices. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in a physically active and safety-conscious lifestyle, setting the stage for lifelong well-being.

Advantages Of Swimming

Engaging in swimming as part of a physical education program offers a multitude of advantages, promoting holistic well-being and personal development. Here are the key advantages of incorporating swimming into physical education:

• Cardiovascular Fitness: Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that enhances heart health and improves overall circulation. Regular swimming sessions contribute to increased stamina and endurance.
• Full-Body Workout: Unlike some other forms of exercise, swimming engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout. This leads to improved muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.
• Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming is a low-impact activity, making it gentle on the joints and suitable for individuals with joint issues or those recovering from injuries. This characteristic allows for sustained physical activity without excessive strain on the body.
• Weight Management: Swimming is an effective calorie-burning activity that supports weight management. It helps burn calories while toning muscles, making it a valuable component of any fitness routine aimed at weight control.
• Stress Reduction: The rhythmic and repetitive nature of swimming, combined with the soothing properties of water, promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Swimming is an ideal activity for promoting mental well-being and combating the effects of stress.
• Lifesaving Skills: Learning to swim includes acquiring essential lifesaving skills such as floating, treading water, and basic rescue techniques. These skills not only enhance personal safety in aquatic environments but also instill a sense of confidence and responsibility.
• Improved Respiratory Function: Swimming requires controlled and rhythmic breathing, contributing to improved respiratory function. This aspect is particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions, promoting better lung capacity and efficiency.
• Enhanced Coordination and Motor Skills: The varied strokes and movements involved in swimming enhance coordination and motor skills. Students develop a heightened sense of body awareness and control, which can positively impact other physical activities and daily tasks.
• Social Interaction: Swimming, often performed in a communal setting, provides opportunities for social interaction. Whether through group lessons, swimming clubs, or team activities, students can develop social skills and a sense of camaraderie.
• Lifelong Fitness Habit Formation: Introducing swimming in physical education encourages the formation of lifelong fitness habits. The skills and positive experiences gained during swimming classes can inspire individuals to continue swimming as a regular part of their fitness routine throughout their lives.
• Adaptability for All Ages: Swimming is an activity that can be adapted to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels. It offers a lifelong fitness option that can be continued well into adulthood and senior years.
• Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem: Mastering the art of swimming and achieving milestones in aquatic skills can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming challenges in the water translates to increased self-assurance in various aspects of life.

Disadvantages Of Swimming

While swimming is a highly beneficial physical activity, incorporating it into a physical education project may come with some challenges and potential disadvantages. It’s important to address these aspects to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the implications. Here are some potential disadvantages:

• Limited Accessibility: Not all schools or educational institutions have easy access to swimming facilities. The lack of a nearby pool can limit the implementation of a swimming-focused physical education project, making it impractical for some educational settings.
• Cost and Resource Constraints: Building and maintaining a swimming pool can be expensive. The financial investment required for pool construction, maintenance, and the procurement of swimming-related equipment may pose a significant challenge for schools with budget constraints.
• Safety Concerns: Supervising swimming activities requires specialized lifeguard training and constant vigilance. Safety concerns, especially for a large group of students in the water, can be a potential disadvantage if not managed effectively. Adequate safety measures and personnel are essential for a successful swimming program.
• Weather Dependency: Outdoor swimming facilities are susceptible to weather conditions. Adverse weather, such as storms or extreme temperatures, can disrupt swimming lessons, leading to a less consistent and predictable physical education experience.
• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating transportation to and from swimming facilities, managing changing rooms, and organizing class schedules around pool availability can present logistical challenges. These challenges may add complexity to the implementation of a swimming-focused physical education program.
• Learning Curve for Non-Swimmers: Teaching swimming to students who are not familiar with aquatic environments can be challenging. The initial learning curve for non-swimmers may slow down the progression of the program, requiring additional time and resources for basic skill development.
• Time Constraints: The time required for students to change into swimsuits, attend swimming classes, and change back into regular clothing may consume a significant portion of the class period. This time factor can impact the overall efficiency of the physical education schedule.
• Curriculum Imbalance: If not carefully integrated, a heavy emphasis on swimming may lead to an imbalance in the overall physical education curriculum. It’s important to ensure that other important aspects of physical fitness and education are not neglected in the pursuit of swimming-specific activities.
• Individual Comfort Levels: Some students may have discomfort or anxiety related to water activities. The pressure to participate in swimming classes may create negative experiences for these individuals, impacting their overall enjoyment of physical education.
• Potential Exclusion: Physical education projects centered around swimming may inadvertently exclude students with certain health conditions or disabilities that prevent them from participating safely. Ensuring inclusivity becomes a crucial consideration in such cases.
• Uniform and Equipment Issues: Managing swimming attire, including appropriate swimsuits and accessories, can pose logistical challenges. Additionally, providing suitable equipment for all students, such as swim caps or goggles, may add to the complexity of implementation.

