Coding is an important life skill that will benefit the future workforce. Coding, in its simplicity, is problem solving until you find a solution. Here are numerous activities that provide your students opportunities to code in Physical Education.
Monkey Challenge
From Kate Cox
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Three person activity
An object will be placed on the floor in front of the group. Each member of the group must work together to find the object. Person #1 is blindfolded (or close their eyes) and is the only person moving to look for the item. Person #2 has their back to Person #1 and is the only person allowed to talk out loud. Person #3 is facing Person #2 and can see Person #1 but cannot talk. They must "tell" Person #2 how Person #1 must move but cannot say anything or make noises. When solved, rotate positions. |
Code Breaker
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Team Building Activity
Divide the class into groups. Each group will be given a set of stepping stones (poly spots, stepping stones, chalk marks) with each stone having a number written on the stone. The codes (below) will be given to a master coder who will hide the code and allow the team to take turns trying to solve the code. The master coder will say "Yes" or "No" depending on if the person took the correct step. Codes range from 2-digit to 6-digits. |
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Mastermind Fitness
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Fitness/Team Building Activity
One person is the Mastermind and places four (4) objects behind a barrier. The rest of the "team" lines up away (so they cannot see the objects). Each object will represent a different type of fitness activity (ex: Push Ups, Curl Ups, Trunk Twist, Arm Circles, etc). The team will set up a "solution" to the activity and will perform one (1) repetition for each fitness activity. The Mastermind will place a small cone (or another object) in front of the barrier to represent when the team guesses one of the parts of the code correctly. When the code is guessed correctly, switch roles. |
Scarf Beat Sheets |
The Scarf Beat Sheets are used to help students create movements with the scarf. The activity sheets (with and without words) can help the students understand different ways to move the scarf. The Complete the Pattern Worksheet allow the students to work on coding their activities and solving the missing segment/parts. The Build Your Own Pattern can be used for students to develop their own 16 beat activity with the scarf.
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The Maze
Many variations to this activity. Here is Sasha Taylor's class using a tarp for students to stand on during field day (2019). Poly spots, hula hoops, and chalk marks can also be used to make the grid for each group.
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The Maze is a great team building activity that easily teaches code. One person stands by the Finish line and holds one of the codes. The rest of the team stands on behind the starting line. The first person takes a step and the coder says "Yes" or "No." If they are correct they get another step. If they are wrong they go to the back of the line and the next person makes an attempt. When the code is solved, the team will send a new person to return the old code and pick up a new one.
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Eric Fisher created a spot on each card (see the black spot on the picture) that when the student moved to that space they had to complete a fitness task (like 5 jumping jacks) before moving to the next space.
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If equipment is an issue, chalk is an easy way to lay down the maze activity for your students.
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