Unit Plan 32 (Grade 5 PE): Outdoor Recreation & Frisbee Golf

Focus: Develop skillful disc throwing for accuracy and distance, introduce outdoor recreation as a lifelong physical activity option, and build habits of respectful course use, score tracking, and thoughtful strategy.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Physical Education (Outdoor Recreation • Throwing Accuracy • Lifelong Activity & Course Etiquette)

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 can be enjoyed for fitness, focus, and fun across the lifespan. In this unit, students practice throwing discs to short, medium, and long targets while learning how to change force, angle, and release to match distance and accuracy needs. They then apply those skills during frisbee golf course play, either individually or with a partner, while keeping score and discussing which choices help a throw succeed. The unit also emphasizes respectful course use, safety, patience, and the idea that recreational activities like frisbee golf, walking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits can be realistic ways to stay active in the future.

Essential Questions

• How can I change my throw to match a short, medium, or long target?
• What makes frisbee golf a good example of a lifelong physical activity?
• How do patience, safety, and course etiquette help everyone enjoy outdoor recreation?
• How can I find and use opportunities to be active outside of PE class?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw a disc with improving accuracy, distance control, and consistency toward different targets.
2. Adjust force, angle, and timing based on how far away the target is and what type of throw is needed.
3. Apply safe and respectful frisbee golf course etiquette during individual or partner play.
4. Explain how frisbee golf and similar outdoor recreation activities can support a healthy lifestyle.
5. Identify lifelong physical activities they could do independently and explain where they might access those opportunities at school, home, or in the community.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.5c – Throwing & Catching with Accuracy under Pressure Throw (overhand and underhand) and catch different objects accurately over a variety of distances while both the thrower and receiver may be moving or defended.
  • Example: In small-sided handball or basketball-style games, students lead teammates with accurate passes and catch under defensive pressure.
• PE:S2.5c – Adjusting Effort, Force, and Timing for Task Demands Adjust speed, force, angle, and timing of movements based on distance, defenders, and type of shot, pass, or throw required.
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby teammate but use greater force and a higher angle when throwing over defenders to a distant partner.
• PE:S3.5e – Applying Healthy Lifestyle Choices Identify and describe specific choices that support a healthy lifestyle, including regular activity, good nutrition, hydration, sleep, and balanced screen time.
  • Example: Students discuss how choosing to be active after school, limiting sugary drinks, and getting enough sleep help them feel better and perform better in PE.
• PE:S5.5c – Identifying Lifelong Physical Activities Identify physical activities they can participate in independently and throughout life (e.g., walking, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, recreational sports, dance, fitness training).
  • Example: Students list activities such as biking, swimming, hiking, or joining a community sports league as ways to stay active beyond elementary school.
• PE:S5.5d – Seeking and Using Opportunities to Be Active Recognize and seek out opportunities for physical activity in school, at home, and in the community, and make simple plans to be active regularly.
  • Example: Students talk about joining after-school sports, using a neighborhood park, walking a dog, or choosing active games at recess.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can throw a disc with better accuracy at targets that are near or far away.
• I can change my force and angle based on the distance of the target.
• I can follow frisbee golf course rules and wait until it is safe to throw.
• I can explain why frisbee golf or other outdoor activities could be good lifelong choices.
• I can name places or times where I could be active outside of PE.