Lesson 2 - Cardio System & Fitness
Scientific Fitness Exploration
•Year 5
•Health Related Fitness
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does our cardiovascular system respond to exercise and why is this important for our health?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the functions and components of the cardiovascular system
- Develop aerobic fitness through sustained physical activity
- Explain how exercise affects the heart, lungs, blood and muscles
Key Outcomes
- Students will identify the four main components of the cardiovascular system
- Students will complete a cardio circuit showing improved fitness levels
- Students will explain how their body responds to aerobic exercise
Equipment & Resources Required
4 bibs per group for cardiovascular system activity
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Represent oxygen in cardiovascular system demonstration
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls
Place one card at each circuit station
Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, tablet displays
Mark circuit station positions
Alternative: Markers, spots
Time circuit intervals
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock
For floor-based exercises
Alternative: Towels, marked floor areas
Key Vocabulary
The body system including heart, blood vessels and blood that transports oxygen and nutrients
Physical activity that uses oxygen to produce energy over extended periods
The number of times your heart beats per minute
A gas we breathe in that our muscles need to work properly
A series of exercises performed in sequence with brief rest periods
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of healthy lifestyle choices
- Ability to recognise when heart rate increases
- Experience with simple fitness activities
Current Skills
- Understanding cardiovascular system components and functions
- Performing sustained cardio activities
- Monitoring and evaluating exercise intensity
Next Steps
- Designing personal fitness programmes
- Understanding target heart rate zones
- Exploring different training methods
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cardiovascular system includes heart, lungs, blood and muscles working together
- Exercise increases heart rate and breathing to deliver more oxygen to muscles
- Gradual warm-up and cool-down are essential for cardiovascular safety
- Sustained cardio exercise for 45-60 seconds develops aerobic fitness
- Self-monitoring exercise intensity helps maintain safe and effective training
- Partner support and encouragement enhance learning and enjoyment
- Connection between physical activity and cardiovascular health is fundamental
Common Misconceptions
- Heart rate should return to normal immediately after exercise - explain gradual recovery process
- Harder exercise is always better - emphasise appropriate intensity and technique
- Only running counts as cardio exercise - show variety of cardiovascular activities
- Pulse checking is too difficult for children - demonstrate proper technique and provide support
- Cardiovascular system components work independently - stress interconnected nature of system
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break circuit into shorter intervals, provide immediate feedback and encouragement, use dynamic activities to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Demonstrate exercises multiple times, provide simplified movement patterns, allow extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson activities, establish clear routines for circuit rotations, offer quiet space for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured bibs for cardiovascular system role-play, provide clear verbal descriptions of all exercises, use tactile markers for circuit stations
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for timing and transitions, demonstrate all exercises clearly, provide written instruction cards at each station
physical disability
- Modify exercises for seated or supported positions, use upper body alternatives for leg exercises, provide appropriate rest periods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Scientific vocabulary development, explaining processes, following and giving instructions
Maths
Counting heartbeats, timing intervals, calculating heart rate, measuring exercise duration
Science
Human body systems, heart and circulation, effects of exercise on body, healthy lifestyle choices
PSHE
Healthy lifestyle choices, working cooperatively with others, personal safety awareness during exercise
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around circuit to observe all students, position centrally during cardiovascular system demonstration for clear visibility
Observation Focus
Monitor exercise intensity levels, watch for proper technique maintenance, check for signs of overexertion or fatigue
Intervention Points
Step in if students are working too intensely, assist with pulse-finding technique, support struggling partnerships
Demonstration Notes
Model proper cardio exercise technique, show pulse-finding clearly, demonstrate cardiovascular system connections through movement
Verbal Cues
- •'Pace yourself for the full time'
- •'Feel your heart working harder'
- •'Support your partner'
- •'Quality movement over speed'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large gymnasium or outdoor space minimum 20m x 30m for circuit training and cardiovascular system activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, non-slip flooring for cardio exercises
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check step-up benches are stable and appropriate height
- •Ensure bean bags are in good condition with no splits
- •Verify all cones are properly positioned and visible
- •Confirm station cards are securely placed and legible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Cardiovascular overexertion during circuit training
- •Collisions during cardiovascular system role-play
- •Falls during step-ups or jumping exercises
- •Fatigue leading to poor technique and injury
Risk Mitigation
- •Monitor all students for signs of overexertion throughout lesson
- •Ensure adequate spacing during circuit activities
- •Teach proper step-up and landing techniques
- •Provide regular rest periods and hydration opportunities
- •Establish clear movement boundaries for cardiovascular system activity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all circuit stations
- •Monitor cardiovascular system role-play for safe movement
- •Watch for fatigue signs during sustained cardio activities
- •Ensure proper cool-down completion before lesson end
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if any student shows signs of distress, provide appropriate first aid, ensure proper recovery protocols