Group Instructor Prompts

Below are word-for-word prompts you can use to guide student discussion in small groups during the Warm-Up and Quiz stages. Feel free to adjust pacing and wait-time based on your students’ needs.

Warm-Up & Muscle Map Review (5 minutes)

1. Teacher: “Before we dive in, can someone tell me which muscles they feel working when they do a squat?”
   Follow-up if needed: “What about the muscles on the front of your thigh? What are they called and what movement do they perform?”
2. Teacher: “Great! Now, during a push-up, where do you feel the work? Which muscles are you using?”
   Follow-up prompt: “If I say ‘pectorals,’ can someone point to where that is on our muscle map?”
3. Teacher: “Why do we need to warm up thoroughly before lifting or doing body-weight exercises?”
   Follow-up: “Share an example of a warm-up move you like and tell us why you choose it.”

Strength Science Quiz (10 minutes)

1. Teacher: “Alright teams, open your Strength Science Quiz. Question 1 asks: Which muscles are engaged in a plank? Discuss with your group and write down at least two.”
   After ~1 minute, ask: “Who’s ready to share their answers?”
2. Teacher: “Now, look at Question 3: What safety tip is most important during a squat? Talk it through and be ready to explain your reasoning.”
   Prompt: “Remember the ‘neutral spine’ tip from our slides—how does that help keep us safe?”
3. Teacher: “Next, Question 5 covers the overhead press. List the primary muscles involved and one cue to maintain proper form.”
   Hint: “If you need help, think back to the ‘Key Strength Exercises’ slide.”
4. Teacher: “Before moving on, compare answers with a neighboring group. Did anyone land on different muscles or cues? Share and explain.”

Form Demonstration Drill

Objective: Provide students with hands-on practice in observing and giving feedback on proper exercise form, reinforcing safety cues and muscle‐engagement awareness.

Materials:

• Exercise Prompt Cards: each card names one exercise (squat, push-up, plank, lunge, overhead press)
• Form Checklist Cards: each checklist lists 3–4 key form cues for one exercise

Setup (1 minute):

1. Arrange students into pairs.
2. Shuffle and deal one Exercise Prompt Card and the matching Form Checklist Card to each pair.

Instructions (4 minutes):

1. Pair Role A reads their Exercise Prompt Card and performs one repetition of that exercise, calling out which muscle group they’re targeting.
2. Role B uses the Form Checklist Card to observe and note two things done well and one suggestion for improvement.
3. After feedback (30–45 seconds), students switch roles with a new Prompt + Checklist card.
4. Repeat the demonstration and feedback cycle until time is called (aim for two exercises each).

Teacher Tips:

• Circulate to listen in, reinforce accurate observations, and clarify cues from the Form & Facts Key.
• Praise specific feedback (“Good neutral spine!”) to model effective coaching language.
• Encourage students to reference their Flex & Strength Overview when uncertain about muscle names or safety cues.

Form & Facts Key

This key provides detailed answers and rationales for the Strength Science Quiz and outlines the essential form cues for each exercise in the Form Demonstration Drill.

Strength Science Quiz Answer Key

Question 1

Prompt: Which muscles are engaged in a plank? List at least two muscles and explain their primary role in maintaining the position.

Answer:

• Primary Muscles: Abdominals (rectus abdominis) and obliques
• Secondary Stabilizers: Erector spinae (lower back) and glutes

Rationale:

1. Abdominals & obliques contract isometrically to prevent lumbar extension, keeping the torso rigid.
2. Erector spinae support a neutral spine from behind, resisting sagging at the hips.
3. Glutes help lock the pelvis in place and maintain proper alignment.

Question 2

Prompt: Which muscle groups are primarily targeted by an overhead press?

Options:
A. Legs & Glutes
B. Chest & Triceps
C. Shoulders & Upper Back ⟵ Correct
D. Core Stabilizers

Rationale:

• The overhead press engages the deltoids (shoulders) to lift the weight overhead and the trapezius and upper back muscles to stabilize the shoulder girdle.
• While the core helps stabilize the body, it is not the primary mover in this exercise.

Question 3

Prompt: What safety tip is most important to remember during a squat?

