Lesson: Exploring U.S. National Parks Through Exercise Journey (Seated & Standing

Objective: Students will learn about various U.S. National Parks and engage in physical activities inspired by the features of these parks. The lesson incorporates a 20-minute video featuring exercises themed around different national parks.

Materials:

• A 20-minute workout video themed around U.S. National Parks.
• Projector or Smartboard for video playback.
• Space for physical activity.
• Quiz sheet about National Parks (prepared in advance).
• Writing materials for students.

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Introduce the concept of U.S. National Parks and their significance.
   • Discuss the importance of physical activity.
2. Video Explanation (5 minutes):
   • Explain that the workout video involves exercises inspired by various national parks.
   • Mention that each exercise represents a unique feature of a park.
3. Warm-Up (5 minutes):
   • Lead a light warm-up to prepare for the exercise session.
4. Workout Session (20 minutes):
   • Play the 20-minute workout video.
   • Encourage students to follow along with the exercises.
   • Each exercise is paired with information about a specific national park.
5. Cool Down (5 minutes):
   • Guide a cool-down session to relax muscles.
   • Discuss the importance of cooling down after physical activity.
6. Interactive Quiz (5 minutes):
   • Conduct a group quiz with questions related to the national parks.
     • Question 1: “What lights can you see in the sky at Denali National Park in Alaska?”
       • Answer: The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis.
     • Question 2: “How long is the Grand Canyon?”
       • Answer: About 277 miles long.
     • Question 3: “What tall plant grows in Saguaro National Park in Arizona?”
       • Answer: The Saguaro Cactus.
     • Question 4: “Why is Joshua Tree National Park good for looking at stars?”
       • Answer: Because of its clear, open sky and minimal light pollution.
     • Question 5: “What are the very tall trees in Redwood National Park called?”
       • Answer: Coastal Redwoods.
     • Question 6: “Name a famous waterfall in Yosemite National Park.”
       • Answer: Yosemite Falls.
     • Question 7: “How high are the sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park?”
       • Answer: They can rise to about 750 feet.
     • Question 8: “What special kind of land is Everglades National Park known for?”
       • Answer: Wetland ecosystem, including mangrove forests and freshwater marshes.
     • Question 9: “What’s the name of a famous lighthouse in Acadia National Park?”
       • Answer: Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
     • Question 10: “What is the name of the narrow canyon in Zion National Park?”
       • Answer: The Narrows.
   • Discuss the answers as a group.
7. Discussion and Reflection (5 minutes):
   • Discuss what was learned about the national parks.
   • Share favorite exercises and reasons for them.
   • Talk about preserving natural sites like national parks.
8. Homework Assignment:
   • Research one national park not mentioned in the video and write about it, including an exercise idea.

Adaptations for Special Needs Students:

• Provide seated exercise alternatives.
• Use visual and audio aids.
• Allow peer assistance or modify exercise intensity as needed.

Closure: Conclude by highlighting the connection between physical health and the natural environment, encouraging exploration and respect for national parks and other natural spaces.