Matthew Plaisted

Plaisted’s innovative teaching idea, “Flipping’ Fitness for Life,” focuses on providing students with tools for lifelong health by integrating pedometers, heart rate sensors, fitness equipment, and video games into a fitness-based program focused on increasing Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) and fostering self-motivation through goal setting. Using pedometers, students will track steps and duration of MVPA during P.E. Heart rate information will be displayed live during class to motivate students. They’ll be able to interact live with the goals set in class as the color of their name changes on the TV when the target heart rate is achieved. Along with traditional fitness equipment, exergaming will help diversify the types of exercise as well as keep students engaged while they track their goals throughout the year. The program will extend to before and after school clubs.