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Teacher: Andi Gehweiler who teaches at Dunleith Elementary in Marietta, GA. Andi Gehweiler can be contacted at agehweiler@marietta-city.k12.ga.us.
Name of Best Practice: Cosmic Bowling
Rationale/Purpose of Event: To extend the fun of bowling and encourage bowling as a family activity.
Suggested Grade Level: 3-5
Materials Needed: Bowling Lanes, bowling pins, bowling balls, stereo, music CDs, assorted disco lights.
Cosmic Bowling
After 3rd-5th graders learn to bowl using a three step approach students learn to rotate bowling responsibilities of scoring, pin set up and ball carrier. When students have demonstrated competency in bowling and fulfilling these responsibilities which makes bowling safe, then students are treated to Cosmic Bowling Day at school. The windows in the gym are blocked with black paper and disco lights are set up around the gym. Music is played and students are given glow in the dark necklaces. The students practice safety rules and perform bowling responsibilities as usual. The students love this day because it adds another element of excitement to bowling and it has encouraged many of our families to take their own children bowling. The fifth graders end the bowling unit with a special field trip to our local bowling lane. Students who score strikes receive Hawaiian leis to wear. This year the class with the highest bowling score will receive a bowling pin painted like a dolphin (Our mascot which was painted by our art teacher)to display in their classroom. This is a successful event and the students look forward to it every year.
Variations:
The younger students in grades K-2 also enjoy having Disco Day while the upper grades have Cosmic Bowling. We line and free dance to the music and lights since they are already set up. One kindergartner said "This is the greatest day of my life!" after walking away from Disco Day.
Teaching Suggestions/Tips:
The bowling lanes were the result of a mini grant that was made possible from my PTA (2 Lanes). Once my principal saw that I also taught the students how to keep their own score and integrated math into the bowling unit she gladly gave me the money to purchase more lanes for a total of 6. Safety must come first and only the classes that demonstrate maturity through safe practices and taking their jobs responsibly are allowed to participate in Cosmic Bowling. Students must pay attention at all times. We do not keep score on Cosmic Bowling Day due to the lights being off.
Adaptations for Students with Disabilities:
Bowling ramps that are used for Special Olympics, lighter balls with or without finger holes.
(Any Practice receiving 5 Votes earns Blue Ribbon Status on PEC)
Posted on PEC: 3/19/2006 and has received 74 votes.
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