LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe reasons student athletes suffer from injuries, identify strategies to help protect yourself and others from sports-related injuries

NHES 2

Demonstrate behavior that reduces health risks

CASEL COMPETENCY

Self-management

KEY VOCAB

sternum, debilitating, concussions, scrutiny

Lesson Plan: Flying High, Landing Hard

For student athletes, the pressure to push through pain can be extreme. Here’s what teens need to know to protect themselves.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I keep myself safe while playing sports?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. Why is it important to get a preseason physical? During a preseason physical, a doctor can identify any issues or conditions before they cause problems.
  2. What are the symptoms of a concussion? List at least two examples. Possible answers: loss of consciousness, headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion (especially immediately after the blow), dizziness, blurred vision, sleepiness, sensitivity to light and noise, or difficulty concentrating.
  3. What is an athletic trainer, and how can they help keep student athletes safe? An athletic trainer’s job is to spot problems that could put a player in danger. The trainers also have medical training, so they can diagnose injuries

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Why do you think that sports-related injuries are more likely for kids who specialize in one sport, rather than practice a variety of sports? Possible answer: When kids play the same sport all year, they use the same joints and muscles repeatedly, which can cause extra wear and tear.
  2. What is the sports culture like at your school? Do you think student-athletes push themselves too hard? Answers will vary. 
  3. In spite of research about the risks of concussions, many youth still participate in dangerous sports like football. Why do you think they do so? Possible answer: Football is so ingrained in parts of American culture that people are reluctant to stop playing the sport.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Self-management

Many teens understand that concussions are dangerous, but they don’t know what signs to look for until it’s too late. In this ARE YOU OK? activity, students will create locker room posters detailing the symptoms of a concussion, as well as some things that teammates can do to help each other play safely. 

WATCH AND LEARN

NHES 3 and 8

CASEL Competency:Responsible decision-making

Many informative concussion safety videos are available online. In this activity, students will view some of these videos, then create their own SPORTS SAFETY FOR KIDS video to help younger athletes practice safety in sports. 

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