Intensity Curve: Planned vs. Experienced
Seated and doing gentle stretches, each student draws how they experienced the lesson's intensity from start to finish and compares it with the curve the teacher planned. It helps students understand how a lesson is structured and recognize their own sense of effort.
How to play
- Seated back stretch while worksheets are handed out, with a time axis and an intensity axis from 0 to 10 (1 min).
- Each student draws their curve, marking the warm-up, effort peaks and breaks (2 min).
- The teacher shows the planned curve and each student marks where theirs matches and where it doesn't (2 min).
- In groups of three, while stretching quads, students explain one difference and its likely cause, such as earlier fatigue, motivation or their role in the game (2 min).
Rules
- There are no right or wrong curves: each student's perception is what counts.
- Respect classmates' worksheets; no teasing about anyone's level.
- Hold stretches pain-free while talking.
Variations
Easier
Mark the curve with just four points: warm-up, main activity, peak and finish.
Standard
Full curve compared with the planned one and analyzed in groups of three.
Harder
Add a second line with heart rate taken at three points in the lesson.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: describe the curve out loud with values for each phase while a partner draws it.
- Fine motor difficulties: mark only five key points and a partner connects them.
- Autism: show a finished sample curve beforehand.
Learning goals
- Recognize the structure of a physical activity lesson.
- Rate perceived effort for each part of the lesson.
- Analyze differences between planned and perceived load.
Equipment for a class of 25
- worksheets: 30
Teacher tip
Keep curves from several lessons so students can see how they change. It's a good starting point before they design their own lessons.
PatioLab has "Intensity Curve: Planned vs. Experienced" and 5176 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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