PE Corner · Sports Science
Sports science
Energy systems, biomechanics and training theory. Start with the quiz, then take on the tasks.
Units
Published as we work through the year. Each unit has theory, testing, tasks and a quiz.
Unit 1
Understanding fitness & human performance
Health and skill-related components, fitness testing protocols, validity and reliability, plus the entry quiz.
Unit 2
Coming soon
Start-of-year quiz
Sports science starter quiz
1 / 10What is a key physical quality a gymnast needs most?
Tasks
Task 1 — Partner balance test
Stand on one leg with your eyes closed while your partner times how long you stay balanced. Switch roles and record both results. As a class, create a simple chart showing everyone's times and discuss which sports need great balance and what helps you stay steady.
Task 2 — Reaction time challenge
Face your partner. When they say 'go', they quickly point left, right, up or down and you move the opposite way as fast as you can. Count correct responses in 30 seconds, swap roles, then present your scores on a class leaderboard. Discuss whether practice improves reaction time and which sports depend on it most.
Task 3 — Heart rate detectives
Find your pulse with your partner's help and count beats for 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get your resting heart rate. Do one minute of marching or jogging on the spot, rest for one minute, then measure again. Record your before and after values and present them as a simple bar graph. Discuss why heart rate changes with exercise.
Go deeper
- Interview a classmate about their favourite sport and list the main skills and fitness qualities it requires.
- Design a one-minute warm-up routine that needs no equipment and teach it to another pair.
- Keep a simple food-and-activity diary for one day and identify one healthy choice you could make.