Heart Health in Motion

Diane Lonergan

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Heart Health in Motion

Understand exercise's impact on heart health

In this lesson, students will explore how physical activity strengthens the heart and contributes to overall cardiovascular health. Through engaging in light exercises and observing their heart rate changes, students will gain a practical understanding of the relationship between exercise and heart health. This lesson is important as it encourages students to appreciate the benefits of physical activity and promotes lifelong healthy habits.

Audience

Grade 5 Students

Time

45 mins

Approach

Understand exercise's impact on heart health

Materials

Stopwatches or timers, Heart rate chart, Exercise space, Discussion questions, and Worksheet: Heart Rate Observation

Step 1

Introduction to Heart Health

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of the heart and its role in the body.
Ask students what they know about how exercise affects the heart.
Introduce the objective of the lesson: understanding how exercise impacts heart health.

Step 2

Heart Rate Measurement

10 mins

Explain how to measure heart rate using the pulse on the wrist or neck.
Distribute stopwatches or timers to students.
Have students measure and record their resting heart rate.

Step 3

Light Exercise Activity

15 mins

Guide students through a series of light exercises (e.g., jumping jacks, brisk walking).
After each exercise, have students measure and record their heart rate.
Encourage students to notice the changes in their heart rate.

Step 4

Discussion and Reflection

5 mins

Facilitate a discussion using prepared questions about their observations.
Discuss why heart rate increases with exercise and the benefits of a stronger heart.

Step 5

Closure and Review

5 mins

Summarize the key points of the lesson.
Encourage students to think about how they can incorporate more physical activity into their daily lives.
Collect worksheets and answer any remaining questions.

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Discussion

Heart Rate Discussion

A guided discussion to help students reflect on their heart rate observations and understand the relationship between exercise and heart health.

What did you notice about your heart rate before and after exercise?

Encourage students to share their observations and discuss the differences in heart rate.

Why do you think your heart rate changes when you exercise?

Guide students to understand that the heart works harder to pump more blood and oxygen during physical activity.

How does regular exercise benefit your heart?

Discuss the long-term benefits of exercise, such as a stronger heart and improved cardiovascular health.

Worksheet

Heart Rate Observation Worksheet

A worksheet for students to record their heart rate before and after exercises and reflect on the changes observed.

Record your resting heart rate.

Record your heart rate after each exercise.

What changes did you observe in your heart rate after exercising?

Why is it important to monitor your heart rate during exercise?

Think about how heart rate can indicate the intensity of exercise and overall heart health.