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ERIC Number: EJ1289525
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Use of Outdoor Education to Increase Physical Activity and Science Learning among Low-Income Children from Urban Schools
Peacock, Jessica; Bowling, April; Finn, Kevin; McInnis, Kyle
American Journal of Health Education, v52 n2 p92-100 2021
Background: Outdoor education may positively impact the educational, physical, and emotional development of youth, but studies are sparse among urban children. Purpose: To investigate 1) physical activity (PA) levels in outdoor versus indoor education environments, 2) science learning gains during outdoor education, and 3) programmatic acceptability among children from an urban, low-income school district attending an outdoor education program. Methods: N = 69 were randomly chosen from 571 4th graders participating in an outdoor education program. PA levels were measured using accelerometers; science knowledge was measured using a pre-post assessment; acceptability was assessed using a questionnaire. Results: Students took part in over an hour more of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (p < 0.05) and increased the proportion of time spent in MVPA by 25% (p < 0.05) on outdoor education days compared to indoor school days. Science knowledge improved significantly pre- to post participation (p < 0.01). Students reported high levels of enjoyment and science learning engagement. Teachers reported the experience increased students' PA levels and improved students' science knowledge. Discussion: School districts may be able to leverage outdoor programs with community partners to promote PA and simultaneously improve science learning. Translation to Health Education Practice: Community partnerships can help urban youth from under-resourced schools meet PA recommendations and improve academic performance through outdoor education programming.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Massachusetts
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A