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Overview

This three-lesson unit is designed for 9th-10th grade students, focused on understanding body composition through the lens of BMI, its calculation, and strategies to improve body composition safely. Lessons align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) in Physical Education and Health, while supporting Common Core literacy standards through reading, discussion, calculations, and reflection.

Each 45-minute lesson includes clear objectives, differentiation for diverse learners (including dyslexia-friendly strategies), success criteria, formative assessments, and extension opportunities for advanced students.

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Lesson 1: Understanding BMI and Health

Learning Objectives

• TEKS 117.312(c)(5)(A): Explain concepts of fitness and health related to body composition.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2: Determine central ideas of technical texts related to health.
• Students will understand what BMI is and why it’s important for health.
• Students will recognize the limitations and benefits of BMI as a health indicator.

Materials

• Dyslexia-friendly informational handout on BMI (large fonts, simple sentences, visuals)
• Projector or whiteboard
• Chart paper and markers

Lesson Activities (45 minutes)

Time	Activity
10 min	Anticipatory Set and Discussion: Begin with an open question: “What do you know about BMI and why it might matter?” Record initial ideas. Show visual BMI chart and explain categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obese).
15 min	Direct Instruction: Read aloud the BMI handout with the class using a dyslexia-friendly format. Pause to clarify terms and check understanding. Highlight significance of BMI in health risk assessment.
10 min	Think-Pair-Share: In pairs, students discuss what they learned about BMI’s benefits and limitations. Share key thoughts with the whole group, recording on chart paper.
10 min	Formative Assessment & Wrap-up: Class quiz game (e.g., Kahoot or quick oral quiz) to check comprehension of BMI basics. Highlight success criteria and preview next lesson.

Success Criteria

• I can explain what BMI is and why it’s used.
• I can identify BMI categories and what they mean for health.
• I can discuss benefits and limitations of using BMI as a health measure.

Differentiation Strategies

• Provide dyslexia-friendly handouts with clear fonts, visuals, and simplified text.
• Use oral reading and videos to accommodate auditory learners.
• Allow extra processing-time for answering questions.
• Pair students strategically for peer support.

Extension Activity

• Research and present an alternative body composition measurement (e.g., body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio) and explain its advantages and disadvantages compared to BMI.

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Lesson 2: Calculating BMI with Practice

Learning Objectives

• TEKS 117.312(c)(5)(B): Apply mathematical calculations to assess body composition.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.B.5: Graph and interpret functions related to real-world problems.
• Calculate BMI from given height and weight data.
• Interpret BMI calculations to classify body composition categories.

Materials

• BMI calculation worksheet (with 10 practice problems)
• Calculators or apps
• Rulers and scales (for demonstration only)
• Example profiles with height and weight for group practice

Lesson Activities (45 minutes)

Time	Activity
5 min	Review prior lesson: Quick recap of BMI definitions and importance.
10 min	Teacher Modeling: Demonstrate BMI calculation using formula: BMI = [(Weight in pounds) / (Height in inches)^2] × 703. Show step-by-step calculations.
20 min	Guided Practice: Students work individually and then in small groups on BMI worksheet with real-life examples. Teacher circulates to assist.
5 min	Peer Check: Students compare answers in pairs and discuss any discrepancies.
5 min	Wrap-up: Exit ticket — write down one insight about what they learned calculating BMI and how it relates to health.

Success Criteria

• I can use the BMI formula correctly to calculate BMI.
• I can classify BMI results with the appropriate category.
• I can interpret what the BMI number indicates about health status.

Differentiation Strategies

• Provide calculators and simplified step break-downs for students struggling with math.
• Use color-coded BMI category charts.
• Offer oral instructions and multiple examples.
• Provide dyslexia-friendly fonts and layout on worksheets.

Extension Activity

• Use spreadsheet software or graphing calculator to create a BMI chart and analyze trends for different populations or ages.

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Lesson 3: Strategies to Improve Body Composition

Learning Objectives

• TEKS 117.312(c)(5)(C): Demonstrate safe, effective strategies for improving body composition.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to convey information on body composition improvement.
• Identify nutritional and physical activity strategies for healthy body composition.
• Create an individualized, safe wellness plan.

Materials

• Presentation slides on safe nutrition and exercise strategies
• Assignment sheet: Wellness Plan Project
• Dyslexia-friendly reading excerpts on nutrition and exercise
• Sample wellness plans

Lesson Activities (45 minutes)

Time	Activity
10 min	Intro Discussion: Review BMI and body composition categories. Ask: “What healthy habits can help improve or maintain body composition?” Compile list as class.
10 min	Mini Lecture: Share evidence-based strategies for improving body composition safely (balanced diet, strength training, aerobic exercises, hydration, sleep, etc.). Use visuals and simplified text.
10 min	Group Brainstorm: In groups, students discuss and draft a short plan for someone wanting to improve their body composition safely. Use dyslexia-friendly templates.
10 min	Assignment Explanation: Introduce the Wellness Plan Project — students create their personal or hypothetical wellness plan incorporating learned strategies. Emphasize safety and individuality.
5 min	Q&A and Reflection: Address questions and review success criteria. Encourage students to begin thinking about their assignment.

Success Criteria

• I can describe at least 3 safe strategies to improve body composition.
• I can create a realistic wellness plan tailored to individual needs.
• I can explain why safety and balance are important in body composition improvement.

Differentiation Strategies

• Provide wellness plan templates with visuals and sentence starters.
• Allow choice between written or oral presentation of the assignment.
• Offer supplemental dyslexia-friendly reading resources.
• Give extra time for planning and revisions.

Extension Activity

• Research and present on how different cultures approach body composition and wellness, comparing diet and exercise practices globally.

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Summary of Unit Assessments

• Formative quizzes and exit tickets each lesson to check understanding.
• BMI calculation worksheet graded for accuracy.
• Wellness Plan Project (graded on health literacy, creativity, safety considerations, and reflection).

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Final Notes on Standards Alignment (Texas TEKS & Common Core)

Lesson	TEKS Standard	Common Core Standard
1	PE 117.312(c)(5)(A): Explain fitness/health principles	RST.9-10.2: Understand technical health texts
2	PE 117.312(c)(5)(B): Apply fitness calculations	8.EE.B.5: Math application in real problems
3	PE 117.312(c)(5)(C): Safe wellness strategies	WHST.9-10.2: Write informative texts

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This unit empowers students with scientifically based health literacy, mathematical competence, and wellness planning skills essential for lifelong fitness and wellness success.