THE 9TH GRADE PE SCIENCE OF ESSENTIAL BALANCE (SEB) CURRICULUM

INTRODUCTION TO THE CURRICULUM

Welcome to the Science of Essential Balance (SEB) Curriculum for 9th grade, where we embark on an engaging journey of energy management through the intricacies of exercise and diet. This curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies utilize nutrients to build and release energy for movement and maintain an energy balance for overall health and physical performance. Through two 10-lesson units, "iDiet and iExercise" and "myHealth, myWay," students will learn energy metabolism, physical activity, and energy-balanced living with MVPA intensity tasks.

UNIT 1: IDIET AND IEXERCISE - NUTRIENTS AND PATHWAYS

Through individual PA and small-sided games, students will delve into the science behind how our bodies store and use energy. The focus will be on understanding the anabolic processes that build energy reserves and the catabolic pathways that release energy for physical activities. Key topics include:

  1. Energy Build-Up in the Body:

    • Anabolism: Learn about the synthesis of glycogen from glucose, triglycerides from glycerol and fatty acids, and proteins from amino acids, and their roles as energy batteries in the body.

    • Measurement of Energy: Understand the concept of calories, basal energy expenditure, and how

      physical activity intensity is measured in calories.

  2. Energy Yielding Pathways:

    • Explore how carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are broken down through various metabolic pathways to release energy, and how these processes support different intensities and durations of physical activity.

  3. Physical Activity and Energy Supply:

    • Examine the relationship between physical activity intensity and energy supply, distinguishing between anaerobic and aerobic energy production and their impact on performance.

  4. Caloric Balance:

    • Learn the importance of maintaining a caloric balance for a healthy lifestyle, including the concepts of caloric excess and deficit and their effects on the body.

UNIT 2: MY HEALTH, MY WAY - ENERGY-BALANCED BEHAVIOR

This unit provides PA and games to entice students to learn practical strategies for applying energy balance principles learned in Unit 1 in life. Students will explore:

1. Role of Carbohydrates and Fats in Exercise and Health:

  • Differentiate between simple and complex carbohydrates and their effects on exercise and health.

  • Understand the health risks associated with high-fat diets and the benefits of exercises that reduce body fat.

2. Thermal Balance and Hydration:

  • Study the mechanisms of heat exchange and the importance of hydration in preventing heat injuries during physical activity.

3. Energy-Balanced Lifestyle:

  • Develop strategies for energy-balanced living through smart eating and regular physical activity.

  • Use SMART goal setting stategies to create personally meaningful plans for maintaining energy balance and achieving long-term health and fitness goals.

4. Knowledge/Skill Dissemincation

  • Working in small groups to plan community events to disseminate the energy balance principles to families and communicy.

By the end of this course, students will have a thorough understanding of the science about metabolic and catabolic processes associated with eating and exercising for optimal health and performance. They will know a few practical ways to balance energy intake and expenditure.

They also will develop a sense of community in promoting energy-balanced lifestyles.

UNIT 1: IDIET AND IEXERCISE - NUTRIENTS AND PATHWAYS

  • IN THIS LESSON…

    UNDERSTANDING HOW OUR BODIES BUILD AND STORE ENERGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR OPTIMIZING PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE.

    In this lesson, students will discover how glucose acts as the primary energy source for the body. They will explore the foods that provide glucose and understand how the body stores glucose as glycogen, functioning as an energy battery. This foundational knowledge will help students identify rich carbohydrate food groups and differentiate between simple and complex glucose sources.

    Key Concepts:

    • Glucose and glycogen as energy sources.

    • Food sources of glucose.

    • Simple vs. complex carbohydrates.

    Activities:

    • Glucose Tag Game.

    • Food Group Research.

    • Connect 4 with Playing Card Fitness.

    • Glycogen Illustration.

    • Capture the Glycogen Game.

  • IN THIS LESSON

    CARBOHYDRATES - WHAT ARE THEY, WHERE DO THEY COME FROM, AND WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

    This lesson introduces students to carbohydrates, one of the essential macronutrients. Students will learn about the importance of carbohydrates for energy, distinguish between simple and complex carbohydrates, and identify good sources of carbohydrates. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how carbohydrates support bodily functions and energy levels.

    Key Concepts:

    • Roles and sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

    • Importance of a balanced diet.

    Activities:

    • Food Label Analysis.

    • Macronutrient Matching Game.

    • Creating Balanced Meals.

  • Students will learn about the digestive process and how nutrients are absorbed into the body. They will engage in hands-on activities that simulate digestion and help them understand the journey of food from ingestion to nutrient absorption.

    Key Concepts:

    • Steps of the digestive process.

    • Nutrient absorption.

    Activities:

    • Digestive System Role-Play.

    • Enzyme Experiments.

    • Digestion Diagram Creation.

  • This lesson focuses on how the body converts food into energy. Students will learn about metabolic rates and how different activities affect energy expenditure. They will also calculate their own basal metabolic rate and compare it with peers.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Energy conversion processes.

      • Basal metabolic rate.

      • Factors affecting metabolism.

    • Activities:

      • Metabolic Rate Calculations.

      • Exercise Intensity Comparisons.

      • Metabolism Role-Play.

