Created byJessica Coomes

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Athlete's Body: A Training Plan

Grade 7Science15 days

In this project, students take on the role of sports trainers to develop a holistic training plan for an athlete. They integrate their understanding of organ systems to optimize athletic performance while ensuring the athlete's long-term health. The project involves designing a nutrition plan, a training regimen, and a recovery protocol, all tailored to the athlete's specific needs. Students collect and analyze data to monitor the athlete's health and adjust their training plans accordingly.

Organ SystemsAthletic PerformanceTraining PlanNutritionRecoveryExercise PhysiologyData Analysis

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can you, as a sports trainer, develop a holistic training plan that integrates your understanding of organ systems, optimizes athletic performance, and ensures the long-term health of an athlete?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How do different organ systems contribute to the overall function of the human body during physical activity?
What factors should be considered when designing a training plan for an athlete to ensure their body remains healthy and performs optimally?
How can data be collected and analyzed to monitor an athlete's health and adjust their training plan accordingly?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Understand the functions of different organ systems and their interactions during physical activity.
Design a comprehensive training plan that optimizes athletic performance while maintaining the athlete's health.
Collect and analyze data to monitor an athlete's health and adjust training plans.

NGSS

MS-LS1-3

Primary

Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.Reason: Focuses on the body as a system.

MS-LS1-7

Primary

Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.Reason: Addresses how the body uses energy.

MS-LS1-8

Primary

Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.Reason: Addresses how the body responds to stimuli.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Athlete's Challenge

A local athlete visits the class and shares their struggles with maintaining peak physical condition. Students interview the athlete to uncover challenges related to sleep, nutrition, training, and recovery, framing the project as a real-world problem they can help solve.

Body in Action

Students participate in a physical challenge (e.g., a mini-Olympics) and track their body's responses (heart rate, breathing, muscle fatigue). This firsthand experience sparks inquiry into the body systems at play and how they can be optimized for athletic performance.

Mystery Athlete

The teacher presents a fictional case study of an athlete experiencing unexplained performance decline and health issues. Students analyze the symptoms, conduct preliminary research, and propose initial hypotheses about the underlying physiological causes.

Data Dive

Students analyze wearable fitness tracker data (heart rate, sleep patterns, activity levels) of a volunteer athlete. They identify trends and anomalies, prompting them to investigate the relationship between organ systems and athletic performance.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Fueling the Machine: Nutrition Plan

Students investigate the role of nutrition in athletic performance, focusing on macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and their impact on energy levels, muscle growth, and recovery. They then create a sample meal plan tailored to their athlete's specific needs and training goals.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) in athletic performance.

2. Calculate the athlete's daily caloric and macronutrient needs based on their sport, training intensity, and body composition.

3. Design a sample meal plan for one week, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, that meets the athlete's nutritional requirements.

4. Justify each food choice in the meal plan, explaining its contribution to the athlete's energy levels, muscle growth, and recovery.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed meal plan for one week, including specific food choices, portion sizes, and timing, along with a rationale explaining how the plan supports the athlete's training goals and physiological needs.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NGSS MS-LS1-3 and MS-LS1-7 by focusing on how the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems work together to provide energy for physical activity. It also introduces the concept of chemical reactions in the body (MS-LS1-7) related to energy production.

Activity 2

Engineering Performance: Training Regimen

Students develop a structured training plan that incorporates different types of exercises (e.g., cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility exercises) to improve the athlete's performance and reduce the risk of injury. They must justify their exercise choices based on their understanding of how the body adapts to training.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research different types of exercises and their effects on the body (e.g., cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility exercises).

2. Design a 4-week training plan that incorporates a variety of exercises to target different muscle groups and energy systems.

3. Specify the sets, repetitions, frequency, and intensity for each exercise, considering the athlete's current fitness level and training goals.

4. Explain how each exercise contributes to the athlete's overall fitness and performance goals, referencing the specific organ systems involved.

5. Include warm-up and cool-down routines in the training plan to prevent injuries and promote recovery.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive training plan outlining specific exercises, sets, repetitions, frequency, and intensity, along with a rationale explaining how each exercise contributes to the athlete's overall fitness and performance goals. The plan should cover a period of 4 weeks.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on NGSS MS-LS1-3 and MS-LS1-8 by requiring students to design a training regimen that considers the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It also incorporates MS-LS1-8 by considering the role of sensory feedback and nervous system regulation in training adaptations.

Activity 3

Rest and Recharge: Recovery Protocol

Students create a recovery plan that focuses on the importance of sleep, stress management, and active recovery techniques. They research the physiological benefits of these strategies and explain how they contribute to the athlete's overall health and performance.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the importance of sleep, stress management, and active recovery techniques for athletic performance.

2. Develop a personalized sleep schedule for the athlete, considering their training schedule and individual needs.

3. Identify stress management techniques that the athlete can incorporate into their daily routine (e.g., meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises).

