The countdown is on! This year the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England promises to offer the world thrilling contests in many sporting events including favorites like swimming, diving, track, gymnastics, volleyball, and more. The world's best athletes converge one week from now to put their talents to the test from July 25 – August 12. (Download or print the event schedule.)
Want to make the most of the 2012 Summer Olympics? You can make this international event more educational for your student than just counting country medals! To engage your student in learning, here are some fun ways to make the Olympics academic and meaningful.
Your learner could:
1. Research an inspirational athlete's home country
2. Look up a specific sport's history and records
3. Discuss the science of external variables on athletic movement
4. Apply a new sport to his fitness routine
5. Pinpoint the challenges and benefits of team sports vs. individual sports
6. Count and list languages spoken at the Olympics
7. Mark winning countries on a map or globe
8. Examine how uniform construction affects performance
9. Review an athlete's exercise and nutrition regimes
10. Write a paper on the Olympics' social importance
Don't let this Olympics fly by without using the event as an opportunity to teach your student. The Olympics is way more than just athletics or physical education. Use this world stage as a way to explore geography, world language, social sciences, math, science, and history (and good sportsmanship) with your learner!
What's your favorite sport to watch at the Summer Olympics?