It’s essential to address these potential disadvantages proactively, taking measures to mitigate risks and ensure a positive and inclusive experience for all students involved in swimming-focused physical education projects.

Objectives Of Swimming

The objectives of the physical education project on swimming, titled “Dive into Fitness: A Comprehensive Exploration of Swimming for Class 11th,” are designed to achieve a well-rounded and beneficial learning experience for students. The primary objectives include:

• Promoting Physical Fitness: Foster an understanding of swimming as a full-body workout that contributes to cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, and overall physical well-being. Encourage regular physical activity through swimming to enhance students’ stamina, endurance, and flexibility.
• Skill Development: Provide a platform for students to acquire and refine essential swimming skills, including basic strokes, floating techniques, and rhythmic breathing. Develop proficiency in various swimming strokes such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
• Safety Awareness: Instill a sense of water safety through the acquisition of basic lifesaving skills, ensuring students can navigate aquatic environments with confidence and responsibility. Promote awareness of safety measures, emergency procedures, and proper conduct in and around the swimming pool.
• Educational Enrichment: Explore the historical evolution of swimming, offering students a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and practical aspects of this essential life skill and sport. Integrate educational components to enhance students’ knowledge of aquatic environments, emphasizing the importance of water conservation and environmental awareness.
• Curricular Integration: Investigate the feasibility of integrating swimming into the school’s physical education curriculum, considering potential benefits, challenges, and extracurricular opportunities. Propose strategies for combining swimming activities with other elements of the physical education curriculum to create a well-balanced program.
• Multimedia Learning: Utilize engaging visuals, diagrams, and multimedia resources to enhance the learning experience, catering to diverse learning styles and maximizing comprehension. Foster interactive learning through multimedia presentations, virtual simulations, and real-life examples of swimming techniques.
• Community Collaboration: Acknowledge and incorporate insights from the broader swimming community, including swimmers, coaches, and researchers, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Encourage participation in swimming clubs, competitions, and events within the school community to promote teamwork and camaraderie.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: Explore the potential for creating extracurricular activities related to swimming, such as swim clubs, competitions, and recreational events, providing students with additional opportunities for skill enhancement and social interaction.
• Promoting Lifelong Fitness Habits: Inspire students to view swimming as a lifelong fitness activity by highlighting its enduring benefits and versatility. Encourage the adoption of swimming as a regular fitness routine beyond the classroom, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Empowering Personal Growth: Enhance students’ confidence and self-esteem by providing opportunities to overcome challenges in the water and achieve personal milestones. Cultivate a positive attitude toward physical fitness and personal growth, emphasizing the lifelong impact of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

These objectives collectively aim to create a comprehensive and enriching learning experience, fostering not only physical fitness but also essential life skills and a positive attitude towards lifelong well-being.

Benefits Of Swimming

The physical education project on swimming, titled “Dive into Fitness: A Comprehensive Exploration of Swimming for Class 11th,” offers a range of benefits that extend beyond the confines of traditional physical education. These benefits encompass various aspects of physical, mental, and social well-being, contributing to the holistic development of students. Here are the key benefits:

• Enhanced Physical Fitness: project promotes swimming as a full-body workout, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. Students engage in a low-impact exercise that contributes to overall physical well-being and stamina.
• Skill Acquisition and Proficiency: Through the project, students acquire essential swimming skills, including proper strokes, breathing techniques, and water safety measures. The development of swimming proficiency empowers students with a valuable life skill that extends beyond the classroom.
• Improved Mental Well-being: Swimming, with its rhythmic and meditative nature, contributes to stress reduction and mental relaxation. The project encourages a positive mindset, fostering mental well-being through regular engagement in aquatic activities.
• Safety Awareness and Lifesaving Skills: Students gain a heightened awareness of water safety, learning essential lifesaving skills that are crucial for personal safety in aquatic environments. The project equips students with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Educational Enrichment: The historical exploration of swimming provides an educational dimension, offering students insights into the cultural and historical significance of this activity. The project enhances students’ knowledge of aquatic environments, promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
• Curricular Integration and Balance: The project explores the integration of swimming into the physical education curriculum, providing a well-rounded and balanced approach to fitness education. Students benefit from a diverse physical education curriculum that includes both land-based and aquatic activities.
• Multimedia Learning and Interactive Education: Incorporating engaging visuals and multimedia resources enhances the learning experience, catering to diverse learning styles. The use of interactive educational tools fosters a dynamic and participatory learning environment.
• Community Collaboration and Team Building: Collaboration with the broader swimming community, including swimmers, coaches, and researchers, creates a sense of community and shared enthusiasm. Extracurricular opportunities, such as swim clubs and competitions, promote teamwork and camaraderie among students.
• Promotion of Lifelong Fitness Habits: The project inspires students to view swimming as a lifelong fitness activity, encouraging them to continue engaging in aquatic fitness beyond the classroom. Students develop a positive attitude toward regular physical activity and the incorporation of swimming into their long-term wellness routines.
• Empowerment of Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges in the water and achieving swimming milestones enhances students’ confidence and self-esteem. The project instills a sense of personal growth and accomplishment, fostering a positive mindset toward physical fitness and lifelong well-being.

