Defines critical thinking and provides a practical approach to applying it to teaching physical education (PE). Critical thinking in PE can result in improved skills, fitness, and knowledge. Examples of the kinds of questions and challenges appropriate for a critical thinking lesson in PE are provided. (SM)

Provides examples of three pedagogical approaches for using play structures in elementary school physical education. The examples focus on objectives relating to health-related fitness and skill development. (GLR)

The low level of fitness in junior-high school students is an area of great concern. An important, but misunderstood, part of the physical education curriculum is the development of aerobic fitness. What is the best way to go about developing aerobic fitness? Four groups of primarily Caucasian (79.9%) Grade 8 and 9 students (n = 144), attending a…

The booklet discusses the aerobic fitness capacities of severely/profoundly retarded students and discusses approaches for improving their fitness. An initial section describes a method for determining the student's present fitness level on the basis of computations of height, weight, blood pressure, resting pulse, and Barach Index and Crampton…

Intended for physical education teachers, the booklet offers ideas for incorporating aerobic conditioning into programs for moderately mentally retarded students. An explanation of aerobic fitness and its benefits is followed by information on initiating a fitness program with evaluation of height, weight, body fat, resting heart rate, and…

Examined in the end of project year report were the effects of a developmental physical education program on the fitness and adapted game participation of 83 trainable mentally retarded children in a special school. Student knowledge of rules, safety procedures, and health habits for adapted activities exceeded anticipated levels; and data on six…

Included in the daily program are listings of demonstration events, film showings, sports activities and session offerings. After a greeting from Jean Kennedy Smith for the Kennedy Foundation, the Special Olympics program is reviewed and ways are suggested for developing a local program. Discussed are new dimensions in physical education for the…

In a research study, fourth-grade, fifth-grade, and college females performed the Bachman Free-Standing Ladder-Balance task after watching four, eight, and twelve, or no videotaped demonstrations of the task. The videotape modeling seemed to affect form (or strategy) of their performances more than their final scores. (PP)

New approaches to teaching aerobic life-styles in secondary schools are suggested, focusing on three components: (1) the psychological benefits of aerobic activity; (2) alternative aerobic programs at nonschool locations; and (3) the development of an aerobics curriculum to help maintain an active life-style after graduation. (JN)

This annotated bibliography, designed for practitioners and those involved in improving practice, contains 218 citations on topics related to youth physical fitness. Topics include children's fitness and activity status; contents of, and rationale for, fitness education; program suggestions, methods, and strategies; drug problems; and fitness…

Primary grade students at a Delaware elementary school currently participate in the Pulse Power heart physiology program. Students receive mastery instruction and use heart monitors to exercise performance throughout the 6-phase program. Data from homework and from the heart monitors identify student progress, knowledge, and cardiovascular…

A school-based walking program is an inexpensive and amusing way to get young students physically active. The article presents a program that can be adapted for students of any age and implemented as a physical education class unit, after school activity, or recess program. (SM)

This article features the standards and practice for K-12 physical education in Japan. Physical education in Japan has many similarities to, and differences with, programs in the United States. Many of the main objectives for the school curriculum are the same; both systems promote major outcomes related to fitness and lifelong sport and physical…

Most physical education at the pre-school, kindergarten, and primary level is taught by caregivers and classroom teachers with minimal training in the area. This publication suggests many activities for pre-school centers and elementary schools that can take place outside in the playground with a minimal supply of equipment and with children in…

A course at Northern Illinois University trains college students for running marathons. The course offers information about conditioning, injury prevention, and diet requirements, as well as instruction in long-distance running. Techniques for motivating students are discussed. (PP)