Breaking Makes Olympic Debut
Ask students: Who are the breakers on Team USA? Where was breaking created? What are some of the criteria that breakers are judged on?
An entirely new medal event will debut at the Olympics in about two weeks: breaking, or what’s perhaps more widely known to the uninitiated as breakdancing. What began at block parties in the Bronx will be going for gold in the heart of Paris. John Yang speaks with dancer and choreographer Ivan "Flipz" Velez about the significance of this moment.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Terms
- BPM — beats per minute, otherwise known as tempo in music
- musicality — skill and good judgment in playing music
Discussion Questions
- Who are the breakers on Team USA?
- Where was breaking created?
- What are some of the criteria that breakers are judged on?
- When did breaking first compete at the Olympics?
- How did breaking get its name?
Focus Questions
Why do you think it's important for lesser-known sports like breaking to be represented at the Olympics? Explain your response.
Media literacy: Have you seen any coverage of the 2024 Olympics online or on TV? What are some of the popular sports that are being played in the Olympics this year?
The History of the Olympic Games: Lesson Plans and Resources
Dive into the excitement and spirit of the Olympics with engaging Olympic activities for students designed to inspire your classroom. This collection offers a diverse range of activities and lesson plans that cover both the Summer and Winter Games, promoting themes of teamwork, diversity, and physical fitness.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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