What happens when you mix athletic training with data science? You get Physical Education that connects with math and science.
With the help of an Innovative Teacher Grant from the Goddard Education Foundation (GEF), Jordan Echer, PE Teacher and Coach at Goddard High School (GHS), is completely transforming how Goddard Lions track their fitness growth.
Through his grant, Echer introduced the Just Jump Plyometric System! Previously, testing vertical jumps for massive classes during a single period was incredibly difficult and time-consuming. Now, with this portable, high-tech system, Coach Echer can capture highly accurate, real-time data including jump height, hang time, and ground contact time in just a matter of seconds.
But this isn’t just about athletic development. It’s an innovative academic connection! “What makes this unique is how we’ll use it across every level of physical education, not just with athletes.” Echer shares. “Students will receive real-time feedback, learn to interpret data, and see how effort translates to measurable results.”
By tracking and analyzing their own stats, students are getting a hands-on look at classroom topics like averages, rate of change, and the physics of motion all while sparking some healthy, data-driven motivation in the gym!
“These metrics give us a full view of how students are developing, not just how high they jump, but how efficiently they produce and sustain power,” says Echer. “This approach supports both physical and academic success by showing that data isn’t just something learned in math class, it’s something students can see in action.”
This system will be shared across the entire GHS physical education department, directly impacting over 400+ GHS students each semester as well as 3rd-8th grade summer program participants and athletes.
Thank you, Coach Echer, for bringing real-world data tracking to the gym, and thank you GEF for funding innovative teacher grants that help our students reach new heights!