The goal of the “Strength in Science” project is to develop cross-curricular resources for science and PE teachers that are linked with the Junior Cycle Science and PE curricula which will increase girls’ interest in both learning science and participating in exercise. We hope to make science more personal and relevant to teenage girls by linking how the biology and physics involved in exercise affects their health.
 
The lesson plan kits present fun and unique ways to participate in exercise and the scientific effects that different exercises have on the body. The suggested activities can be used to teach the Health-Related Activity area of study in the Junior Cycle PE Curriculum. Alternatively, the videos and flyers can be used to complement activities in other PE areas of study such as Athletics, Gymnastics, and Dance. 

Strength in Science Resources

The kits were developed through collaboration between researchers, science teachers, PE teachers, fitness instructors, and Junior Cycle students. Each of the lesson plan kits include the following resources:

1. A lesson plan for teachers with activities linked to relevant PE Areas of study;
2. A ~6 minute video featuring female senior scientists and doctors speaking about their research and the science behind the effects of exercise on the body;
3. An accompanying flyer covering the content of the video.

There is also an Instructor booklet which presents fun and unique ways to participate  in exercise and includes contact details for fitness instructors who work with teenagers in the Galway and Dublin areas. It also includes the scientific effects that each exercise has on the body.

Did you Know?

Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for poor health and is now identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. In Ireland, physical inactivity is thought to be responsible for 8.8% of the burden of disease from coronary artery disease, and 10.9% of type 2 diabetes.