The history, advantages, and disadvantages of artificial rock climbing walls (used to instruct individuals in the sport of rock climbing) are discussed. Additional topics include designing an artificial wall, types of walls, various uses, and risk management. (IAH)

Fifteen college students having no prior experience with abseiling completed a simple 80-foot abseil after indoor instruction. Students' sensation-seeking scores were weakly and negatively related to somatic anxiety immediately prior to the abseil. Enjoyment of the abseil had a weak positive relationship to sensation seeking and a weak negative…

Getting children off the ground poses psychological and physical challenges that vary individually. It is important to assess the emotional and skill readiness of each class before attempting to utilize high elements in the curriculum. High elements add an increased perception of risk, which enhances student learning in the adventure education…

This document is designed as a resource book for senior high school physical education teachers to aid in the development of initiative and adventure activities involving rope exercises. Goals of these exercises are defined as; (1) increasing personal competence; (2) increasing mutual support within a group; (3) developing an increased level of…

A description is given of a physical education course in outdoor education for junior and senior high school students. Sports featured are hunting, fishing, and backpacking. For each sport the objectives and activities are described and needed materials listed. Included in this booklet is an outline of an eighteen week semester of lifetime sport…

Qualities of human character developed through outdoor education programs include self-image, self-esteem, and personal enhancement. The primary goal of adventure education programs is to develop communication and human relations skills through the experiences of stress, group living, a new environment, and independence. (JN)

A study of a coeducational outdoor/adventure program for 13- to 15-year olds at Shotmoor, England, where all participated in the same activities. The boys' beliefs about the abilities of girls were altered in a way that would not have occurred in a classroom. (DM)

A high school outdoor adventure program adopted by over 30 schools uses an obstacle course to promote student participation, completion, risk-taking, teamwork, and physical fitness. The course can be adapted to group needs at a wide range of age levels. (MSE)

Well-sequenced K-12 adventure programs avoid student boredom due to repetition. Aligning adventure programs with established standards requires planned sequences with activities that enhance learning outcomes. Written curricula can accomplish these objectives while documenting how programs meet educational needs. Project Adventure has developed an…

This discussion of outdoor leisure includes the following topics: adventure sports; risk taking; program liability for adventure-related injuries; trends in outdoor recreation; outdoor recreation's contribution to environmental attitudes; outdoor/environmental education; the role of cognition, ethics, and direct experience in shaping an…

The current status of secondary physical education is examined in five determinants of curriculum and in presentations of specific styles of physical education curriculum. Curriculum styles such as disciplinary, personalized, and social reordering are chosen based on students, teachers, schools, equipment, facilities, and subject matter involved.…

Describes how a neglected Boston middle school transformed itself into an inviting, tree-lined campus with comfortable reading and study areas and an exemplary physical education program. Project Adventure is an intense six-week physical training course that teaches advanced rock-climbing skills. With classmates' encouragement, participants…

A study of five undergraduate physical education classes explored the influence on positive and negative affect of different types of physical activity. Results indicated that running, skiing, and challenge course activities, especially the 14-foot wall, increased positive affect more than other activities. Implications for physical education…

Can preservice students learn to teach alternative curriculum models based on book knowledge alone, or should they experience the models firsthand? Curricular models abound in the physical education profession (e.g., fitness, personal-social development, movement education, adventure education, sport education, multi-activity). Many prospective…

An instrument was developed to measure perceived levels of anxiety of students enrolled in a resident outdoor adventure education course, and to confirm four underlying factors that contribute to anxiety in such settings. These factors are level of control, program inadequacies, personal inadequacies, and level of comfort. A 53-item Outdoor…