Unit Plan 32 (Grade 3 PE): Outdoor Recreation & Frisbee Golf

Focus: Develop aiming and control with Frisbee throws, help students navigate a simple course, and introduce outdoor recreation as a fun lifelong form of physical activity.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Outdoor Recreation • Frisbee Golf • Throwing Accuracy & Lifelong Activity)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore Frisbee golf as an outdoor recreation activity that combines throwing, aiming, movement, and simple strategy. In this unit, students begin with Frisbee throws at close targets so they can practice grip, release, and controlled force before moving through a larger course. They then apply those skills in a Frisbee Golf Course using cones, hoops, or targets placed around the field or gym, where they learn to aim carefully, move from one target to the next, and track progress as they play. Throughout the unit, students focus on throwing with control, adjusting force for different distances, and recognizing that outdoor recreation activities like Frisbee golf can be enjoyable ways to stay active at school, at home, and in the community.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw a Frisbee more accurately toward a target?
• How do I change my force for a close target versus a far target?
• Why is Frisbee golf a good example of outdoor recreation and physical activity?
• Where are some places I could be active outside school?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw a Frisbee with improving control and accuracy toward targets.
2. Adjust force and effort depending on the distance and position of the target.
3. Identify healthy activity habits and connect outdoor recreation to staying active.
4. Describe Frisbee golf and similar activities as lifelong physical activity options.
5. Recognize places and times where they can be physically active at school, at home, or in the community.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3c – Throwing & Catching in Games Throw (underhand and overhand) and catch objects with increasing accuracy and consistency in partner, group, and small-sided game situations.
  • Example: Students complete a sequence of accurate passes with a partner while moving in a small grid.
• PE:S2.3c – Effort & Force to Match the Task Adjust speed, effort, and force (fast/slow, hard/soft) for successful performance in skills and games.
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby partner and with more force to a distant target in a throwing game.
• PE:S3.3d – Healthy Activity Habits Describe personal choices that support physical fitness, such as regular active play, limiting screen time, and choosing active options during free time.
  • Example: Students share examples like biking, playing tag, or walking a pet as healthy choices outside school.
• PE:S5.3c – Preference for Lifelong Physical Activities Identify types of physical activities they enjoy and might continue doing outside of school and as they grow older (e.g., biking, swimming, running, dance, sports).
  • Example: Students name activities they like in PE and connect them to community or home opportunities.
• PE:S5.3d – Seeking Activity Opportunities Recognize times and places where they can be physically active at school and at home (recess, after-school clubs, parks, backyard, community centers).
  • Example: Students identify recess, PE, neighborhood parks, or sports teams as chances to be active.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can throw a Frisbee toward a target with more control.
• I can use softer force for close targets and stronger force for farther targets.
• I can explain how Frisbee golf is a way to stay active.
• I can name activities I enjoy that I could keep doing as I grow up.
• I can identify places where I can be active outside PE.