Unit: Muscle Anatomy and Muscle Function in Sports

Synopsis:

The class will be taught the following lessons: 1) Muscle Anatomy, 2) Muscle Function, 3) How Do Muscles Cause Movement? 4) Engage in Sport Activity/Observation/Videotaping, 5) Analysis of Sport Activity, and 6) Presentation of Findings Regarding Primary Muscles in Use During Sport Activity.

The theme of the Unit is, “You are a Personal Trainer for a Famous Athlete”. The intention behind the theme is to enhance motivation and curiosity to learn the subject matter. As listed above, each lesson will be taught in sequence in order to establish competent background knowledge during participation in the final experiment.

The 1st lesson in outlining muscle anatomy will, provide students with a basic understanding of the location of major muscle groups in the human body See Appendix A).

The 2nd lesson will introduce students to the specific functions of primary muscle groups in the body and examples of their specific use in sports.

The 3rd lesson will familiarize students on how muscles cause movement. Examples will be given, such as walking. A hypothetical question may be; “Which muscles cause your legs to move?”

The 4th lesson will engage students in a hands-on activity. Students will be divided into groups of four. They will be instructed to analyze a sport activity of their choice and videotape it. To add excitement, the students will chose a sport and a famous athlete associated with that sport. One student will videotape the sport skill, one student will partake in the sport skill, and the remaining students will observe and help when needed. For example, one group may choose sprinting (i.e. Ben Johnson). The students will observe and videotape Ben Johnston (actually a student) sprinting, and discuss, analyze, and brainstorm on the main muscles that were responsible for the sprinting action. I will emphasize the importance to the students, to focus on main muscles groups, as there are countless muscles in the human body.

In the 5th lesson, the groups (i.e. Ben Johnson Group) will observe the activity via television and analyze the primary muscle groups in action. An outline sheet (see Appendix B) will be distributed listing generic muscle groups as well as a diagram of the human musco-skeletal system (see Appendix C). Each group will work in collaboration to suggest the primary muscle groups in action (circle muscles in use) as well as circling the respective muscles on the human body diagram. In a collaboration effort, the group will prepare a written summative report on their findings highlighting the following: 1) The sport and famous athlete chosen, 2) specific sport skill under review, 3) explanation of the primary muscle responsible for movement in the activity, and 4) a written conclusion.

The 6th lesson will require groups to present their findings to the class. Each group will be instructed to present their findings as well, use visual evidence to support their findings (sport activity will be displayed on television illustrating the primary muscle groups responsible for movement in the sport).

**Note: Due to time constraints, I cannot provide detailed lesson plans for each lesson as I have other major assignments due. Instead, I will provide one lesson plan (Lesson #1) as an example in Appendix…

Unit Objectives

Understanding of Basic Concepts

Acquire a basic understanding of the following concepts:

 Muscle anatomy: Have an understanding of the location and name of major muscle

groups in the human body.

 Muscle Function: Be knowledgeable on the primary function(s) of major

muscle groups and their relationship to movement and everyday

activities.

 How Muscles Cause Movement: Generic understanding of how muscle works. (i.e.

muscle are attached to bones and upon contraction

muscles will cause movement of the associated

bone groups).

Inquiry and Design Skills

 Will implement strategies to observe, analyze, and hypothesize on a particular sport movement. Observation and analytical skill will be the major focus. Setting up parameters, insuring safety during the sport activity will be equally relevant, as well as the correct use of video camera.

Communication of Required Knowledge

 Students will collaborate within their respective groups on their analysis of their sport activity. A summative written report will require student to utilize their writing skills in a manner that abides to scientific inquiry. Presentation of their finding will require effective communication skills as well, enhancement of their own confidence in front of groups.

Relating of Science and Technology to Each other and to the Outside World

 Students will understand the importance of muscles for without them, movement would be impossible. Students will appreciate that different sports require different muscles and as such, being a personal trainer, one cannot neglect that fact. For example when the unit is over, students will be instructed keep careful observation of their daily lifestyle (use diary) and the muscle groups they are using.

Note: See Appendix D for rubric used in the Ontario Curriculum Guide: Grades 1-8 Science & Technology.

Integration

The Muscle Anatomy and Function in Sports unit plan will successfully integrate the following subject areas:

 Physical Education: Students will engage in specific sport activities. Will have an enhanced understanding of muscles and muscle development in sport and fitness.

 Language Arts: Students will be required to communicate effectively within their respective groups on their analysis of their sport activity. Group cooperation and collaboration are the key skills to be learned. A written summative report will require students to write in accordance to scientific notation in a manner that is specific and objective.

 Technology: In light of the fact technology is already a part of the science curriculum, it is important to note, that students will gain a comprehensive understanding on the use of media tools (i.e. video camera, television) relevant to their experiment.

Word Count: 958