Physical Education is required by state law to have at least one semester three of four high school years. Some electives have prerequisites or grade restrictions. All classes will participate in fitness activities and testing as well as cognitive learning opportunities.
FRESHMAN PE - REQUIRED
Grade level: 9
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: NONE
Description: All classes are co-ed and cover the Five Components of Fitness and Wellness including, but not limited to: Aerobic Fitness, Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, Flexibility and Body Composition. Students will also get exposure to nutrition and energy levels, as well as a variety of racquet sports, invasion games and lifetime recreational activities. Students will also get exposure to introductory units of what is taught in Lifetime Activities, Outdoor Education, and Competitive Sports such as a variety of racquet sports, invasion games, lifetime recreational activities, team sports, and more.
PERSONAL WELLNESS
Grade level: 9-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: This Course guides students through an in-depth examination of the effects of exercise on the body. Students will learn how to exercise efficiently and properly. Basic anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics will serve as a foundation for students to build effective exercise programs. The study of nutrition and human behavior is also an integral part of this course. Students will conduct fitness assessments and participate in weekly physical activity.
FIT FOR LIFE
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: This course is designed to expand on a variety of activities that can be pursued throughout an individual’s lifetime. Emphasis will focus on skill improvement, sportsmanship, strategy, and a health enhancing level of fitness. Improving levels of fitness is a semester long goal for this course. Students will get exposure to more in depth nutrition and fitness levels, as well as a variety of lifetime recreational activities. Concentration will be on improved physical fitness and awareness for the need of lifetime fitness and sport activity.
COMPETITIVE SPORTS
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: The students will now get the chance to choose their path within the units between playing, coaching, refereeing or tournament directing. All students will participate as a player unless they are designated as a coach or referee. The purpose of this course is to develop the physical skills necessary to be competent in many forms of movement, knowledge of team sports concepts such as offensive and defensive strategies and tactics, and appropriate social behaviors within a team or group setting. The integration of fitness concepts throughout the content is critical to the success of this course. Units may include, but are not limited to, the following sports: Volleyball, Kickball, Dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Team Handball & Basketball.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit (this course can be taken multiple times)
Prerequisite: Personal Wellness
Description: This course will focus on the fundamentals of Muscular Strength and Endurance. Students will establish their fitness level, set goals, and design and follow an individualized training and cross training program. Students will study Muscular Anatomy and learn specific exercises to strengthen each muscle or muscle group. Students will focus on proper posture and technique while training in the weight room two to three days per week. Workouts can include agility, speed, and power training on non-lifting days.
INJURY MANAGEMENT AND ATHLETIC TRAINING
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: This course is an introduction to careers in Sports Medicine and Wellness. Students will learn about sports nutrition and preseason testing, how injuries occur, how to reduce them, taping techniques, and anatomy. Other opportunities include but are not limited to: training sporting events, using modalities for rehabilitation purposes, job shadowing at Merrill Physical Therapy as well as other local health-related facilities, and helping as a part of the H.E.A.T. Team at Merrill High School.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: Students will have the opportunity to explore outdoor recreational activities including but not limited to: Rock Climbing, Snowshoeing, Archery, Shelter Building & Survival, Kayaking, Orienteering, Hiking and Character Building. This class is focused on building trust, teamwork, taking risks and growing as an individual through various rigorous activities.
UNIFIED ADAPTED PE
Grade level: 11-12
Year: 1.0 Credit (this course can be taken multiple times)
Prerequisite: Freshman PE
Description: This course combines students of all abilities to participate in developmentally appropriate activities including lifetime activities, physical fitness, and sport. Students will work together to increase competence and confidence in a variety of physical activities. Through ongoing leadership opportunities, members of this course will be empowered to help create a more inclusive and accepting school environment for all students - through SHAPE AMERICA suggested guidelines.
EARLY BIRD AQUATICS
Grade level: 10-12
Semester: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: Must be 15 years of age and hold a 3.0 GPA
Description: This course is designed by the American Red Cross to prepare students to work as lifeguards. Students will learn rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. Students will be certified through classroom instruction and practical water training. The fee will cover the cost of a pocket mask, manual, and certification provided by the American Red Cross. To be eligible for the Lifeguarding course, the participant must be 15 years of age.
The participant must successfully complete the following pre-tests:
swim 300 yards continually using these strokes in the following order: 100 yards freestyle, 100 yards breaststroke, and 100 yards any combination of freestyle and breaststroke.
Starting in the water, the participant must swim 20 yards using freestyle or breaststroke, dive 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound brick, then kick on his/her back 20 yards back to the starting point with the brick on his/her stomach. The participant must then exit the water without the use of a ladder or step, all within a time of 1 minute and 40 seconds.
The participant must tread in deep water for 2 minutes using only his/her legs.