Reference materials such as encyclopedias, Internet, articles about former Olympic athletes
Explain how many Olympians have overcome great personal obstacles to achieve their dreams. This perseverance
has won the hearts of many fans and they look to them for inspiration. They have become role models to many
people. One example is Christine Scheels. Christine began training hard in the speed skating event when she
was only thirteen. Her goal was to go to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lilehammer, Norway. Speed skating requires
great strength, endurance, and speed. When Chris finished a practice, she often became short of breath and would
gasp for air. Chris went to the doctor and they determined she had asthma. Asthma affects the lungs and airways.
The airways get irritated and inflamed and the muscles that surround the airways tighten, making it hard for the
air to flow smoothly in and out of the lungs. Athletes who have asthma and compete in the winter sports have a
hard time because the cold, dry air is more likely to bring on an asthma attack than the warm, moist air. Chris
didn't let that stop her from skating. After getting the proper medication from her doctor, Chris kept up the
difficult training. Chris said, "I've never been upset about my problem. It's just like giving yourself another
challenge."
Have students research the respiratory system and report on ways to strengthen it. Instruct students to include
information on respiratory diseases such as asthma and medical treatments used to treat such diseases. Have students
identify respiratory problems related to smoking and the effects it would have on the ability to perform in an
Olympic event.
Have students prepare to interview an Olympian. Students will write ten questions to find out what characteristics
a person needs to achieve their goals. Be sure to include some questions about their health-related habits. Have
students predict the athletes' answers.
Prepare questions for an interview that would reveal characteristics and habits of a positive, healthy role model
Write an acrostic poem using the word OLYMPICS to describe the qualities of their Olympic role model.
Calculate your own heart rate. Test it while you are just sitting. Then test it again after running in place.
Explore how heart rate is affected by exercise. Calculate your Target Heart Rate and compare it to that of an
Olympic athlete's.
Many Olympic Winter Games are daring and rough. Some require great speed. Athletes are
concerned with safety, and use the proper safety equipment and follow all of the safety
procedures for their sport.
Ask students to identify the Olympic Winter Games' sporting events and recognize the safety equipment the
athletes need to wear. Have students identify the safety equipment they need to wear for the recreational
and athletic activities they participate in. Have students design a bumper sticker slogan that promotes
using safety equipment while riding bikes, skateboarding, inline skating, riding a scooter, or any other
sport or activity where one needs protection.
Students will identify safety equipment and procedures needed for various recreational and athletic activities
by designing a bumper sticker slogan.
Research how many accidents occur each year due to not wearing the proper safety equipment when participating
in recreational and athletic activities.
