Introduction to the Design Project

            The lesson I will be introducing to the students is titled Wii Sports- Tennis.  This lesson will be a part of a tennis unit and will incorporate technology into the physical education curriculum.  The lesson will introduce basic tennis skills including, but not limited to, serving, volley, lob, and backhand.  The students will also gain basic knowledge of the game of tennis; they will gain important vocabulary related to the game, and will understand the equipment needed for the game.  The students will also learn how to work with others and how to communicate effectively.  Another important skill they will be learning is sportsmanship.  They will learn how to win and lose with dignity and grace.  The broad domain of knowledge for this lesson is physical education.  The learning experience for this lesson will take place in a gymnasium, plenty of space will be essential for safety reasons.  Other materials needed for this lesson include a television, Nintendo Wii, projector, and Wii controllers.  Students must familiarize themselves with the technology in order to use it appropriately.  I understand that most students will have experience with the Wii, but the class will learn and review all skills that are essential.    

Through this unit students will be learning a lifelong sport.  Tennis is a very popular sport played by millions in the United States.  This specific unit will highlight the game of tennis is a different way through technology.  Tennis is a great way to stay physically active and can improve your cardiovascular health and overall body strength.  The sport is also a great way to be involved with the community and maintain a social interaction with others.

A unique aspect of this lesson would be at the end a tennis tournament.  I would structure the tournament like a USTA professional tournament.  The tournament would be single elimination and there would be singles and doubles.  If a student or a team is eliminated they would still have the opportunity to play, just not in the tournament.  Each class would have their own brackets and match ups will be based on random pairings.  Individual students and teams would not be ranked. 

In this unit and lesson the big or essential question is will this activity become a lifelong sport for this student?  My ultimate goal for this unit is to introduce a lifelong activity that this student could potentially be playing and enjoying when they are 50 years old.  I understand not everyone will play and love tennis, but I want to introduce as many lifelong sports as I can so each student will have choices when it comes to being physically active throughout their life.