  • Students will differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic exercises, understanding the benefits and limitations of each. They will monitor their heart rates during various activities to see the impact of different types of exercise on the body.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

      • Benefits of each exercise type.

    • Activities:

      • HIIT vs. Steady-State Workouts.

      • Heart Rate Monitoring.

      • Exercise Categorization.

  • This lesson introduces students to muscle anatomy and the principles of strength training. Students will participate in resistance training circuits and learn how to create their own strength training routines.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Muscle anatomy.

      • Strength training principles.

    • Activities:

      • Resistance Training Circuits.

      • Muscle Group Identification.

      • Strength Training Plan Creation.

  • Students will learn about the critical role of water in the body and the importance of staying hydrated. They will track their daily water intake and participate in experiments to understand the effects of dehydration.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Role of water in bodily functions.

      • Effects of dehydration.

    • Activities:

      • Hydration Tracking.

      • Water Intake Experiments.

      • Effects of Dehydration Discussion.

  • This lesson focuses on essential vitamins and minerals, their sources, and their impact on health. Students will participate in activities that highlight the importance of these nutrients and the consequences of deficiencies.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Essential vitamins and minerals.

      • Health impacts of deficiencies.

    • Activities:

      • Nutrient Deficiency Scenarios.

      • Supplement Analysis.

      • Vitamin and Mineral Chart Creation.

  • Students will learn how to plan balanced meals using the food pyramid and other dietary guidelines. They will engage in meal planning exercises and practice proper portion sizes.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Balanced meal planning.

      • Portion control.

    • Activities:

      • Meal Planning Exercises.

      • Portion Size Comparisons.

      • Balanced Diet Role-Play.

  • This lesson teaches students about the benefits of dietary fiber and identifies high-fiber foods. Students will analyze fiber content in various foods and discuss how fiber contributes to digestive health.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Benefits of dietary fiber.

      • Sources of dietary fiber.

    • Activities:

      • Fiber Content Analysis.

      • Digestive Health Discussions.

      • High-Fiber Meal Planning.

UNIT 2: MY HEALTH, MY WAY - ENERGY-BALANCED BEHAVIOR

  • This lesson focuses on the concept of calories, how to measure them, and their role in energy balance. Students will learn to count calories and understand how caloric intake and expenditure affect their bodies.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Definition and measurement of calories.

      • Caloric intake and expenditure.

      • Energy balance.

    • Activities:

      • Calorie Counting Exercises.

      • Energy Balance Games.

      • Personal Calorie Tracking.

  • Students will explore the effects of sugar on the body, distinguishing between natural and added sugars. They will learn about the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption and how to read food labels for sugar content.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Types of sugars.

      • Health impacts of sugar.

      • Reading food labels.

    • Activities:

      • Sugar Content Analysis.

      • Health Impact Discussions.

      • Label Reading Exercises.

  • This lesson emphasizes the importance of healthy cooking methods and eating habits. Students will learn to prepare healthy meals and snacks, focusing on nutrient retention and reducing unhealthy ingredients.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Healthy cooking methods.

      • Nutrient retention.

      • Balanced eating habits.

    • Activities:

      • Cooking Demonstrations.

      • Healthy Recipe Creation.

      • Meal Prep Exercises.

  • Students will explore the connection between diet and mental health. They will learn how certain foods can influence mood and energy levels and will discuss strategies for maintaining a balanced diet to support mental well-being.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Diet and mental health.

      • Foods that influence mood.

      • Balanced diet strategies.

    • Activities:

      • Mood and Food Journal.

      • Dietary Impact Discussions.

      • Balanced Diet Planning.

  • This lesson covers the principles of weight management, including the role of metabolism, diet, and exercise. Students will learn strategies for healthy weight loss, gain, and maintenance.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Weight management principles.

      • Metabolism and weight.

      • Healthy weight strategies.

    • Activities:

      • Metabolic Rate Calculations.

      • Weight Management Plans.

      • Exercise and Diet Logs.

  • Students will learn to read and interpret nutrition labels, understanding the information provided and how to use it to make healthier food choices. They will practice comparing labels to identify healthier options.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Understanding nutrition labels.

      • Making informed food choices.

      • Comparing food products.

    • Activities:

      • Label Reading Exercises.

      • Product Comparison.

      • Healthy Choice Discussions.

  • This lesson introduces students to meal planning for various special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. They will learn the principles of these diets and how to plan balanced meals within these dietary restrictions.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Special diets and their principles.

      • Meal planning within dietary restrictions.

      • Nutrient balance in special diets.

    • Activities:

      • Special Diet Research.

      • Meal Plan Creation.

      • Dietary Restriction Discussions.

  • Students will explore the relationship between physical activity and energy levels. They will learn about different types of physical activities and how they influence energy and mood.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Types of physical activity.

      • Physical activity and energy.

      • Benefits of regular exercise.

    • Activities:

      • Exercise Routines.

      • Energy Level Tracking.

      • Physical Activity Discussions.

  • This lesson focuses on the impact of stress on nutrition and vice versa. Students will learn stress management techniques and how a balanced diet can help manage stress levels.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Stress and its impact on nutrition.

      • Stress management techniques.

      • Role of diet in stress management.

    • Activities:

      • Stress Management Exercises.

      • Dietary Impact Discussions.

      • Stress and Diet Planning.