Schools around the nation are attempting to increase the amount of physical activity (PA) students receive through a variety of creative means. Recently, organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have sounded an alarm about the lack of time children spend in PA participation. The purpose…

Individuals with Down syndrome typically have low fitness levels and obesity despite data that indicate physiological gains from physical activity and exercise interventions. Low fitness levels and obesity in individuals with Down syndrome may be related to sedentary lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities, or low motivation to be…

Sedentary living is a serious global public health problem that is associated with numerous preventable diseases. Schools are in a position to be the most cost-effective public resource to combat inactivity. In schools physical educators are positioned to be the strongest advocates of a healthy, active lifestyle. To effectively promote physical…

In September 2000, the Physical Education Kindergarten to Grade 12 Program of Studies was approved for implementation in Alberta, Canada. This program helps enable individuals to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. The four general outcomes are the ABCDs (Activity, Benefits Health,…

This book provides evidence that the pedometer is an effective tool for teaching students about physical activity, improving teaching and facilitating program accountability. It covers all the basics of starting a pedometer program, including how to use and store the devices. It also offers special considerations for school settings (e.g.,…

Obesity is second only to smoking as the nation's number one preventable cause of death. Fewer than one in four kids gets 20 minutes of physical activity per week and fewer than one in four participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. In an effort to help students switch to a healthier lifestyle and through a grant from PANA…

This teacher resource focuses on athletic (track and field) skills. It includes various skills and activities that are designed to promote learning opportunities and motivate Alberta (Canada) students to run, jump, and throw. It emphasizes the physical skills that form the basis of the track and field events in the 8th IAAF World Championships in…

This K-12 physical education curriculum presents six areas in which Arkansas students should show competence. The six strands are: health related fitness (students will be knowledgeable of and derive immediate health benefits from participation in vigorous musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory enhancing activities); movement/motor skills (students…

To teach students to maintain active lifestyles, physical educators must know what motivates students to exercise. The article discusses factors contributing to youth inactivity, what physical educators can do about the problem, and what research says about exercise motivation and adherence. Six recommendations for physical educators are included.…

Answers teachers' questions about physical fitness, emphasizing children's physical fitness, why people believe children are unfit, children's activity levels, heredity and maturation in fitness testing, test results, adequate fitness, activity, and participation, how long it takes children to get fit, reward systems, current fitness testing, and…

Presents a series of articles that address the theme of promoting active lifestyles through education. Some topics are facilities and equipment, how fear plays a part in limiting participation in physical activity, working with disabled as well as aging persons, the use of water activities, and instructor accountability. (GLR)

This reference book provides 20 real-life examples of how to implement the "Guidelines for School and Community Programs to Promote Lifelong Physical Activity among Young People," developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The book also summarizes the CDC guidelines. Based on the recommendations from national…

A traditional part of American education has been to include the families in the educational process of their children. The needs and complexities of today's families and classrooms have never been greater. Programs and activities used with families, and school interactions 10 to 15 years ago are not effective for today's complex families and…

Arizona's comprehensive health education standards begins with a health rationale for each standard, then details the seven standards: (1) students comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention; (2) students demonstrate the ability to access accurate health information; (3) students demonstrate the ability to practice…

This guide is intended to assist teachers in Alberta, Canada, implement the prescribed outcomes found in the "Program of Studies for Physical Education, Kindergarten To Grade 12." It is also designed to help students have the opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy life. Four…