4. Design an active recovery routine that includes low-intensity exercises, stretching, and massage to promote muscle recovery and reduce soreness.

5. Explain how each recovery strategy contributes to the athlete's overall health and performance, referencing the specific organ systems involved.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed recovery plan that includes strategies for optimizing sleep, managing stress, and incorporating active recovery techniques, along with a rationale explaining the physiological benefits of each strategy.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses NGSS MS-LS1-8 by focusing on the importance of sleep and recovery in athletic performance, linking it to the nervous system and hormonal regulation. It also reinforces MS-LS1-3 as students consider how these factors impact the function of other organ systems.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Athlete Training Plan Rubric

Category 1

Nutrition Plan Effectiveness

Focuses on the accuracy of nutritional calculations, the effectiveness of the meal plan in meeting the athlete's needs, and the clarity of the rationale.

Criterion 1

Nutritional Calculations

Accuracy and completeness of the macronutrient calculations, alignment with athlete's sport, intensity, and body composition.

Exemplary

4 Points

Calculations are precise, comprehensive, and fully justified, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of the athlete's unique nutritional needs. Goes above and beyond to address specific requirements.

Proficient

3 Points

Calculations are accurate and complete, demonstrating a solid understanding of the athlete's nutritional needs. Justifications are clear and well-supported.

Developing

2 Points

Calculations contain some inaccuracies or omissions, showing a basic understanding of the athlete's nutritional needs. Justifications are present but may lack detail.

Beginning

1 Points

Calculations are largely inaccurate or incomplete, indicating a limited understanding of the athlete's nutritional needs. Justifications are weak or missing.

Criterion 2

Meal Plan Design

Effectiveness and balance of the meal plan in meeting the athlete's caloric and macronutrient needs, considering timing and variety.

Exemplary

4 Points

Meal plan is expertly designed, demonstrating an innovative approach to meeting the athlete's nutritional needs with optimal timing and variety to maximize performance and recovery.

Proficient

3 Points

Meal plan effectively meets the athlete's nutritional needs with appropriate timing and sufficient variety. Demonstrates a clear understanding of nutritional balance.

Developing

2 Points

Meal plan partially meets the athlete's nutritional needs, but may lack balance, variety, or appropriate timing. Shows some understanding of nutritional principles.

Beginning

1 Points

Meal plan inadequately meets the athlete's nutritional needs and lacks appropriate timing and variety. Shows limited understanding of nutritional principles.

Criterion 3

Rationale and Justification

Clarity and depth of the rationale justifying food choices and explaining their contribution to the athlete's energy levels, muscle growth, and recovery.

Exemplary

4 Points

Rationale is exceptionally clear, insightful, and thoroughly explains the physiological benefits of each food choice. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of nutrition science and its impact on athletic performance.

Proficient

3 Points

Rationale is clear, well-organized, and explains how each food choice supports the athlete's training goals and physiological needs. Demonstrates a strong understanding of nutrition.

Developing

2 Points

Rationale is present but may lack clarity, depth, or connection to the athlete's specific needs. Shows some understanding of the link between food and athletic performance.

Beginning

1 Points

Rationale is weak, vague, or missing, indicating a limited understanding of the relationship between food choices and athletic performance.

Category 2

Training Regimen Design

Focuses on the appropriateness of exercise selection, the specificity of the training plan, and the rationale connecting exercises to fitness goals and organ systems.

Criterion 1

Exercise Selection

Variety and appropriateness of exercises selected for the training plan, considering different muscle groups and energy systems.

Exemplary

4 Points

Exercise selection is innovative and comprehensive, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of exercise physiology and biomechanics. The plan is optimized for the athlete's specific sport and goals.

Proficient

3 Points

Exercise selection is varied and appropriate, targeting different muscle groups and energy systems effectively. Demonstrates a strong understanding of exercise principles.

Developing

2 Points

Exercise selection is somewhat limited or unbalanced, showing a basic understanding of exercise principles. Some exercises may not be ideal for the athlete's needs.

Beginning

1 Points

Exercise selection is limited, inappropriate, or shows a lack of understanding of exercise principles. The plan may be ineffective or potentially harmful.

Criterion 2

Training Plan Specificity

Clarity and precision in specifying sets, repetitions, frequency, and intensity for each exercise, adjusted to the athlete's fitness level and training goals.

Exemplary

4 Points

Training parameters are meticulously specified and precisely tailored to the athlete's individual fitness level, demonstrating an advanced understanding of progressive overload and periodization.

Proficient

3 Points

Training parameters are clearly specified and appropriately adjusted to the athlete's fitness level and training goals. Demonstrates a solid understanding of exercise prescription.

Developing

2 Points

Training parameters are generally specified but may lack precision or adequate adjustment to the athlete's fitness level. Shows a basic understanding of exercise prescription.

