Physical Activity Survey

Grade Levels: 4 - 7

Objectives

• Students will research information about the benefits of physical activity.
• Students will conduct a survey and discuss the results.

Materials

• Copies of the Physical Activity Survey Form
• Reference information about the importance of doing physical activity

Procedures

1. Have students select, or be assigned, a survey/research partner.
2. To begin, each group should research the benefits of physical activity and the goals established by the Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/publications.htm), as related to physical activity patterns.
3. After conducting the basic research, class discussions should be held related to personal and family activity patterns.
4. Students then graph these patterns and draw conclusions – both positive and negative – and draft plans for areas needing improvement.
5. Having gained a base of knowledge, groups now go to the general school population, staff and students, and conduct the survey.
6. To avoid duplication of data, each group should select specific classes or groups of students to survey.
7. After the data are collected, groups analyze their data, combine with other groups, and create a school profile.
8. Upon review of the profile, general conclusions are drawn, and recommendations for improvement are made.

Extension Activities

• After the school profile has been analyzed and recommendations made, groups of students can work with others, staff and community members, to develop and implement a "Physical Activity Plan" for the school; for example, an "activity" break time for all students and staff from 10:15 to 10:25 each day, bike-to-school day, or activity homework groups.

Excerpted from P.E. Teacher's Complete Fitness & Skills Development Activities Program.