Objective: Students will be able to use a gym scooter to move around in 4 different ways. Students will have the ability to use gym scooters in a game of freeze tag and in relays.

Condition: Students will be in squads to start lesson, leading into warm-ups. They will then split in half and form an L shape on the gym floor for the scooter drills; half will be facing North and half will be facing West. Third, they will spread out randomly on the gym floor for freeze tag. Finally, they will be in teams all facing West.

Equipment:

Gym Scooters (18, one for each person)
12 cones
Boombox with CD player
Music on CD

1. Dynamic Physical Education For Elementary School Children. Robert Pangrazi. Twelfth Edition. Allyn and Bacon, Boston, MA. 1995 pages 206-207, 382, 537-544.
2. Utah State Office of Education, UTAH LESSONPLANS, 1994,
http://www.uen.org/cgi-bin/websql/lessons/l4.hts?id=1022&core=16&course_num=

Time Allotted: 30 Minutes

Notes to the Instructor: Select upbeat music to be played. Set up boombox and cue music.

**Actual Class

Introduction:

Have students get into squads and sit down. Bring out one gym scooter. How many of you have ever owned a skateboard? How many of you have skateboarded? Is it difficult to stand up on one? Yes, well today we are going to be using something that is similar to a skateboard, a gym scooter. But we won’t be standing up on it, so everyone will be successful, no matter their past encounters with a skateboard.

We will begin with a short history of the gym scooter and then learn a few different ways of using one. We will then play a game and will end with some relays to see how well you’ve mastered the gym scooter.

Body:

History: The gym scooter probably had its origins with the skateboard. Skateboards are difficult for many people, but gym scooters can be used successfully by everyone. Gym scooters are not only for use in this setting, but are also used to move heavy items.

Rules: With gym scooters, we have two extra rules today.

1. Do not stand on a gym scooter. For those that wish to do so, please try it on a skateboard outside of schooltime.
2. Do not use the scooter as a missile; in other words, do not roll it towards anyone. Pick the scooter up and give it to another person if you need to trade off.

Drills and Techniques: Split the class in half and have one half face the North and the other face the West, forming an L shape on the gym floor. Everyone should be arm’s length away from the closest person. Tell class to remember their spots, then have half go get a scooter, but not rolling it on the ground. They are to carry them back to their spot. When they return they are to sit criss-cross applesauce with the scooter in front of them and upside down. Repeat with other half. Teacher then demonstrates the following four positions on the scooter:

1. Seated, propelling forward with the hands or the feet.
2. Seated, propelling backward with the hands or the feet.
3. Kneeling, propelling with the hands.
4. Facedown, moving in alligator or swimming fashion.

Game: Freeze Tag - Everyone spreads out. Teacher reminds them to watch the fingers and selects one person to be "it". To be unfrozen, a free person must make a complete circle around the frozen person. The music will be on, but when it stops, immediately get off your scooter and sit down with the scooter in front of you and turned over. For the first song, we will be using only position one. Music plays for 1-2 minutes. Turn off music and instruct them to only use position two. And so on. Finally, allow free choice to end the game.

Relays: Have everyone return to the squad formation, carrying their scooter, of course. Number off for equal teams, either six teams of 3 or four teams of four. Have them get in their teams and discuss with teammates what they found to work best on the scooter. Teacher sets up two cones per team as obstacles. Beginning with position one, each member of the team must cross the gym, going between the two cones and return in the same fashion. Then, in position two and so on.

Summary: Today you have learned four different ways to maneuver on a gym scooter. Now that we know the basics, we will be able to learn different ways, including the use of a partner, and be able to play a number of games with them.

Any questions?
What is one of the rules in using gym scooters? And the other? (no standing, no missiles)
Where did gym scooters come from? (skateboards)