Exercise Journal: Tracing Claims and Informative Writing
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an exercise journal that not only tracks our physical activity but also informs and empowers us to evaluate and improve our fitness journey based on reliable information?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can a journal be used to keep track of your exercise?
- What are the key components of informative writing, and how do they apply to creating an exercise journal?
- How can you effectively organize information in your exercise journal to make it easy to understand and use?
- How can you use your exercise journal to evaluate your progress and make adjustments to your fitness plan?
- How do you trace and evaluate the arguments and claims presented in articles or other resources related to exercise and fitness, and incorporate that information into your journal?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to design and create an exercise journal that effectively tracks physical activity.
- Students will be able to write informative and explanatory texts within their exercise journal, demonstrating clear organization and understanding of fitness concepts.
- Students will be able to evaluate their fitness progress using the journal and make informed adjustments to their exercise plan.
- Students will be able to trace and evaluate arguments and claims in fitness-related resources and incorporate evidence-based information into their journal entries.
- Students will be able to organize information logically in an exercise journal to enhance clarity and usability.
- Students will understand the key components of informative writing and their application in the context of an exercise journal.
- Students will learn how to use a journal to monitor and reflect on their exercise routines.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to gather, synthesize, and present information related to fitness and exercise in an accessible format.
- Students will be able to utilize the exercise journal to empower themselves and others to make informed decisions about their fitness journey based on reliable information.
- Students will improve their ability to use data collection and analysis to drive personal fitness goals through journaling.
- Students will be able to identify the key components of an effective exercise journal, including goal setting, progress tracking, and reflection prompts.
- Students will be able to trace and evaluate an author’s argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
- Students will be able to write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
- Students will be able to engage in collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
- Students will be able to use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
- Students will be able to conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
- Students will be able to gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
- Students will be able to draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
- Students will be able to write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
- Students will develop self-assessment and goal-setting strategies to promote lifelong learning in the area of personal fitness.
ELA Benchmark Strands
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsFuture Self Motivation
**'Dear Future Me' Letter:** Students write a letter to their future selves (one year from now), detailing their current exercise habits, goals, and challenges. They will revisit these letters at the end of the project, sparking reflection and analysis of their progress.Exercise Mythbusters
**'Myth Busters: Exercise Edition' Debate:** Students participate in a debate centered around common myths and misconceptions about exercise and fitness. This event encourages critical thinking and sets the stage for evidence-based journal creation.Design Thinking
**'Design Thinking for Fitness' Workshop:** Students participate in a mini-design thinking workshop focused on identifying problems related to exercise habits and brainstorming innovative solutions. This event primes them to consider user-centered design principles for their exercise journals.Fitness Resources
**'Local Fitness Landscape' Exploration:** Students create a detailed presentation of local fitness resources, programs, and facilities available in their community. This activity promotes awareness of real-world fitness options and informs their journal content.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Claim Investigator: Myth or Fact?
Students will select a fitness-related claim or myth from the 'Exercise Mythbusters' event and write a brief argumentative paragraph either supporting or refuting the claim with evidence.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-structured paragraph with a clear thesis statement, supporting evidence, and proper citations.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with RI.6.8 (evaluating claims) and W.6.2 (informative writing).Journal Blueprint: Design Your Fitness Tracker
Students will define personal fitness goals and create a structured template for their exercise journal, including sections for tracking workouts, nutrition, and reflections.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed journal template with defined sections and prompts for daily/weekly entries.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with W.6.2 (organization, analysis) and goal setting (lifelong learning).Exercise Encyclopedia: Research and Report
Students will research and summarize information on different types of exercises (e.g., cardio, strength training, flexibility) and their benefits, incorporating this information into their exercise journal.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityInformative entries in the exercise journal summarizing different exercise types with cited sources.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with RI.6.8 (evaluating arguments), W.6.2 (informative texts), and research skills.Progress Tracker: Analyze and Adjust
Students will use their exercise journal to track their workouts, nutrition, and reflections for a set period (e.g., two weeks), then analyze their progress and identify areas for improvement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed exercise journal with consistent tracking, a progress report summarizing achievements and challenges, and revised fitness goals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with W.6.2 (analysis), self-assessment (lifelong learning), and data collection.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio6th Grade Exercise Journal Rubric
Claim Investigator: Myth or Fact?