Options:
A. Warm up thoroughly
B. Keep a neutral spine ⟵ Correct
C. Move as fast as possible
D. Lock your knees at the top

Rationale:

• A neutral spine ensures even load distribution through the vertebrae and prevents low-back flexion or hyperextension.
• While warming up is important, maintaining spinal alignment directly protects the spine under load.

Question 4

Prompt: List two form cues you would use to maintain proper push-up technique.

Answer:

1. Straight Line: Keep your head, shoulders, hips, and heels aligned—engage core and glutes to prevent sagging or piking.
2. Elbow Angle: Tuck elbows to about a 45° angle from the body and lower chest to just above the ground, ensuring shoulder stability.

Rationale:

• A straight body prevents undue stress on the lumbar spine and transfers force efficiently through the torso.
• Proper elbow positioning protects the shoulder joint and engages chest and triceps optimally.

Question 5

Prompt: How confident are you in applying the neutral spine safety tip next time you perform a squat?

Answer Key: No single correct answer—this is a self-assessment to gauge readiness and inform future coaching needs.
 
 

Form Demonstration Drill: Form Checklist Reference

Use the following cues to observe student demonstrations and provide feedback.

Squat

• Feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out (~15°).
• Hips push back and down as if sitting in a chair.
• Knees track over (but not beyond) toes.
• Chest up, gaze forward, maintaining a neutral spine.

Why it matters: Proper depth and alignment protect the knees and back while targeting quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes effectively.

Push-Up

• Hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width, directly under chest.
• Body forms a straight line from head to heels—core and glutes engaged.
• Elbows tuck to about 45° relative to the torso.
• Lower chest to just above the ground without touching floor.

Why it matters: Keeps lumbar spine neutral, activates core stabilizers, and protects shoulder joints.

Plank

• Forearms or hands under shoulders; elbows directly under wrists if on forearms.
• Hips level—avoid sagging or piking.
• Core and glutes contracted to stabilize pelvis.
• Neck in line with spine; gaze at the floor.

Why it matters: Maintains spinal neutrality and challenges the entire core musculature for stability.

Lunge

• Step forward so front knee aligns over ankle at a ~90° bend.
• Back knee bends toward floor without touching it.
• Torso upright, shoulders over hips.
• Core engaged to prevent torso lean.

Why it matters: Ensures load is distributed safely between quadriceps and glutes, minimizing knee stress.

Overhead Press

• Feet hip-width apart, knees soft, core braced.
• Barbell or weights start at collarbone level, pressed straight overhead.
• Arms finish fully extended, biceps close to ears.
• Maintain a neutral spine and avoid overarching lower back.

Why it matters: Promotes shoulder stability, engages upper back for balance, and protects the lumbar region.

Use this key to guide real-time feedback during the quiz and drill activities. Reference Flex & Strength Overview as needed for muscle names and safety concepts.

Group Stretch Reflection

Objective: Guide students through a gentle paired stretch sequence while reflecting on key takeaways from today’s lesson.

Materials: None (just open space)

Instructions (5 minutes)

1. Pair Up
   Students form pairs (A & B). Pairs stand facing each other, about an arm’s length apart.
2. Gentle Stretch Sequence
   • Hamstring Stretch: Partner A places one heel on the floor, toes up. Partner B gently guides A’s torso forward until a light stretch is felt. Hold 20 seconds, then switch roles.
   • Quad Stretch: Partner A stands on one leg, bending the other knee and holding the ankle behind. Partner B supports A’s balance and gently encourages deeper stretch. Hold 20 seconds, then switch.
   • Shoulder & Triceps Stretch: Partner A raises one arm overhead and bends the elbow, reaching down the back. Partner B gently presses the elbow for a deeper stretch. Hold 20 seconds, then switch.
3. Reflect & Share
   While stretching or immediately afterward, use the prompts below. Take turns in your pair.Partner A: Share one new fact you learned today about muscles or safety cues.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Partner B: Share one form tip from the lesson that you’ll apply next session.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Wrap-Up (Whole Class)
   • Invite a few volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
   • Reinforce key takeaways: muscle awareness, proper form, and safety.
   • Encourage students to practice these tips in their next workout or P.E. session.

Teacher Tip: Use this time to listen in on reflections. Offer praise for insightful observations and clarify any misconceptions before students leave.