Why Physical Education is Needed in School

An Internet WebQuest on Why PE is Needed

Created by Jordan Huska
Introduction
In the following WebQuest, you will use the power of teamwork to learn about Why Physical Education is
Needed in Schools. Each person on your team will become an expert on some aspect of Physical Education
and then you will come together at the end to share and get a better understanding of the topic as a whole.
Task
Why schools should require Physical Education of every student.
Process
You will be working together as a group to explore web sites. You should start with the video that is labeled
'Background Information' before dividing into groups. Each role has their own tasks to complete.
Conclusion
Now that you have explored this WebQuest answer the following question. Why is Physical Education Needed
in Schools? Make sure you turn in your TEAM paper (1 page) by April 1st, 2015.

Phase 1 - Background Information

This video is important because it will provide information about the topic as a whole. Everyone should view
this video before starting your role.

Dr. John Ratey Physical Activity Video

Phase 2 Roles
These roles were chosen because they each define the most important elements of Why Physical Education is
needed in schools. Each of you has been assigned a particular role with links and instructions below. Here are
the general instructions for all of you. Please see your specific instructions and questions below.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. One or two members from each WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.
2. Read through the webpages designated for your role. You can print out pages and underline the parts that
you feel are important or cut and paste from the webpage into a word processor.
3. Remember to include the URL of the page you take information from so you can return to it and use it as a
citation.
4. Focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Question or Task.
Superintendent: Use these links to answer the questions.

Student Behavior
Inexpensive PE/physical activity

1. What effect does PE have on student behavior?

2. Does PE/physical activity have to cost the school a lot of money?
Principal: Use these links to answer the questions.

Student Achievement
Classroom Management
Mental Health
PE Facts

1. Does PE benefit academic achievement?

2. Does PE benefit classroom management?
3. Does PE benefit mental health?
Parents: Use these links to answer the questions.

Lifelong Skills
Social Development

1. Does PE develop lifelong skills?

2. Does PE benefit students social development?
Phase 3 - Reaching Consensus
You have all learned about different aspects of Physical Education. Now group members come back to the
larger WebQuest team with expertise gained by searching from one perspective. You must all now answer the
question, 'Why is Physical Education Needed in School?' as a group. Each of you will bring a certain viewpoint
to the answer: some of you will agree and others disagree. Use information, pictures, movies, facts, opinions,
etc. from the web sites you explored to convince your teammates that your viewpoint is important and should
be part of your team's response. Your WebQuest team should write a 1 page paper with a response that
everyone on the team can support.
Phase 4 - Real World Feedback
You and your teammates have learned a lot of new information through dividing into various roles. You will now
put your paper into a letter that you will send out for real world feedback. As a team you will send your 1 page
paper as a letter that contains the opinions, information, and perspectives that you have gained. Here's the
process:
1.To turn your paper into a letter, begin your letter with a statement of who you are and why you are writing
your message to this particular person or organization.
2. Give background information that shows you understand the topic.

State the task/question and your groups response (1 page paper)

4. Each person on the team should proofread the message. Use correct letter format and ensure you have
correctly addressed the email message. Use the link below to make contact. Send your message and make
sure your teacher is CC in the email.
Your Contact is: Scott Klungseth, scott.klungseth@dsu.edu