Alternative Environment Physical Education

Curriculum guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course code
SPSC 5396
Descriptive
Alternative Environment Physical Education
Department
Sport Science
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
3.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
2 weeks
Max class size
25
Contact hours
Classroom: 12 hours Practical/Lab: 18 hours
Method(s) of instruction
Lab
Seminar
Field Experience
Learning activities

Peer-led

Field-trips

Problem-based

Inquiry-based

Experiential learning

Course description
In this practical course, students participate in, plan, and implement a variety of alternative environment land and aquatic activities appropriate to elementary and secondary-aged students. Content areas include: risk management, organization, experiential education and environmental impact.
Course content

1.     Outdoor and alternative environment settings

    1.1.   aquatic settings

    1.2.   land-based settings

            1.2.1.  natural

            1.2.2.  park

            1.2.3.  urban

    1.3.   seasonal considerations

    1.4.   school-based alternatives

            1.4.1.  indoor

            1.4.2.  outdoor

2.     Risk management

    2.1.   risk management process

    2.2.   standard of care

    2.3.   supervision – quality/quantity

    2.4.   risk transfer

3.     Lesson and unit planning for outdoor and alternative environment settings

    3.1.   safety considerations

    3.2.   transportation planning

    3.3.   learning outcomes

    3.4.   equipment needs

    3.5.   budgeting

    3.6.   assessment and evaluation strategies

4.     Practical topic selection will depend on instructor experience, student experience, and availability of resources. The following is a partial list of possible alternative environment activities wherein students will participate as teachers and students with the aim of implementing the knowledge and skills of effective outdoor education in a safe and exciting context.

    4.1.   Land-based

            4.1.1.  hiking

            4.1.2.  backpacking

            4.1.3.  rock climbing

            4.1.4.  camping

            4.1.5.  orienteering

            4.1.6.  skateboarding

            4.1.7.  rollerblading

            4.1.8.  cycling

            4.1.9.  snowshoeing

            4.1.10.    skiing

            4.1.11.    horseback riding

            4.1.12.    archery

     4.2.   Water-based

            4.2.1.  canoeing

            4.2.2.  rowing

            4.2.3.  kayaking

            4.2.4.  sailing

            4.2.5.  windsurfing

            4.2.6.  paddle boarding

    4.3.   Aquatic

            4.3.1.  survival techniques

            4.3.2.  snorkeling

            4.3.3.  water games

            4.3.4.  diving

            4.3.5.  underwater games

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

  1. Identify risk management and safety considerations while planning an outdoor activity,
  2. Align outdoor activity learning outcomes with BC Ministry of Education curricular competencies,
  3. Identify outdoor activity equipment needs for a planned activity,
  4. Match student motor-ability and the level of physical challenge for a planned activity,
  5. Match student fitness levels and the level of physical challenge for a planned activity,
  6. Plan for assessment and evaluation of an alternative environment activity,
  7. Identify possibilities for intergrating curricula (examples: math, science, arts, health, nutrition, etc.),
  8. Design an activity that integrates experiential learning theory and pedagogy,
  9. Demonstrate satisfactory supervisory skills during outdoor and alternative environment activities, and
  10. Identify a number of relevant outdoor and alternative environment locations and community resources.
Means of assessment

Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation may include the following:

Practice teaching – mini lesson(s) 10-30%
Outdoor activity proposal 20-40%
Risk management assessment 15-25%
Preparation and participation 10-20%
Total 100%
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. 

Prerequisites

Enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Physical and Health Education.