Beginning

1 Points

Training parameters are vague, inconsistent, or inappropriate for the athlete's fitness level, indicating a limited understanding of exercise prescription.

Criterion 3

Rationale and Physiological Basis

Strength of the rationale explaining how each exercise contributes to the athlete's overall fitness and performance goals, referencing specific organ systems.

Exemplary

4 Points

Rationale is exceptionally strong, providing a detailed and insightful explanation of the physiological adaptations resulting from each exercise, with precise references to the involved organ systems. Shows a sophisticated understanding of human physiology.

Proficient

3 Points

Rationale is clear and well-supported, explaining how each exercise contributes to the athlete's fitness and performance goals, referencing relevant organ systems. Demonstrates a strong understanding of physiology.

Developing

2 Points

Rationale is present but may lack depth or clear connections to the athlete's goals and organ systems. Shows some understanding of the physiological effects of exercise.

Beginning

1 Points

Rationale is weak, vague, or missing, indicating a limited understanding of the physiological benefits of the chosen exercises.

Category 3

Recovery Protocol Design

Focuses on the personalization of the sleep schedule, appropriateness of stress management techniques, effectiveness of the active recovery routine, and the rationale connecting strategies to health and organ systems.

Criterion 1

Sleep Schedule

Completeness and personalization of the sleep schedule, considering the athlete's training schedule and individual needs.

Exemplary

4 Points

Sleep schedule is meticulously crafted and optimized to the athlete's unique lifestyle and training demands, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of sleep science and its impact on performance.

Proficient

3 Points

Sleep schedule is well-developed and personalized, considering the athlete's training schedule and individual needs. Demonstrates a strong understanding of sleep hygiene.

Developing

2 Points

Sleep schedule is present but may lack personalization or adequate consideration of the athlete's training schedule. Shows a basic understanding of sleep.

Beginning

1 Points

Sleep schedule is vague, generic, or fails to consider the athlete's training schedule and individual needs, indicating a limited understanding of sleep importance.

Criterion 2

Stress Management

Appropriateness and variety of stress management techniques recommended for the athlete, tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Exemplary

4 Points

Stress management techniques are innovative, precisely tailored, and seamlessly integrated into the athlete's routine to optimize mental and physical well-being, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of stress physiology.

Proficient

3 Points

Stress management techniques are appropriate, varied, and tailored to the athlete's needs and preferences. Demonstrates a strong understanding of stress reduction strategies.

Developing

2 Points

Stress management techniques are suggested but may lack variety, personalization, or clear guidance on implementation. Shows a basic understanding of stress management.

Beginning

1 Points

Stress management techniques are generic, inappropriate, or lack relevance to the athlete's needs, indicating a limited understanding of stress management.

Criterion 3

Active Recovery

Effectiveness and safety of the active recovery routine, considering the athlete's training intensity and potential for muscle soreness.

Exemplary

4 Points

Active recovery routine is expertly designed to optimize recovery and prevent injuries, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of muscle physiology and recovery science.

Proficient

3 Points

Active recovery routine is effective and safe, promoting muscle recovery and reducing soreness appropriately for the athlete's training intensity. Demonstrates a solid understanding of recovery principles.

Developing

2 Points

Active recovery routine is present but may be too intense, too light, or lack appropriate exercises for the athlete's needs. Shows a basic understanding of recovery.

Beginning

1 Points

Active recovery routine is ineffective, potentially harmful, or shows a lack of understanding of recovery principles.

Criterion 4

Rationale and Physiological Benefits

Strength of the rationale explaining how each recovery strategy contributes to the athlete's overall health and performance, referencing specific organ systems.

Exemplary

4 Points

Rationale is exceptionally insightful, providing a comprehensive and nuanced explanation of the physiological mechanisms underlying each recovery strategy, with precise references to the involved organ systems.

Proficient

3 Points

Rationale is clear and well-supported, explaining how each recovery strategy contributes to the athlete's health and performance, referencing relevant organ systems. Demonstrates a strong understanding of physiology.

Developing

2 Points

Rationale is present but may lack depth or clear connections to the athlete's goals and organ systems. Shows some understanding of the physiological effects of recovery.

Beginning

1 Points

Rationale is weak, vague, or missing, indicating a limited understanding of the physiological benefits of the chosen recovery strategies.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflecting on the entire project, what was the most surprising thing you learned about how the different organ systems work together to support athletic performance and overall health?

Text

Required

Question 2

To what extent do you feel that your understanding of the human body as a system has evolved throughout this project?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which aspect of your training plan (nutrition, exercise, or recovery) do you think would have the greatest impact on the athlete's performance, and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Nutrition Plan

Exercise/Training Regimen

Recovery Protocol

Question 4

If you could go back and change one thing about your approach to designing the training plan, what would it be and why?

Text

Required