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Lesson 2 - Cardio System & Fitness

Scientific Fitness Exploration

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Year 5

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Health Related Fitness

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45 min

Big Question

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

Coloured Bibs

16 (4 different colours)

4 bibs per group for cardiovascular system activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Balls

Represent oxygen in cardiovascular system demonstration

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Sun Markers

15 cardio exercise cards

Place one card at each circuit station

Alternative: Laminated instruction sheets, tablet displays

Cones

Mark circuit station positions

Alternative: Markers, spots

Stopwatch

Time circuit intervals

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Mats

For floor-based exercises

Alternative: Towels, marked floor areas

Key Vocabulary

Cardiovascular system

The body system including heart, blood vessels and blood that transports oxygen and nutrients

Aerobic exercise

Physical activity that uses oxygen to produce energy over extended periods

Heart rate

The number of times your heart beats per minute

Oxygen

A gas we breathe in that our muscles need to work properly

Circuit training

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

Can work continuously for 45-60 seconds

Explains exercise effects using correct terminology

Self-regulates exercise intensity appropriately

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