Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Education
Previous Lesson: Athletics And Sports.
Topic: Athletics And Sports
Subject Matter: definition of athletics, definition of sports, classes of athletics events, sprint races, types of start in sprint, acceleration phase in sprinting, finishing technique

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define athletics and sports.
Identify the main classes of athletics events.
Describe the stages of sprint races, including types of start, acceleration, and finishing.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of proper technique in athletics for performance and safety.
Show interest in participating in various athletics events.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate the different types of starts used in sprinting.
Practice the acceleration phase of sprinting.
Apply basic finishing techniques in a sprint race.

Collaborate with peers during practical exercises.
Observe safety rules and fair play during athletics practice.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physical and Health Education.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Starting block
Whistle or starting gun
Stopwatch
Rules book (for reference)
Track markers
Open field or athletics track

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of athletics and sports. Learning about these activities enables pupils to participate effectively and safely, promoting physical fitness and healthy competition in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of physical activities and some common sports played in their community.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Athletics and Sports

Definition of Athletics

Athletics refers to a collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. These events are often contested on an athletics track or in a field.

Definition of Sports

Sports are physical activities carried out under an agreed set of rules, with a spirit of competition and often for entertainment. They involve physical exertion and skill, with individuals or teams competing against each other.

Classes of Athletics Events

The following are the main classes of athletics events:

Track Events: These involve running races over various distances (e.g., sprints, middle-distance, long-distance, hurdles, relays).
Field Events: These involve jumping and throwing disciplines (e.g., long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, hammer throw).
Combined Events: These involve multiple track and field events contested by the same athlete (e.g., decathlon for men, heptathlon for women).

Sprint Races

Sprint races are short-distance running events in athletics where athletes run at maximum speed from start to finish. Common sprint distances include 100m, 200m, and 400m.

Types of Start in Sprint

The following are the common types of start in sprint races:

Crouch Start (or Block Start): Used in races up to 400m. The athlete uses a starting block, assumes a crouched position, and pushes off powerfully at the sound of the gun.
Standing Start: Used in longer races or for beginners. The athlete stands upright behind the starting line.

Acceleration Phase in Sprinting

The acceleration phase is the initial part of a sprint race after the start, where the runner gradually increases speed from a stationary position to maximum velocity. It involves powerful leg drives, forward lean, and arm action.

Finishing Technique

The finishing technique is how a sprinter crosses the finish line. The goal is to cross the line as quickly as possible. Common techniques include:

Torso Dip (Lean): Leaning the chest forward to cross the line with the torso, often done in the final strides.
Shoulder Shrug: Shrugging one or both shoulders forward at the last moment.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention any sports they know or participate in. The teacher then introduces the topic “Athletics and Sports” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning various sports. They listen attentively to the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson topic and objectives, linking to their prior knowledge of sports.

Step 2: Definition of Athletics and Sports

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines athletics as a collection of track and field events and sports as organised physical activities under rules. The teacher writes these definitions on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definitions of athletics and sports.

Step 3: Classes of Athletics Events

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Classification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the main classes of athletics events: track events, field events, and combined events, giving examples for each. The teacher writes these on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify examples, and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and classify different athletics events.

Step 4: Sprint Races and Types of Start

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what sprint races are and demonstrates the crouch start (using a starting block if available) and the standing start. The teacher gives instructions on proper body positioning for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, then practice the crouch start and standing start under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils understand sprint races and can perform basic sprint starts.

Step 5: Acceleration Phase in Sprinting

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of the acceleration phase and demonstrates the correct body lean, arm drive, and leg action during acceleration immediately after the start.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and practice the acceleration phase for a short distance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can practice the acceleration phase of sprinting.

Step 6: Finishing Technique

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates common finishing techniques like the torso dip (lean) and shoulder shrug, emphasizing crossing the finish line effectively.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and practice the finishing techniques at the end of a short sprint.
Learning Point: Pupils understand and can apply basic finishing techniques.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define athletics and sports.
Mention two classes of athletics events.
List two types of starts used in sprint races.
Briefly explain the acceleration phase in sprinting.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions and techniques learned. The teacher assigns homework: “Research and write short notes on two prominent Nigerian athletes and their achievements.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are given an opportunity for further research.

Lesson Keywords

Athletics – A collection of track and field events involving running, jumping, and throwing.
Sports – Physical activities played under rules, for competition and recreation.
Sprint – A short-distance running race performed at maximum speed.
Crouch Start – A starting position used in sprint races, typically with starting blocks.
Acceleration – The phase where a runner increases speed from a stationary position to maximum velocity.
Finishing Technique – Methods used by a sprinter to cross the finish line effectively.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with demonstrating the techniques to their peers or researching more advanced sprint drills. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide individualized feedback during practical sessions and simplify explanations of technical terms, allowing more time for practice.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a safe and clear outdoor space is available for practical demonstrations and pupil practice. Emphasize safety precautions before any physical activity. Encourage active participation from all pupils. Adapt the intensity of practical exercises to the fitness levels of the pupils.