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.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Teaching Methods, Physical Activity Level, Science Instruction, Low Income Students, Urban Schools, Physical Activities, Grade 4, Knowledge Level, Student Attitudes, Psychological Patterns, Learner Engagement, Teacher Attitudes, Child Health
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