Kinesiology
Name_______________________________________ Hr______
Playground Project
During this unit you will learn that when muscles contract they can respond differently, dependent upon the type
of external resistance they encounter. Each type of muscle contraction has its own advantages and disadvantages
for the development of muscular fitness.
Play is the most common form of exercise in children. Playgrounds serve as a place for youngsters to explore, learn
about what their bodies can do, challenge themselves, and grow stronger. Columbia Public Schools and the
Department of Natural Resources are currently working together in hopes to open a Nature School in Rock Bridge
State Park. The Nature School would be “home” to approximately one hundred 5th grade students each year. The
playground on those premises would be where these students develop a foundation of muscular fitness.
Your task is to develop a playground for the new school that capitalizes on the strengths of each type of muscle
contraction and develops all major muscle groups. [Note: you are responsible for being able to identify all major
muscles and muscle groups listed on your project assignment sheet & objectives by the end of this unit!]
Your task includes both the design of new exercise equipment and/or playground activities and a playground
proposal in which you provide a rationale for your design. You will present your design board and proposal with
your partner on ________________________________________________. Your presentation should utilize
technology such as a Powerpoint, Prezi, video, etc and should be no more than 8 minutes in length.
Criteria for the Nature School Playground:
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Playground Design Board
Can be hand-drawn or graphically designed using technology but must be presented on a design board
Incorporates age-appropriate activities
Should be in color
Use labels or a key to communicate your choices
Should consider layout (equipment and/or activity placement)
Consider environmental concerns [remember you are designing for a Nature School!]
Aesthetically pleasing
Playground Proposal Presentation
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Utilizes appropriate technology
Describes what the child will do with each piece of equipment/activity and how the equipment operates
Describes why each piece of equipment or activity was designed or selected
Identifies which muscle and/or muscle groups are utilized by each piece of equipment or activity
Explains the unique advantages of each playground choice incorporating specific knowledge of muscle
contraction types
Intentionally addresses safety issues and/or concerns
Muscles & Muscle Groups
Erector Spinae
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
Abdominal Group
Rectus abdominis
External oblique
Internal oblique
Transverse abdominis
Gluteal Group
Gluteus maximus
Gluteus medius
Gluteus minimus
Quadriceps Group
Rectus femoris
Vastus lateralis
Vastus intermedius
Vastus medialis
Hamstring Group
Biceps femoris
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Deltoid
Trapezius
Rhomboids
Teres minor & major
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Subscapularis
Latissimus dorsi
Serratus anterior
Pectoralis major & minor
Biceps brachii
Triceps brachii
Pronator teres
Pronator quadratus
Supinator
Tensor fasciae latae
Sartorius
Iliopsoas
Gastrocnemius
Soleus
Tibialis anterior
Peronus longus & brevis
Rubric
Names_______________________________________________________
Category
4
3
2
1
Description
Smoothly and thoroughly integrates
specific, relevant, and accurate
evidence, creating a strong
foundation for the argument.
Integrates specific, relevant,
and accurate evidence,
creating a foundation for the
argument.
Attempts to integrate evidence,
but is insufficient in creating a
foundation for the argument.
My ability to integrate fact, opinion
and an analysis of cause/effect
relationships is superior. Analyzes
multiple solutions and perspectives
to thoughtfully the select the best
one.
My ability to integrate fact,
opinion and an analysis of
cause/effect relationships is
above average. Analyzes
several solutions and
perspectives to thoughtfully
the select the best one.
My thinking challenges known
ideas or methods and creates
new meaning to generate
fresh, thoughtful approaches.
Integrates limited and/or
general evidence; may lack
relevance and/or accuracy;
creating a weak foundation for
the argument.
My ability to integrate fact,
opinion and an analysis of
cause/effect relationships is
limited. Analyzes few or general
solutions and perspectives to
select the best one.
My thinking attempts to
challenge known ideas or
methods and create new
meaning and approaches, but it
lacks thoughtfulness and
relevance.
My contributions to the groups
work were minimal. General
ideas may be shared, likely
engages in behaviors that
detract from the groups work.
Does not help members
accomplish the goals of the
group.
My command of language skills
and method of communication
are inconsistent. I attempt to
be professional, effective and
fluent, but I may not
consistently engage the
audience.
My thinking makes little attempt
to challenge known ideas or
methods and/or to create new
meaning and approaches.
Critical Thinking &
Problem Solving
Creative Thought
My thinking effectively challenges
known ideas or methods and creates
new meaning to generate fresh and
unique approaches that are
thoughtful and realistic.
Collaboration
My contributions to the groups work
were made meaningful by sharing
new ideas, actively listening and
helping all members accomplish the
goals set out by the group.
My contributions to the groups
work were a sharing of general
ideas, listening and helping
most members accomplish the
goals set out by the group.
Communication
My command of language skills and
chosen method of communication
are superior. I am professional,
effective, fluent, and engaging to the
audience.
My command of language skills
and chose method of
communication are above
average. I demonstrate above
average professionalism,
effectiveness and fluency; I am
engaging to the audience.
Additional Notes:
My ability to integrate fact,
opinion and an analysis of
cause/effect relationships is
lacking. Considers only one
solution and/or perspective.
My contributions detracted from
the work of the group. This could
have been by working alone,
engaging in distracting behaviors,
not considering others ideas, etc.
My command of language skills
and method of communication are
lacking. I demonstrate a deficiency
in being professional, effective and
fluent; I am largely disengaging to
the audience.