Pedagogy

The Exscel project seeks to bridge the gap between the physical education classroom and the science and math classrooms. Following modules designed by our team of experts, coaches and physical education instructors will use their expertise to guide students through proper methodology in generating data – dance, sport activity, stretching, plyometrics, etc – as a part of their normal curriculum ("Activity").  Students will then analyze their own data individually and collectively in science class ("Analysis"). Students will be motivated to learn about concepts of physiology and biomechanics as they relate to their daily sport activities. Further motivation comes from the use of elite and professional athletes in module materials.

Several modules have already been created and piloted. Student feedback indicated that they enjoyed this novel approach to learning, and were excited to learn more about scientific concepts after understanding its relevance to their favorite sports. Videos of the elite athletes, as well as the student pilot modules can be found in the video section of this site.

Module 1: Left - A National Football League player executes two jumping styles. Right - Swedish students generate and test hypothesis on jumping and tendon biomechanics.

Module 2: Left - An elite gymnast performs a "flair". Right - Students at Angered gymnasium in Sweden generate and test hypothesis on wrist injury mechanisms and physiology.

Santa Baraba focus groups for module development.