Physical education (often called PE or gym class) is organized instruction in sports, exercise, and physical fitness, usually as part of a school curriculum. In PE class, students might play basketball, learn to do cartwheels, practice throwing and catching, or run relay races. The goal is to help kids develop physical skills, understand how their bodies work, and build habits of staying active and healthy.

PE classes teach rules of different sports, how to work as a team, and how to handle both winning and losing gracefully. Students might learn proper techniques for stretching, why warming up matters before exercise, or how the heart and lungs work harder during physical activity.

The term physical education reflects the idea that these classes teach important knowledge and skills about the body, movement, and health. A good PE teacher helps students discover activities they enjoy and can continue outside of school, whether that's swimming, dancing, hiking, or playing soccer with friends. Some students love PE and some don't, but the skills and habits learned there can matter throughout life, since staying physically active contributes to both physical health and mental well-being.