Assessment of student's ability to investigate and argue for or against a fitness-related claim.Claim Clarity and Accuracy
Clarity and accuracy of the claim identified from the 'Exercise Mythbusters' event.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe claim is clearly stated, accurately reflects the debate, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the issues involved. The argument is compelling and insightful.
Proficient
3 PointsThe claim is clearly stated, accurately reflects the debate, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issues involved. The argument is well-reasoned.
Developing
2 PointsThe claim is stated but may lack clarity or accuracy in reflecting the debate. Demonstrates emerging understanding of the issues involved. The argument is present but needs further development.
Beginning
1 PointsThe claim is unclear, inaccurate, or missing. Demonstrates a beginning understanding of the issues involved. The argument is weak or absent.
Evidence Quality and Relevance
Quality and relevance of evidence used to support or refute the claim.
Exemplary
4 PointsEvidence is compelling, thoroughly researched, and directly supports the argument. Sources are credible and cited impeccably. Shows innovative application of evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsEvidence is relevant, well-researched, and supports the argument effectively. Sources are credible and cited properly.
Developing
2 PointsEvidence is partially relevant or weakly supports the argument. Some sources may lack credibility or proper citation.
Beginning
1 PointsEvidence is irrelevant, insufficient, or missing. Sources are not credible or improperly cited.
Argumentative Structure and Clarity
Structure, clarity, and persuasiveness of the argumentative paragraph.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe paragraph is exceptionally well-structured, with a clear thesis statement, logical flow, and persuasive argumentation. Language is precise and engaging.
Proficient
3 PointsThe paragraph is well-structured, with a clear thesis statement, logical flow, and persuasive argumentation. Language is clear and concise.
Developing
2 PointsThe paragraph shows some structure but may lack a clear thesis statement, logical flow, or persuasive argumentation. Language is sometimes unclear or imprecise.
Beginning
1 PointsThe paragraph lacks structure, a clear thesis statement, logical flow, and persuasive argumentation. Language is unclear and imprecise.
Journal Blueprint: Design Your Fitness Tracker
Assessment of student's ability to create a structured journal template for tracking fitness progress and setting goals.SMART Goal Setting
Specificity and measurability of fitness goals aligned with SMART criteria.
Exemplary
4 PointsGoals are exceptionally specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of effective goal-setting strategies.
Proficient
3 PointsGoals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), demonstrating a thorough understanding of effective goal-setting strategies.
Developing
2 PointsGoals are partially specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, or time-bound. Demonstrates emerging understanding of effective goal-setting strategies.
Beginning
1 PointsGoals are vague, unmeasurable, unachievable, irrelevant, or lack a time-bound component. Demonstrates a beginning understanding of effective goal-setting strategies.
Journal Template Design and Organization
Design and organization of the journal template, including sections for workout logs, nutrition tracking, and personal reflections.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe journal template is innovatively designed and exceptionally well-organized, with comprehensive sections for workout logs, nutrition tracking, and personal reflections that promote deep self-assessment.
Proficient
3 PointsThe journal template is well-designed and organized, with clear sections for workout logs, nutrition tracking, and personal reflections.
Developing
2 PointsThe journal template shows some design and organization, but may lack clear sections or sufficient prompts for workout logs, nutrition tracking, or personal reflections.
Beginning
1 PointsThe journal template lacks design and organization, with missing sections or prompts for workout logs, nutrition tracking, or personal reflections.
Progress Evaluation Prompts
Inclusion of prompts for evaluating progress and adjusting goals as needed.
Exemplary
4 PointsIncludes exceptionally insightful and thought-provoking prompts that encourage deep reflection and proactive adjustment of goals based on progress.
