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Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

This course will help students achieve a health-enhancing level of physical fitness through weight training. They will develop motor skills, learn about responsible personal and social behavior, and recognize the value of physical activity.

As students complete the course assignments, they will increase their knowledge, improve a 21st-century skill, and develop an attribute.

Knowledge: Weight Training

In this course, knowledge refers to the subject matter and content you will learn while taking this course. The basic topics covered in this course are as follows: weight training techniques, creating a health fitness plan, pre- and post-workout activities, nutrition, creating habits, hydration, cross-training, sleep, and stress management.

21st-Century Skill: Critical Thinking—Interpretation and Analysis

Employers and colleges expect high school graduates to have twenty-first-century skills. These skills include communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. In this course, you will become better in one of these areas. You can earn a micro-credential to share on a resume or in a college application essay. The micro-credential is proof you have gained the skill. 

Attribute: Responsibility

An attribute is a quality, characteristic, or trait. You can develop attributes to make yourself a better person. Attributes can include things like respect, gratitude, and kindness. In this course, you will learn more about one attribute. This will be a great way to develop into an even more amazing person than you already are.

Important Notice

Before beginning any exercise program, students should consult with a doctor. Participants and their legal guardians understand and acknowledge that participation in any exercise program or related activity carries with it inherent dangers that may result in personal injury or even death. Participants and their legal guardians assume complete responsibility to

(a) consult with a physician to ensure that there are no health-related reasons or problems that would preclude or restrict the participant’s participation in a particular exercise program or related activity and

(b) procure adequate health insurance necessary to provide for and pay any medical costs that may directly or indirectly result from such participation.

Accordingly, participants and their legal guardians assume all responsibility and risk associated with any participation in any exercise program or related activity.

Course Materials

Students must buy these materials to complete the course:

To successfully complete this course, you must have access to a well-equipped weight room. Most high schools, colleges, universities, and community centers have suitable weight rooms. Many commercial health and fitness centers also offer excellent facilities. If you plan to exercise at home, your equipment should include most of the following: a weight bench, barbells, dumbbells, weight plates, and a pull-up bar. Some home gym sets work fine too—just make sure that yours has what you need to work your arms, chest, legs, and lower body, and that it has enough weight plates to allow you to progress.

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Assignments

Due Dates

The due dates in the course are only suggestions to help the students pace themselves. You do not need to complete assignments, quizzes, and exams by the due date set in the course.

Assignments and Instructor-Graded Activities

This course includes various activities the instructor will grade. Students will submit these activities using the file upload function of the learning management system. These activities will allow students to customize their learning and responses. These activities will include fitness reflection journals, video submissions, and other assignments that require interpretation and analysis.

Physical Activity

This course requires a minimum workout log tracking 45 days of physical activity (aerobic exercise) throughout the 16-module course. So keep in mind that students cannot complete this course in less than 8 weeks. Students are also asked to track other items that will help them to assess their lifestyle and health needs. Students will need to start early and work on the reflection journal assignments daily so that they can find success in their coursework.

Fitness Technique Videos

Please Note: Student confidentiality is most important to us. Only the instructor will view student-submitted videos, for verification of work completed, and for grading. Instructors are students' success coaches to cheer them on and to guide them with feedback on healthy tips for technique so that they reap the benefits while avoiding injury. Remember that there is a low-impact activity for every high-impact activity. Students are encouraged to just do their best. This course is about personal fitness goals.

Reflection Journal

The reflection journal is where students will track their daily aerobic exercise sessions and answer question prompts. To pass this course, students should have documented a minimum of 45 days of exercising (3 days per week for 15 weeks).  All journal prompts are to help students think about fitness ideas and how they are taking responsibility for their health. Students will submit their reflection journal at the end of modules 4, 8, 12, and 15. Responses should reflect thoughtful consideration. Some of the journal prompts ask students to reflect on the attribute focus of this course (responsibility). Students are encouraged to use these opportunities to celebrate successes as they take responsibility for their health and fitness.

Unit Quizzes

Unit Quizzes check the student's knowledge of content concepts. These quizzes are short and open book.

Final Exam

The final exam for this course is in two parts: a video reflection and a short, multiple-choice exam. 

Final Video Reflection

This assignment is the first part of the final exam. Students will complete a final video reflection. This is a short video that includes 10 fill-in-the-blank questions and 4 short prompts for students to answer about their experience. 

Exam

The multiple-choice final exam covers all the material in the course. 

Grading

Your grade in this course will be based on these assignments and exams:

Table of Assignments and Grade Percentages
Assignment or Exam Grading Percent of Total Grade
Pretest Computer Graded 0%
4 Unit Quizzes Computer Graded 10%
4 Fitness Technique Videos Teacher Graded 25%
4 Journal Submissions Teacher Graded 50%
1 Final Video Reflection* Teacher Graded 10%
Final Exam Computer Graded 5%

* You must pass the final exam with at least a 60% to earn credit for the course.

*Students also must pass the final video reflection assignment with 60% or higher to earn credit for the course. Students may resubmit the assignment once for a fee. *

Grade Scale

Your letter grade is calculated according to these percentages.

A 93% - 100%
A- 90% - 92%
B+ 87% – 89%
B 83% - 86%
B- 80% - 82%
C+ 77% - 79%
C 73% - 76%
C- 70% - 72%
D+ 67% - 69%
D 63% - 66%
D- 60% - 62%
F (fail) 0% - 59%

Getting Help

Please use the help menu in this course to contact Academy of America or your instructor. You can find information about tutoring available to Academy of America students on the Tutoring website.

The Resources page offers a wide variety of services to support you:

  • Academic success skills coaching such as time management, study skills, test preparation, motivation, and more.

  • Course-specific support that includes live tutoring and on-demand resources.

Come find out how we can help you achieve your goals.

Course Policies

For information about how long you have to complete the course, resubmitting assignments, retaking exams, and other questions, please see Academy of America’s Policies.

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