The effects of physical activity on academic performance

Objective Our objective is to explore how physical activity helps maintain optimum performance from the human body in both the academic and physical sense.

Literature Review Throughout our lives, physical movement plays a major role in creating nerve cell networks that are in the root of our learning process. Hannaford(1995) The is a relation between physical activity and fitness and academic performance. Shepard(1997) Brain activity in participants was stimulated 35 milliseconds faster after exercise compared to those without exercise. Mercola(2001) Two types of matter in the brain; Gray matter and white matter.

Introduction The purpose of our study is to look at the benefits of physical activity and physical education on student performance? This isn’t a question. It’s a statement. Take off the question mark.

Significance of study Test scores within your schools below average. Attendance at your school below 96%. Learning disabled and regular education students having difficulty getting and staying on task. Existing programs at your campus effective.

Four Questions Is there a direct correlation between physical activity, and student performance? Are the students getting and staying on task with little or no difficulty? Are the students achieving higher academic success? Is there a decrease in absences in the schools? Good!

Definition of major Variables Exercise is defined as “Physical activity that increases the heart rate above resting heart rate.” Blaydes(N/D) Reaction is defined as “the speed that subjects processed information, memory span, and problem solving.” Blaydes(N/D)

Participants Thomas Manor is misspelled. It looks like you did this in Excel and imported it. Do this. Highlight it in Excel, copy and then when you get to power point, go to Edit and hit Paste Special and click on picture. That way the paste looks like a picture and the font is easier to read.

Methodology Instruments Likert Scale Student Survey What happened to the teacher survey?

EEG machine Stopwatch Tennis balls and metal crates Materials EEG machine Stopwatch Tennis balls and metal crates

Methodology Procedures Obtain a student roster for the current year and a GPA of all the subjects participating in the study of the previous year. Administer a survey during physical education class. Administer a timed tennis ball activity. Administer a pre and post test on the EEG. Request a attendance report on absences on a monthly basis. Record and document all data.

Methodology Limitations Limiting to only three campuses in the El Paso Area. Limited to only 6th, 7th, and 8th students. Same amount of males and females. Study is only going to be done during P.E. class. Delimitations Student withdraws from campuses that are in the study.

Data Analysis Microsoft excel spreadsheet GPA Timed test Pre-post test Attendance Survey responses Demographics T-test scores Independent sample T-test Score Gender Grade levels

Timeline Academic school year 2005-2006

Ethical Considerations Informed Consent letter Privacy All information is kept confidential and secured and will be disposed of appropriately at end of study.

Summary If you allow us to conduct this research with in your schools, we will show you the direct benefits that physical education and fitness has on academic success. Take out the “if you allow us to conduct this research with in your schools” it sounds too needy. Instead, write, “This study is designed to show you the direct benefits…”

Questions