Fitness Focus - A Brief History of Physical Education

The Ancient Greeks believed in the importance of " a sound mind in a sound body" In colonial America, both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson believed that exercise was good for the mind. Although they believed in this value, colonial schools placed little emphasis on it. The life‑styles of that time period were usually physically demanding. Therefore, additional exercise to promote health was unnecessary for most.

During the early 19th century some schools provided games and club sports after school. Later in that century, physical education became a regular part of the school day. Programs were influenced by schools in England with their after school sports. Germany and Sweden "gymnastics" programs emphasized strength, tumbling skills, body control and creative expression. These programs were influencing the United States. Meanwhile, our nations military schools emphasized marching and fitness for the discipline of the soldiers.

During the 20th century, educators developed a new physical education. Features from the old systems were borrowed but it emphasized education through physical activities. Sports, games, and dance developed character. Leisure skills and lifetime activities were promoted as well.

During World Wars 1 and 2, American physical education teachers emphasized physical fitness. Having physically fit students became a matter of necessity and national pride. Strength test such as the pull‑up were designed to determine a soldiers ability to climb out of a foxhole.

In the 1950's, teachers began to help students find their own solutions to movement problems such as learning to fall in a variety of situations without getting hurt. This approach, influenced by the English system of instruction, is called movement education.

Technology has drastically reduced much of the physical labor required for work or other daily activities. As a result, society is now confronted with health problems such as heart disease related to inactivity. In this day and age, physical education has an increasing responsibility to meet not only the health needs of the students, but the intellectual, social, and emotional needs as well. Understanding the components and interdependence of health, knowledge, socialization, and emotional health is key to becoming "physically educated."

Lesson Review

1. Describe physical education during:

a) colonial times

b) 19th century

c) 20th century

d) 21^st century

2. Describe the situation that has led society to problems such as heart disease.

3. Conduct an internet research to complete the following timeline.

HINT: (Use a search engine and “history of physical education timeline”)

1420 AD Italian physician begins what?

1814 What bill was introduced and by what country?

1825 Who was the first physical education teacher in the U.S.?

1866 Which state is the first to pass physical education legislation?

1953 What were the results of the Kraus-Weber Tests?

1955 President Eisenhower formed what as a result of the Kraus-Weber Tests?

1961 President Kennedy reforms what and changes it into what is currently known as what?

1972 Title IX bans what in schools for academics and athletics?

1992 California State Board of Education adopts what? (must use different search to find this one)

2000-01 What bill (on physical education) was approved by congress (2000) and then had the Bush

Administration impose a moratorium on it (2001)?