These benefits collectively contribute to creating a comprehensive and enriching physical education experience centered around swimming, promoting not only physical fitness but also valuable life skills and positive attitudes toward overall wellness.

In conclusion, “Dive into Fitness: A Comprehensive Exploration of Swimming for Class 11th” stands as a beacon of holistic education, seamlessly merging the realms of physical fitness, skill development, and personal growth. Through the multifaceted benefits outlined in this project, we envision a transformative journey for students that transcends the traditional boundaries of physical education.

The project underscores the undeniable advantages of swimming as a full-body workout, fostering cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility. Beyond the physical realm, it delves into the acquisition of essential swimming skills, emphasizing not just proficiency but a lifelong commitment to water safety and responsible aquatic engagement.

Moreover, “Dive into Fitness” extends beyond the confines of the classroom, providing an educational enrichment that traces the historical tapestry of swimming. This historical context not only adds depth to the students’ understanding but also highlights the cultural and historical significance of this timeless activity.

The project’s emphasis on safety awareness and lifesaving skills underscores our commitment to empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate aquatic environments responsibly. Through collaboration with the wider swimming community, we aim to instill a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm, fostering a community that extends beyond the school walls.

By integrating multimedia learning tools, we strive to create an engaging and interactive educational experience, catering to diverse learning styles and maximizing comprehension. The exploration of curricular integration and extracurricular opportunities underscores our dedication to creating a balanced and dynamic physical education program.

Ultimately, “Dive into Fitness” is more than a project; it’s a journey toward lifelong fitness habits and personal growth. It inspires students to view swimming not merely as a curriculum component but as a gateway to enhanced mental well-being, stress reduction, and a positive mindset.

As we wrap up this exploration, we envision students emerging not only as proficient swimmers but as individuals empowered with a holistic understanding of fitness, safety, and the enduring benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. “Dive into Fitness” is an invitation to make a splash into a future where physical education transcends boundaries, enriching lives and fostering a lifelong commitment to well-being.

• USA Swimming
• Swimming World Magazine
• Search for relevant articles on swimming and physical education in databases like PubMed or JSTOR .
• International Swimming Federation (FINA)
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Swimming and Diving

Certificate Of Completion

This is to certify that I, [Student’s Name], a [Class/Grade Level] student, have successfully completed the project on “Physical Education Project On Swimming For Class 11th”.The project explores the fundamental principles and key aspects of the chosen topic, providing a comprehensive understanding of its significance and implications.

In this project, I delved into in-depth research and analysis, investigating various facets and relevant theories related to the chosen topic. I demonstrated dedication, diligence, and a high level of sincerity throughout the project’s completion.

Key Achievements:

Thoroughly researched and analyzed Physical Education Project On Swimming For Class 11th. Examined the historical background and evolution of the subject matter. Explored the contributions of notable figures in the field. Investigated the key theories and principles associated with the topic. Discussed practical applications and real-world implications. Considered critical viewpoints and alternative theories, fostering a well-rounded understanding. This project has significantly enhanced my knowledge and critical thinking skills in the chosen field of study. It reflects my commitment to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge.

In order to download the PDF, You must follow on Youtube. Once done, Click on Submit

Subscribed? Click on Confirm

Download Physical Education Project On Swimming For Class 11th PDF

Related articles.

IT Project On JavaScript For Class 11th

History Project On Nationalism In India For Class 10th

Psychology Project On Human Development For Class 11th

Physics Project On Motion For Class 11th

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Please Enable JavaScript in your Browser to Visit this Site.