Our Mission
“Bear Tracks” is a cross-curricular project that brings agency and student voice to the development of each child’s mental and physical wellness.. Our culture has authored an accelerated evolution in technology, yet the state of our children’s health does not parallel the advances we find in information, industry, and innovation. This project will intertwine social sciences and physical education through practical life skills such as data gathering, organizing, and analysis to encourage children to identify the positive impact fitness has on development, performance, and cognition.
Participants
This project will impact two fifth grade classes, approximately 40 students, as a pilot for school year 2016–17 with a teaching team that includes two 5th grade teachers and one Physical Education Specialist.
Making it Happen
- invest in pedometers
- select an age appropriate online tracking system (LogIt)
- align Virginia Studies curriculum to pedometer use and physical activity (Bear Track Benchmarks)
- incorporate additional instructional opportunities (Morning Meeting Topics)
- collaborate through various disciplines (Music, Art, Library)
Rationale
Teaching strategies will be designed to increase daily physical activity. Through collaborative morning meetings, enrichment throughout several disciplines, and a nutritional focus, students will experience a totally unique learning environment. Students learn best when their learning is in the context of things that draw on their experience. By “walking” through the regions, visiting the bodies of water, major cities, and historical landmarks of Virginia, this area of study will become more concrete and understandable. This project allows children to have some common experiences and then build their learning. Our overall goal is for our students to change potentially unhealthy habits into healthy habits once they return to their homes.