By Matthew Bassett
While looking at the NASPE November toolbox for physical education teachers, I found a web site that has games and videos for kids about human anatomy. I started looking around and playing some of the games they have on their web site. You can pick different systems of the body. Each section has a wide variety of activities that can be used to review or learn content about these systems. They have activities like word searches, crossword puzzles, matching games and videos about the body systems.
After looking around, I realized that these games can be used for physical education classes. I started thinking about third grade, California content standard 4.11. Students are required to name and locate the major muscles of the body. This web site could be a great tool for students to review and memorize the major muscles of the body. It could also be helpful to teach other grade levels on topics like how the muscles move the bones to help us to be physically active. You could have lessons on how the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system both contribute to exercise.
Disclaimer:
The site is free but the biggest drawback is that it has a lot of ads. The ads help pay for the site so you will see video ads before starting the games. You will also see ads selling specific items all around the web site. I found a few ads that may not be suitable for students. You can purchase a site license for the games and this will allow you to download the games without any ads.
The site itself may be a little complicated for younger students. I think third graders would be the best age to start students working on this web page. Personally, will not use the free site since the ads are questionable. I guess I will add another grant proposal to my to-do list.