Getting in shape can seem a daunting task and with the current rise in childhood obesity even kids can struggle with staying in shape. Fortunately the latest installment at the Newark Museum in Newark, New Jersey, the Generation Fit exhibit, not only gets you moving but also introduces you to the science behind staying in shape!
While physical fitness is a hot topic right now amongst adults, it can be a bit difficult to work the subject into the classroom. Fortunately the science behind staying in shape can easily fit into the science classroom and at the same time shed a new light on exercise and eating right for kids today! Generation Fit is a great starting point as it combines the latest technology with simple and informative lessons that can benefit anyone trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
While in the exhibit…
As always take advantage of the exhibit itself! Generation Fit is jam-packed with information and activities! From simple displays which show you how much activity it takes to burn a calorie, to video game technology that gets you up and moving… this exhibit covers just about everything in regards to eating better and being more active. The biggest challenge in the exhibit will be making sure that your students see it all. The flashy video games and interactive aspects are definitely a draw but don’t count out the simple stuff. Make sure (in the event you don’t have a museum educator guiding you through) that you point out the simpler, but just as informative, elements to the exhibits.
Back in the classroom…
Just because you leave the museum doesn’t mean the conversation has to end! Once back in the classroom keep the excitement of the exhibit going by discussing the science behind physical activity!
- For younger kids: Talk about how the body is affected when you play! Little ones are always eager to run around and play… use that! After recess talk about how their breathing changed or have them feel their own heartbeat!
- For older kids: Discuss exercise and how that affects the body. What activities should be done to target certain muscles? You can discuss why warm-ups and cool downs are important to breathing and even have them measure their heart rate.
- For even older kids: Discuss respiration! What is the biology behind breathing and how does exercise affect that? Also discuss nutrients… What foods are most beneficial if someone is going to be running a long distance? What about for someone resting? Metabolism and respiration are great topics to go with the exhibit.
Your students move quite a bit in a given day… walking around school, getting up out of their seats, gym class/recess… so it shouldn’t be too hard to make connections from what they saw in the exhibit to what they do every day by just moving around! Just remember to make use of the exhibit while you are there and then make connections back in the classroom! Not only will it inspire your students to maintain a healthier lifestyle, but it’ll make them jump and move for sure!
