Lesson 5 - Cardio & Aerobic Fitness
Scientific Fitness Exploration
•Year 5
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does our aerobic system respond to exercise and why is cardiovascular fitness essential for health?
Learning Objectives
- Develop understanding of the aerobic system and how exercise affects our bodies
- Perform an aerobic fitness circuit to develop cardiovascular fitness
- Monitor and record pulse rate changes during different exercise intensities
Key Outcomes
- Students will understand the main functions of the heart, lungs, blood and muscles during exercise
- Students will demonstrate how to take their pulse accurately and record changes
- Students will complete a cardio circuit showing understanding of exercise intensity
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to each pair before lesson starts
Alternative: Mobile phone timers, classroom clock with second hand
Placed at each station with clear visibility
Alternative: Whiteboard with written instructions
Pre-prepared with pulse rate recording sections
Alternative: Exercise books or clipboards
Mark out 15 station positions around hall
Alternative: Markers or spots
Check stability before use
Alternative: Stable chairs or playground steps
Check for damage and appropriate length
Alternative: Imaginary skipping for coordination practice
Key Vocabulary
The body system that uses oxygen to create energy for exercise
The number of heartbeats per minute, measured in beats per minute (BPM)
The ability of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to muscles during exercise
Your heart rate when sitting still and relaxed, before any exercise
Moving through different exercise stations in order to improve fitness
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of heart rate and breathing changes during exercise
- Experience with simple fitness activities
- Knowledge of warm up and cool down principles
Current Skills
- Understanding the aerobic system components
- Accurate pulse rate monitoring and recording
- Circuit training performance and evaluation
Next Steps
- Advanced fitness testing and analysis
- Designing personal fitness programmes
- Understanding anaerobic vs aerobic exercise
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Accurate pulse taking technique is fundamental to understanding cardiovascular response
- Aerobic system includes heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles working together
- Pulse rate increases progressively show body's adaptation to exercise demands
- Circuit training provides varied cardiovascular challenge while maintaining engagement
- Data collection and analysis help students understand their body's responses scientifically
- Partner support and encouragement develop both fitness and social skills
- Cool down and recovery are essential for safe return to resting state
Common Misconceptions
- Higher heart rate always means better fitness - explain that trained athletes often have lower resting rates
- Only the heart works during cardio exercise - emphasise the complete aerobic system
- Pulse should be the same for everyone - individual variation is normal and healthy
- Exercise should hurt to be effective - focus on sustained, comfortable effort
- Stopping suddenly after exercise is fine - explain importance of gradual cool down
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear boundaries for stations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks built into structure
dyspraxia
- Simplified recording sheets, extra practice time for pulse taking, visual guides for exercises
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of circuit stations, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Verbal descriptions of pulse locations, tactile guidance for finding pulse, audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of pulse taking, written station instructions, hand signals for timing
physical disability
- Modified circuit activities, seated pulse measurements, adapted exercises for reduced mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Data collection and analysis of pulse rates, timing exercises, calculating averages and differences
Science
Understanding body systems, heart and lung function, oxygen transport, adaptation to exercise
PSHE
Health and wellbeing, understanding body changes, building resilience, cooperation and teamwork
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate around circuit to monitor all stations, central position during instruction
Observation Focus
Watch for sustained effort, correct pulse technique, positive partner interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students overexerting, having difficulty with pulse measurement, or showing negative attitudes
Demonstration Notes
Model correct pulse taking multiple times, show circuit exercises clearly, emphasise technique over intensity
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep moving for 15 more seconds!'
- •'Remember to breathe steadily!'
- •'Encourage your partner!'
- •'Notice how your heart responds!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 15m x 20m for circuit stations
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ventilation
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Step benches stable and appropriate height
- •Skipping ropes checked for damage
- •Station equipment secure and properly spaced
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Overexertion during circuit training
- •Collisions between students at stations
- •Inadequate recovery leading to dizziness
Risk Mitigation
- •Monitor intensity levels throughout
- •Clear station boundaries and rotation paths
- •Emphasise importance of cool down
- •Water breaks available if needed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all stations
- •Monitor students showing signs of overexertion
- •Ensure proper pulse taking technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if students feel unwell, provide seating and water, seek first aid if necessary