This week-long project immerses high school students in the dynamic world of racquet sports, specifically ping-pong, pickleball, and tennis, through hands-on, experiential learning. By engaging with community partners and participating in interactive activities, students will deepen their understanding of each sport's unique rules and strategies while honing their physical and mental skills. The project culminates in a 'Game On! Showcase,' where students demonstrate their learning and skills, fostering a sense of belonging and self-efficacy. Through reflection and peer feedback, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and self-directed learning skills, which are essential for lifelong learning and community engagement.
Learning goals
Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the rules, strategies, and unique physical and mental challenges associated with ping-pong, pickleball, and tennis. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing and comparing these sports, using real-world examples. Throughout the project, students will cultivate self-directed learning by reflecting on their progress and incorporating feedback to refine their skills and understanding. Additionally, they will foster an academic mindset by establishing a sense of identity and belonging through active participation and collaboration with peers and community partners.
Standards
[New York] 9-12.CT.7 - Design or remix a program that utilizes a data structure to maintain changes to related pieces of data.
[New York] CDA.3b.6 - create an ongoing portfolio that demonstrates the competencies and creative processes delineated in the preceding key ideas.
[New York] 5.2. L1 - Selects and participates in physical activities that provide an appropriate level of challenge.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will create a digital portfolio that captures their journey through the week-long racquet sports project, including skills learned, strategies developed, and personal reflections. This portfolio will feature video clips of their participation in skills and drills, annotated diagrams of game strategies, and written reflections from their journals. By the end of the project, students will also collaboratively produce a presentation for the 'Game On! Showcase,' highlighting their understanding of each sport and engaging the audience with interactive demonstrations.
Launch
Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Skills and Drills Day' featuring interactive stations for each sport—ping-pong, pickleball, and tennis. Students rotate through stations, practicing essential skills under the guidance of community partners and peer coaches. This immersive experience sets the stage for collaborative learning and sparks curiosity about the unique challenges and strategies of each sport.
Exhibition
Organize a dynamic 'Game On! Showcase' where students take on the role of sport ambassadors. They will guide visitors through the rules and strategies of ping-pong, pickleball, and tennis with live demonstrations. Students will also offer hands-on opportunities for guests to try out the sports, fostering an engaging and interactive experience. This event will serve as a platform for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills development while engaging with the community.
