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Physical Education Service-Learning Project Ideas

Physical Education class can be more than just playing soccer, shooting hoops or getting in good physical shape. It can be an excellent opportunity for students to help their community become more acquainted with physical fitness!

Exercise facilities directory
Students can research their community to find out what exercise facilities are open to the community. Maybe the high school pool is open for family swim sessions on the weekends, or maybe the local community center offers exercise classes for senior citizens. No matter what type of exercise, chances are there is a population in the community that is unaware of the many exercise facilities available to them. Students can put together an "Exercise Directory" and distribute it at local community centers, hospitals, doctor's offices, etc.

Exercise health risks and health benefits
Along with knowing where they can exercise, people need to know what they should do before beginning an exercise program or starting a new type of sport activity. Students can take a close look at the health risks and the health benefits from being involved with certain sports or exercise program. Once they identify the benefits and risks, students need to find a way to post their findings in a public place. Whether they design a page for the local community web site or design flyers and brochures and distribute them to the community, there are many ways students can help to inform the community about the risks and benefits of exercising!

Senior citizen center
The local senior citizen center is always a good place to get students involved! Senior citizens like to dance, walk, play ping-pong and maybe even do aerobics or swim. Students can join them and make it more fun for those seniors involved in an exercise regime! Students can contact the senior citizen center and find out what exercise programs are sponsored. Once a month, instead of having physical education class at school, students could take their class at the senior citizen center! Not only will the students get their exercise in for the day, the seniors will have more fun because they have some new friends with whom they can dance, walk, swim or even play ping-pong!

Grant Opportunities provide additional project ideas >>