7th, 8th Grades  Project 4 weeks

Ligament Olympics: Bend, Stretch, Play!

Reginald J
Updated
DA:Pr5.1.8.c
Self Directed Learning
1-pager

Purpose

The project focuses on engaging students in exploring biomechanics through experiential, hands-on activities that blend art and science. Students will delve into the mechanics of ligament elasticity and speed, unveiling connections to athletic performance while collaborating in workshops and discussions with local experts. Through interactive challenges, art projects, and presentations, students deepen their understanding of human movement, applying their knowledge to innovate exercises that enhance athletic performance and highlight injury prevention techniques.

Learning goals

This learning experience aims to deepen students' understanding of biomechanics by actively applying scientific principles to real-world athletic performance challenges. Students will engage in collaborative exploration to innovate ligament training techniques, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through reflection and creative expression, students will develop content expertise, effective communication skills, and a sense of identity, culminating in both individual and group presentations that showcase their findings and innovative strategies for athletic health.

Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Pr5.1.8.c - Collaborate with peers to discover strategies for achieving performance accuracy, clarity, and expressiveness. Articulate personal performance goals and practice to reach goals. Document personal improvement over time (for example, journaling, portfolio, or timeline).
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.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively construct a large-scale 'Ligament Mosaic,' representing the intricate network of human ligaments through creative artistic expression. They will develop interactive multimedia presentations that detail their discoveries and insights from hands-on activities featured in the 'Biomechanics Boot Camp.' By the end of the project, students will showcase their innovative ligament training exercises at the 'Ligament Olympics,' demonstrating their refined athletic techniques and the integration of science and art in joint health. In addition, they will produce reflective documentaries, chronicling their learning journey and highlighting personal growth within biomechanics and creative experimentations.

Launch

Commence the project with a dynamic 'Biomechanics Blast-Off' relay race that highlights the principles of ligament elasticity and speed through interactive challenges. This activity will provide students with firsthand experience in measuring and analyzing biomechanics, fostering an engaging and collaborative start. Integrate elements of athletic training and scientific exploration by involving local sports trainers to guide students during the race, blending practical insights with theoretical learning.

Exhibition

Host an energizing 'Ligament Olympics Festival' where students display their refined athletic techniques through interactive challenges, engaging local athletes and community members in a spirited celebration. Organize a captivating 'Elasticity Explorations' exhibition, combining student-created 'Ligament Mosaic' art projects with insightful multimedia presentations that portray ligaments' biomechanical and artistic intricacies. Create a collaborative 'Sports Innovation Expo,' showcasing student-designed ligament training exercises via multimedia presentations, inviting community partners to explore these scientific creations.