Integration of Physical Education Skills with the Concept of Levers at Intermediate Grade Levels

Abstract

Abstract The investigation was conducted to determine the effects of the integration of physical education with the concept of levers upon selected physical performance skills of boys and girls at the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade levels. Initial tests were administered to 180 subjects enrolled in these grades. The subjects then took part in a learning program for 2 weeks which involved teaching the concept of levers in the classroom and in physical education. At the conclusion of 2 weeks, all subjects were given a final test on the criterion variables. Data were analyzed by means of analysis of covariance. Principal findings indicated that (a) when children learn to throw a softball for distance it appears to be more advantageous to teach them through a program which integrates teaching the concept of levers through physical education lessons; and (b) the experimental treatment and control treatment were equally effective in teaching the children to kick a soccer ball for distance.