Physical Education
California defines PE as a combination of physical activities and knowledge. A unit of PE at Community
School (12 hours) should include at least 4 hours of physical activity, and 4 hours of knowledge activities.
Students may choose what they would like to do to complete the other 4 hours of the 12 hour unit.
Listed below are activities and areas of knowledge outlined by the state, accompanied by examples of learning
activities which students could do to earn credit.
ACTIVITIES
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individual sports, pair sports, team sports
exercises for flexibility, muscular strength, cardiopulmonary endurance
water sports: swimming, water polo, skin-diving, boating
self-defense, fencing
tumbling, gymnastics
outdoor education: adventure-based activities, orienteering
ropes or personal challenge courses
outdoor activities: rock climbing, backpacking, hiking
roller skating and skateboarding
cycling
dance: international folk dance, square, round, line, country, social, creative
KNOWLEDGE
Biomechanics
Content
understand spin and rebound
understand rotation and torque
understand buoyancy
principle of levers and
relationship to the skeletal
system
principles of overload,
progression, specificity in
physical conditioning
effect of height and weight on
motor performance
identify warm-up, conditioning,
& cool-down techniques&
reasons for use
distinguish fitness components:
endurance, muscular strength,
flexibility, body composition
Examples of Activities
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videotape practice activities and evaluate them
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describe a player's use of spin and rebound
write a paragraph explaining how a biomechanical principle applies to a sport
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write a definition of buoyancy and give an example
explain how one's buoyancy affects water sport performance
learn about the bones, muscles, tendons etc. involved in an activity
build models to learn anatomy and physiology
complete anatomy & physiology diagrams or crafts projects
interview a coach or athlete about physical conditioning
complete risk assessments of different sports
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compare height, weight, and performance statistics of athletes
compare height and weight of athletes in different fields
create a warm up and cool down routine for a physical activity
write a paragraph explaining the purpose and value or warm-up and cooldown routines
define fitness terms and explain how they affect an activity
evaluate different activities for aerobic and anaerobic emphasis
learn about effects of different activities on muscles
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Movement Skills and Knowledge
Content
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Examples of Activities
keep a written chart of personal progress in an activity
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make a videotape during activity and evaluate performance
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watch a game and keep statistics
make a chart on graph paper or the computer
challenge personal best in skill development
pre and post test of skills
take heart rate at intervals during an activity & chart it
teach someone to find and calculate heart rate
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write a paragraph describing a performance and how ideas and feelings
are communicated
describe the aesthetic qualities of
movement
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describe the difference between
violations and fouls
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describe the aesthetic qualities of a performance
create a piece of art which expresses the aesthetic qualities of a
performance
summarize and explain the rules and strategies of a sport
define violations and fouls in a game or sport
define game rules, why they exist, what skills they promote
measure performance in terms of
technique, accuracy, distance, speed
chart own motor skill development
learn to calculate individual heart
rate
describe ways to use movement to
communicate ideas or feelings
Health
Content
Examples of Activities
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impact of exercise, relaxation,
nutrition, stress, substance abuse on
ability to do physical exercise
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importance of appropriate intensity
of exercise and heart rate
describe long-term physiological,
psychological and other benefits of
physical activity
explain the social, personal and
health benefits of skills in sports,
games and dance
interrelationship of health fitness
activities and optimum health
read about exercise, relaxation, nutrition, or substance abuse. Describe
how it affects physical exercise ability
change your eating habits for a week and observe how you feel and
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perform
interview an athlete or health professional about exercise intensity and
heart rate
research physical fitness testing and history
research sports injuries, precautions, preventions, therapy
find internet information on long-term physical fitness benefits
research effect of exercise on heart, lungs, bones, mood, immune system,
weight, sexual vitality, or social life
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write a report on the history of a sport or physical activity
interview a dancer or athlete about the impact of the activity on their life
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read an internet article about fitness
define the health benefits of specific sports or activities
research health impacts of drugs, steroids, tobacco, alcohol
Consumer and Career Information
Content
evaluate cost-effectiveness of exercise programs
offered consumers
know about career opportunities in physical
education and related fields
evaluate claims in ads for commercial products
and programs
Examples of Activities
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compare prices & services of local fitness clubs and gyms
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interview a worker in sports, recreation or health.
research working in a PE or health field
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describe and evaluate an advertisement
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Possible Activities
Content
accept and respect decisions made by game
officials
accept responsibility for own behavior
resolve individual and group conflicts with
physical activities
recognize difference between ethical and
unethical behavior
appreciate importance of fair play, cooperation,
competition in team activities
be able to cooperate rather than dominate and
share leadership
acknowledge and respect stylistic differences in
performance
work for delayed rewards and persevere toward a
goal
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complete a self evaluation of performance in a sport or
activity
•discuss personal responsibility with a younger child
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•write a description of a conflict and how it was resolved
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•write commentary about an ethical decision in a sport or
activity
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•evaluate sportsmanship and cooperation among members of
a team or activity group
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•write a paragraph describing the leadership roles of members
of a game
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observe two people and compare their differences in style and
performance
compare rules, equipment, setting for men's and women's
sports
read and comment about a well-known athlete's history and
personal goals
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teach someone a sport or activity
make up a game or sport
write a review of a performance
create a piece of art which reflects cultural values in a
performance you watched
research the history of a sport or activity
write about a famous athlete or performer
write about the historical evolution of sports, equipment, and
attire
research legislation about equity issues in sports
research history and development of Olympic sports
write a paragraph evaluating your own strengths and
limitations in a sport or activity
referee a game. Describe some of the decisions you made and
why
write a set of sportsmanship guidelines for a sport or game
Try a sport or physical activity which is new to you. Write a
paragraph describing what you thought of it
Research social sacrifices of athletes
set personal goals for health and fitness through
physical exercise
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keep a physical fitness goals journal
conduct a survey about activities of others
evaluate personal performance
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understand the importance of repeat and practice
to achieve excellence
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write a description of your strengths and areas for
improvement in a sport or activity
create a practice routine for a sport or activity
compare and contrast professional and amateur athletes
assume leadership role as peer or other coach
appreciate movement as an art form that reflects
cultural values
understand the historical role of games, sports,
and dance in the cultural life of a population
accept own limitations
develop appreciation for and skills in
cooperation, fair play, group rules
evaluate personal needs, interests and capacities
for movement choices
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