Proficient
3 PointsIncludes relevant prompts for evaluating progress and adjusting goals as needed.
Developing
2 PointsIncludes some prompts for evaluating progress and adjusting goals, but they may be limited or superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks prompts for evaluating progress and adjusting goals.
Exercise Encyclopedia: Research and Report
Assessment of student's ability to research and summarize information on different types of exercises for their journal.Exercise Type Selection
Selection of diverse and relevant exercise types for research.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects a diverse range of exercise types that are highly relevant to their personal fitness goals and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of different exercise modalities.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects three different types of exercises that are relevant to their personal fitness goals.
Developing
2 PointsSelects fewer than three exercise types or exercise types that are not clearly relevant to their personal fitness goals.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to select any exercise types or selects exercise types that are completely irrelevant to their personal fitness goals.
Source Quality and Reliability
Quality and reliability of sources used to research the benefits and techniques of each exercise type.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses exceptionally high-quality and reliable sources that provide comprehensive and accurate information about the benefits and techniques of each exercise type. Demonstrates advanced research skills.
Proficient
3 PointsUses reliable sources (articles, websites, videos) that explain the benefits and techniques of each exercise type.
Developing
2 PointsUses sources of questionable reliability or sources that do not adequately explain the benefits and techniques of each exercise type.
Beginning
1 PointsUses unreliable or inappropriate sources or fails to cite sources properly.
Journal Entry Clarity and Accuracy
Clarity, accuracy, and thoroughness of journal entries summarizing the key information for each exercise type.
Exemplary
4 PointsWrites exceptionally clear, accurate, and thorough journal entries that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the benefits and techniques of each exercise type. Summaries are insightful and well-organized.
Proficient
3 PointsWrites clear and accurate journal entries summarizing the key information for each exercise type.
Developing
2 PointsWrites journal entries that lack clarity, accuracy, or thoroughness in summarizing the key information for each exercise type.
Beginning
1 PointsWrites journal entries that are unclear, inaccurate, or incomplete.
Progress Tracker: Analyze and Adjust
Assessment of student's ability to track progress, analyze results, and adjust their fitness plan accordingly.Tracking Consistency and Detail
Consistency and detail in tracking workouts, nutrition, and reflections over the two-week period.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional consistency and detail in tracking workouts, nutrition, and reflections, providing a comprehensive and insightful record of their fitness journey. Entries are thoughtful and demonstrate a deep commitment to self-monitoring.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates consistent and detailed tracking of workouts, nutrition, and reflections over the two-week period.
Developing
2 PointsShows inconsistent or incomplete tracking of workouts, nutrition, or reflections over the two-week period.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to track workouts, nutrition, or reflections consistently over the two-week period.
Progress Report Quality
Thoroughness and insightfulness of the progress report summarizing achievements, challenges, and feelings about the fitness journey.
Exemplary
4 PointsWrites an exceptionally thorough and insightful progress report that demonstrates a deep understanding of their achievements, challenges, and feelings about their fitness journey. The report is reflective, analytical, and provides valuable insights.
Proficient
3 PointsWrites a thorough progress report summarizing achievements, challenges, and feelings about their fitness journey.
Developing
2 PointsWrites a progress report that lacks thoroughness or insight in summarizing achievements, challenges, or feelings about their fitness journey.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to write a progress report or writes a report that is incomplete or superficial.
Goal Revision and Adjustment
Revisions made to fitness goals and adjustments to the exercise plan based on the analysis of journal entries.
Exemplary
4 PointsMakes significant and well-justified revisions to fitness goals and adjustments to the exercise plan based on a comprehensive analysis of journal entries. Demonstrates a proactive and adaptive approach to fitness planning.
Proficient
3 PointsRevises fitness goals and adjusts the exercise plan based on the analysis of journal entries.
Developing
2 PointsMakes superficial or poorly justified revisions to fitness goals or adjustments to the exercise plan.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to revise fitness goals or adjust the exercise plan based on the analysis of journal entries.