| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Biology |
| What topic | Marathon Runner |
| What length (min) | 45 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 9 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | New Visions |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 10 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Biology
Marathon Runner
Grade 9
45 minutes
20 students
New Visions
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Introduce the topic of marathon running and its significance. Ask students what they know about it. |
| 2 | Video Presentation | 10 | Show a short video about marathon runners, highlighting the physiological aspects and challenges faced. |
| 3 | Group Discussion | 10 | Divide students into groups. Each group discusses the pros and cons of marathon running based on the video. |
| 4 | Class Share-Out | 5 | Each group shares their findings with the class. Teacher collects insights on the whiteboard. |
| 5 | Lecture | 10 | Teach students about muscle types, energy systems, and adaptations relevant to marathon running. |
| 6 | Conclusion & Homework | 5 | Summarize the key points discussed. Assign homework for students to reflect on what they've learned. |
"Good morning, class! Today, we're going to dive into an exciting topic: marathon running. Now, who here has heard of a marathon? (Pause for students to respond.) Great! Marathons are challenging long-distance races, typically 26.2 miles long. They require not just physical strength but also mental endurance.
Can anyone tell me what they think some of the physiological changes might be when someone trains for a marathon? (Wait for responses.) Exactly! Those are some interesting points. Today, we'll explore these adaptations and much more about marathon running. Let's kick things off!"
"Now, I have a short video that talks about marathon runners. It highlights their training, the physiological changes their bodies go through, and some of the challenges they face. Pay close attention to how their bodies adapt to meet the demands of long-distance running. Let’s watch!"
(Play the video)
"Alright, I hope you found that as fascinating as I do! Remember the points you saw, as they will be important for our next activity."
"Now that we have a good understanding of the video, I want you to get into small groups of four. Each group will discuss the pros and cons of marathon running based on the video content. Think about things like physical health benefits, mental challenges, and any potential risks.
You'll have 10 minutes for this discussion. I’ll walk around to listen in and help you stay on track. Ready? Go!"
(After 10 minutes)
"Time’s up, everyone! Let’s regroup and see what you discussed. It's crucial we share these insights as a class."
"Now, I'd like each group to share their findings. Please choose one person to present your main points—both pros and cons. I’ll write these insights on the whiteboard as you share so we can visualize the collective thoughts.
Who would like to go first?"
(Encourage each group to share. Write down points on the whiteboard as they are shared.)
"Fantastic contributions, everyone! It’s clear there are many sides to marathon running."
"Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the biology behind marathon running.
First, let's talk about muscle types. There are two main types: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. Who can tell me the differences between them? (Wait for responses.) Yes! Slow-twitch muscles are more efficient for endurance activities, like running long distances because they use oxygen more efficiently.
Next, let’s look at energy systems. During a marathon, your body primarily uses aerobic energy systems, which rely on oxygen to generate energy over extended periods. Over time, marathon training can lead to increased capillary density in muscles, allowing for better oxygen delivery.
Finally, there are adaptations we see in marathon runners. Increased cardiac output, VO2 max improvements, and even psychological changes such as resilience are notable.
Any quick questions before we wrap up this section? (Pause for questions.) Great, let's move on."
"To conclude, marathon running is not just a test of physical strength; it’s a blend of physiological and psychological factors that work together.
For your homework, I want you to reflect on what we've learned today about the impact of marathon running on the body. Write a short paragraph summarizing your thoughts. We'll discuss your reflections in our next class, so bring them ready.
Thank you for your excellent participation today! Remember to be respectful and collaborative in your group work. See you next class!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A marathon runner in action} | - Introduction to marathon running - Definition: 26.2 miles long - Importance of physical strength and mental endurance - Discussion prompt on physiological changes |
| 2 | {Image: A still from the video} | - Video overview: Training and challenges of marathon runners - Focus on physiological adaptations - Encourage recall of video points for discussion |
| 3 | {Image: Groups of students discussing} | - Group discussion setup - Task: Discuss pros and cons of marathon running - Key areas: Health benefits, mental challenges, risks - Discussion time: 10 minutes |
| 4 | {Image: Students presenting findings} | - Class share-out: Group presentations - Each group shares one main point from their discussion - Whiteboard visualization of collective insights |
| 5 | {Image: Diagram of muscle types} | - Lecture on biology of marathon running - Focus on muscle types: slow-twitch vs fast-twitch - Questions about their differences and functions |
| 6 | {Image: Energy systems concept} | - Energy systems in marathon running - Primary system used: aerobic - Importance of oxygen in energy generation - Long-term effects of training |
| 7 | {Image: Graph depicting capillary density} | - Adaptations in marathon runners - Increased capillary density for better oxygen delivery - Improvements in cardiac output and VO2 max |
| 8 | {Image: Icon representing mental resilience} | - Psychological adaptations in marathon running - Development of resilience and mental strength - Open floor for questions |
| 9 | {Image: Summary text on a chalkboard} | - Conclusion of lesson: Importance of physiological and psychological factors - Summary of key points discussed |
| 10 | {Image: Homework assignment on a notebook} | - Homework assignment: Reflect on marathon running’s impact on the body - Write a short paragraph summarizing thoughts - Reminder for next class discussion |
What is the distance of a marathon, and why is it considered a long-distance race?
Discuss at least two pros and two cons of marathon running that were mentioned during the group discussions.
Explain the differences between slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Which type is more beneficial for marathon running, and why?
Describe the primary energy systems used by the body during a marathon. How do these systems support long-distance running?
Identify and explain three physiological adaptations that occur in the body as a result of marathon training.
Reflect on the psychological aspects of marathon running. What are some psychological changes that runners may experience with training?
In a short paragraph, summarize your thoughts on the impact of marathon running on both physical health and mental well-being. Include at least one point from the video presentation and one from the class discussion.
How does increased capillary density in muscles contribute to a runner’s performance during a marathon?
Why is resilience considered an important psychological change for marathon runners?
What challenges do marathon runners face that were highlighted in the video? How might they overcome these challenges?
What are some mental strategies that runners might use to overcome fatigue during a marathon, and how might these strategies be beneficial in other areas of life?
In your opinion, what are some of the most significant physical adaptations that occur in the body as a result of marathon training? How do these adaptations enhance performance?
Consider the potential risks of marathon running. What precautions do you think runners should take to minimize these risks during their training and races?
How does the concept of aerobic energy systems play a role in a marathon runner's performance? Can you think of everyday activities that also rely on these energy systems?
If you were to train for a marathon, what personal goals would you set for yourself beyond just completing the race? How might achieving these goals affect you mentally and physically?