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CYCLING SMARTS
Cycling Smarts is an interdisciplinary elective Physical Education (PE) cycling class being piloted by I Challenge Myself (ICM) at the George Washington Educational Campus in Washington Heights. This unique class integrates select science and math skills and concepts into a rigorous fitness program focused on cycling, which helps students make connections between what they are learning in their academic classes to their PE experience.
The Cycling Smarts class not only provides students with opportunities to participate in physical activities, but provides those activities in a context where students increase their understanding of why this is important to their overall health. It is also offered in a context where students feel successful and in control of their physical changes. In addition, these activities are related to their academic subjects. In this way, ICM attempts to create behavioral and attitudinal changes that are sustained and go beyond the physical education class. The following strategies are used to implement the program:
Increased Physical Fitness: Engages students in consistent structured physical activities they enjoy and elect to do, increasing likelihood that physical activity is incorporated as a lifestyle. The class is offered 5 days a week during the last period of the school day and 1-3 hours after school depending on the season: 4 days are devoted to PE; the 5th day focuses on math or science.
On Saturday, June 7, 2008 Cycling Smarts students will be participating in ICM's 4th Annual Century Ride, a one-day 100-mile cycling tour that will take students from their start point in Camp Alpine in Alpine, New Jersey to Bear Mountain and end at the George Washington Educational Campus.
Hybrid In-School/After School Program: Allows for the seamless transition from in-school to after school, which this past year appeared to play a role in increased student attendance.
Youth Leadership and Development Through Peer Education: Allows returning youth to remain involved in the program and further develop their leadership skills and interest in cycling as they assist the Cycling Coach teach the new students basic concepts and skills: First Aid, flat tire changing, group ride protocol, etc.
Opportunities to Challenge Themselves: Non-competitive athletic and community service challenges help students create positive change and growth in their lives and work collectively to bring about positive change to those around them. First semester students complete a mini-biathlon and second semester participants face the challenge of participating in the 43-miles Five-Boro Bike tour and a one-day 100-mile bike tour as their culminating event. All students are expected to prepare and make presentations on nutrition, bicycle safety and fitness to their peers and younger children in neighboring middle and elementary schools as their community service project.
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