Year 12 PE & Health Lesson Plan: Training for a Biathlon

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 12 students in New Zealand and is tailored to fit a 50-minute class session with a focus on training for a biathlon. The biathlon combines running and cycling, which promotes cardiovascular fitness, strategic thinking, and endurance. This lesson adheres to the New Zealand Curriculum’s expectations for Level 7-8 of Physical Education, enhancing students' ability to apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop an effective physical activity plan.

Objectives

- Knowledge: Students will understand the components of fitness needed for a biathlon (endurance, speed, and health-related fitness).
- Skills: Students will demonstrate basic techniques in cycling and running and develop a training plan specific to biathlon preparation.
- Attitudes: Encourage positive attitudes towards fitness and endurance sports, focusing on self-improvement and goal setting.

Resources Needed

- Treadmills or running track
- Stationary bikes or safe cycling area
- Heart rate monitors (optional)
- Training plan template (provided in class)
- NZ Curriculum Physical Education Levels (for teacher reference)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

- Activity: Brief class discussion on what a biathlon is, including its challenges and the disciplines involved (running and cycling).
- Learning Outcome: Students understand the nature of the biathlon and what the lesson will cover.

Warm-Up (5 minutes)

- Activity: Guided dynamic stretching and light jogging on the spot.
- Purpose: To prepare the body for physical activity, increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles.

Main Activity Part 1: Skill Development (15 minutes)

Running Technique (7 minutes)

- Activity: Drills focusing on improving running form, pacing, and breathing techniques.
- Task: Students will perform high knees, heel kicks, and stride-outs on the running track.

Cycling Technique (8 minutes)

- Activity: Instruction on proper cycling form, gear usage, and maintaining an efficient pedalling cadence.
- Task: Students will adjust their bikes and complete an initial 5-minute steady cycling session focusing on form.

Main Activity Part 2: Biathlon Training Simulation (20 minutes)

- Activity: Students participate in a mini biathlon circuit – running for 10 minutes and immediately transitioning to cycling for 10 minutes.
- Purpose: To simulate biathlon conditions and allow students to apply techniques learned in real-time.
- Note: Monitor students for safe practice and encourage them to be mindful of their pacing to maintain stamina throughout the simulation.

Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

- Activity: Guided cooldown involving static stretching focusing on legs and lower back.
- Discussion: Students reflect on the experience and share what they found challenging and how they might improve their training.

Homework/Extension (Assigned last 2 minutes)

- Task: Students will use the training plan template to draft a personalised weekly training schedule for a biathlon, incorporating elements of stamina, speed, and recovery.
- Due Date: Next PE lesson, for review and feedback.

Assessment

- Formative Assessment: Observation of students during practical activities with feedback provided on technique and endurance.
- Summative Assessment: Submission and teacher evaluation of their training plan, assessing understanding and application of biathlon training principles.

This lesson not only provides physical training but also encourages students to think strategically about sports participation and personal fitness goals, aligning with the holistic educational goals of the New Zealand Curriculum.