Activity: "Physical Activity for Preventing NCDs" (Group-Based)
Grade Level: 11
Duration: 45 minutes
Focus: Group-based physical activity to explore how exercise prevents
modifiable risk factors for NCDs.
Objective:
Engage students in physical activities in groups.
Understand how physical activity can prevent modifiable risk factors
for NCDs (such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity).
Encourage teamwork and physical movement as part of a healthy
lifestyle.
Activity Structure:
1. Introduction and Group Formation (5 minutes)
Purpose: Introduce the activity, the importance of physical activity,
and the structure of the session.
Activity:
o Quickly introduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and
modifiable risk factors (e.g., poor diet, physical inactivity,
obesity).
o Explain that the class will rotate through 4 physical activity
stations, each addressing a different NCD risk factor.
o Form groups of 4-5 students. Each group will start at a
different station, and after 5 minutes, they will rotate.
2. Station Rotations (25 minutes total, 5 minutes per station)
Purpose: Allow students to experience different physical activities in a
group setting while learning the benefits for preventing NCDs.
Activity Stations:
Each group will rotate through 4 stations, spending 5 minutes at each
one. At each station, students will perform the activity and discuss its
relation to NCD prevention.
Station 1: Cardiovascular Health
Exercise: Jumping Jacks
o Duration: 5 minutes
o Group Task: Perform as many jumping jacks as possible in 1
minute, then take a 30-second break, then repeat.
o Benefits Discussion: Explain how cardiovascular exercise, like
jumping jacks, helps improve heart health, reduce blood
pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.
Station 2: Strength and Obesity Prevention
Exercise: Bodyweight Squats
o Duration: 5 minutes
o Group Task: Each group member does squats for 1 minute, rest
for 30 seconds, then rotate. Everyone should aim for 10-15
squats per round.
o Benefits Discussion: Squats build muscle and boost
metabolism, helping to manage weight, reduce body fat, and
prevent obesity, which lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes and
other NCDs.
Station 3: Flexibility and Stress Reduction
Exercise: Standing Forward Fold Stretch
o Duration: 5 minutes
o Group Task: Hold a forward fold stretch for 30 seconds, then
repeat with a short rest between each round.
o Benefits Discussion: Stretching improves flexibility, reduces
muscle tension, and helps with stress management, which can
lower the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
Station 4: Blood Sugar Regulation
Exercise: High Knees (Marching in Place)
o Duration: 5 minutes
o Group Task: Perform high knees at a steady pace for 1 minute,
rest for 30 seconds, then repeat.
o Benefits Discussion: This exercise helps improve insulin
sensitivity, making it easier to regulate blood sugar and lower
the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
3. Cool-Down and Group Reflection (10 minutes)
Purpose: Help students cool down, relax, and reflect on the
importance of physical activity in preventing NCDs.
Activity:
o Cool-down Stretch (5 minutes): Lead the students in a group
cool-down with stretches to relax their muscles. Include
stretches for arms, legs, and back. Finish with deep breathing
exercises.
o Group Reflection (5 minutes):
Ask each group to discuss the following questions:
Which exercise did you find most challenging and
why?
How does each activity relate to reducing the risk of
NCDs like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity?
What changes can you make in your life to include
more physical activity, based on what you learned
today?
Groups can share their reflections briefly with the class.
Materials Needed:
Timer or stopwatch (to keep track of time at each station)
Space for students to perform the exercises
Markers/cones or tape to set up station areas
Pen and paper for group reflection (optional)
Assessment:
Active participation in the physical activity stations.
Engagement in group reflection and discussion.
Brief completion of reflection notes or verbal responses during the
group discussion.
Optional Follow-Up Homework:
Have each student set a personal goal for physical activity for the next
week and track their progress (e.g., walking 10,000 steps a day or
doing 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week).
Explanation:
Jumping jacks are an excellent cardiovascular exercise. They elevate your
heart rate, which strengthens the heart and lungs over time. Regular
cardiovascular activity improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and
reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving overall
cardiovascular function. This exercise also helps with weight management by
burning calories, which can prevent obesity and the associated risk of Type 2
diabetes.
Squats are a compound exercise that works multiple muscle groups,
including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core. Strength training
exercises like squats help increase muscle mass and metabolism, which is
key for managing body fat. By building muscle and boosting metabolism,
squats help prevent obesity, a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes,
heart disease, and certain cancers. Additionally, strong muscles improve
overall body function, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing daily physical
activity.
The standing forward fold stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
while promoting relaxation. Stretching exercises increase flexibility, reduce
muscle tension, and help improve posture. Flexibility exercises can also play
a significant role in stress reduction, as they help lower cortisol levels in the
body. Chronic stress is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease,
hypertension, and other health issues, so incorporating stretching into your
routine can support mental health and reduce the impact of stress on your
body.
High knees are a form of aerobic exercise that helps increase heart rate and
improve circulation. This exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels by
improving insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for preventing Type 2 diabetes.
Regular aerobic exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively,
reducing the risk of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, high knees engage the core and leg muscles, which contributes
to calorie burning and weight management—both important factors in
reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.
