The Correlation Between Physical Fitness and Academic Success - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 952 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/05/15 Category Sports Essay Level High school Tags: Fitness Essay Did you like this example? In 2006, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) released a definition of quality physical education, stating: Quality physical education is defined by standards related to five critical elements: (1) who teaches it, (2) how often students receive it, (3) what is taught, (4) how well students should perform, and (5) for what purpose it is taught (Smith Lounsbery, 2009). National organizations, public health organizations, and of course physical education teachers advocate for and endorse quality physical education programs and recognize its potential to help students achieve national health goals. Because of spikes in obesity and overall declining physical activity in our nations youth, there has been a resurgence towards quality physical education. Public health organizations support it because numerous organs and tissues respond to exercise stimulus; therefore, it is not surprising that exercise profoundly benefits brain function. Even though these are basic scientific findings proven by years of research, public education is quick to forget all the benefits of physical activity. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Correlation Between Physical Fitness and Academic Success" essay for you Create order Parents also believe that physical education is an important component in a balanced school curriculum. In a recent survey given to all 8th grade male students parents, with 322 responses, at Pine View Middle School, 96% of parents supported a required physical education class at the middle school level. In addition, 91% of parents opposed eliminating the physical education requirements to meet increased academic standards (see Appendix A for more information about the parent survey). Despite the support for daily quality physical education, requirements for student participation in physical education continue to decline. The primary reason is that today, more than ever, schools are accountable for producing academic achievement on high-stakes testing and school grades. At Pine View Middle School alone, there is a trend towards removing the physical education requirement to replace it with more seat time. The Counseling Department, supported by administration, has continually taken struggling students out of physical education classes to be checked into Enhancement†a study skills class for regular education students. Additionally, they continually pull students for P.E.P. (Personal Empowerment Program) and other counseling services. In fact, students get pulled for these additional services 89% of the time during their physical education classes. That information was collected over a one-month time period for all counseling slips that were sent out requesting students during class time. The biggest attack against the physical education program at Pine View Middle School is the cutting of the Intramural extension during the fourth quarter to focus on testing. In a 2-year study called Project SPARK, academic achievement scores of 759 students were assessed with three conditions: (a) Specialists taught the Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids curriculum; (b) classroom teachers were trained to implement the curriculum; and (c) controls continued their usual programs. It is important to note in the findings of this study that, Despite devoting twice as many minutes per week to physical education as Controls, the health-related physical education program did not interfere with academic achievement (Sallis, et al., 1999). Conversely, it is my belief that devoting more time to core subjects, in addition to what students are already receiving, would not significantly impact academic achievement on testing. Therefore, the topic of my thesis is how physical fitness can promote school success. The purpose of my study will identify if students who are physically fit absorb and retain new information more effectively than students who are out of shape. Additionally, I will implement and evaluate specific exercises that aid in focus and retention. My research question is if fitness levels correlate to grades, test scores, and overall learning. Delimitations There are many factors that contribute to grades, test scores, and overall learning, but this research study is only looking into the correlation of fitness levels to these academic performance areas. The data collected will be limited to 8th and 9th grade boys and girls enrolled in a physical education class at Pine View Middle School, a sample size of about 500 students, for the span of eight weeks, roughly one quarter. The results and findings of this study may not apply to other grade levels. This study will not focus specifically on the kind of active exercise typical of a physical education class, but on longer-term, overall physical fitness in students. However, physical education is focused on daily physical activity which develops habits of and aides in overall physical fitness. Definitions According to SHAPE Americas†Society of Health and Physical Educators†Guidance Document, fitness education is a subcomponent of the total physical education program, focusing on helping students acquire knowledge and higher-order understanding of health-related physical fitness (the product), as well as habits of physical activity and other healthy lifestyles (the process) that lead to good health-related physical fitness, health and wellness (Instructional Framework for Fitness Education in Physical Education, 2012, p. 1). Although the term fitness is used in many ways, in this research project, the following working definition of fitness as a set of attributes that are either health- or skill-related will be used to guide the development of the research. In addition, the degree to which students have these attributes can be measured with specific tests. The tests or data points used to determine students fitness levels will be a conglomeration of heart rate at rest, target heart rate, timed mile run, pushup test, sit-up test, and Fitnessgram P.A.C.E.R. test. It is important to note that all data will be considered to determine fitness levels of each student. To be thorough and complete, there are tests that will determine fitness in the areas of aerobic condition, muscular strength, and endurance. Academic success, within the parameters of this study, will be figured by grades, SAGE scores for 8th graders, ASPIRE scores for 9th graders, and an independently administered memorization test.

The Effects Of Global Warming On The Environment - 1616 Words

Global Warming Global Warming is the result of too many gases, which accumulate in the atmosphere. These chemicals build up and produce what is known as greenhouse gases. This results in temperature changes and various weather patterns. The gases, which rise up into the atmosphere retain a lot of heat, which can cause higher temperatures and more moisture in the air. Many of the pollutants in the atmosphere come from everyday human activities, such as using automobiles, factory fuels, and agricultural waste. Air pollution contributes to global warming, because these harmful gases are released into the atmosphere and are trapped like a magnet holding up a full pot of water. These accumulations of water vapor combust producing severe rain, which can cause flash flooding. Temperature and weather patterns can become so unreliable and unpredictable because of the interaction of these greenhouse gases. These weather events show that climate change is an environmental threat to the planet. Alternative techniques must be developed to stop the changes in the atmosphere temperature. A few degrees will make a great difference! Global warming continues on our planet and society as a whole must be made aware of what is happening and what can be prevented to ensure the future of the Earth. Scientists have proven that the global temperature has risen about one degree since the beginning of the century. They feel that this trend will continue by about 2-7 degrees ifShow MoreRelatedGlobal Warmi ng And Its Effect On The Global Environment1144 Words   |  5 PagesGlobal warming has emerged as one of the most serious concerns for scientists and environmentalists in the 21st century. 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Greenhouse gasses have always existed, but not to the extent that they do in today’s world; they are causing a dramatic change in climateRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Effects On The Environment928 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Global Warming†-The Biggest Scam of Modern Times Global warming is the steady increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. There are two sides of this story. Some people believe that global warming is caused by the natural components in the environment and not man-made production of carbon dioxide, while the others believe that it is caused by man-made production of carbon dioxide and not by natural components in the environment. Global warming is due to the increased level in temperatureRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Effects On The Environment999 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Global Warming†-TheBiggest Scam of Modern Times Global warming is the steady increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. There are two sides of this story. Some people believe that global warming is caused by natural components in the environment and not man-made production of carbon dioxide, while the others believe that it is caused by man-made production of carbon dioxide and not by natural components in the environment. Global warming is due to the increased level in temperature of

Touching the Void Free Essays

From Touching he Void Backgraund Joe Simpson’s book â€Å"Touching the Void† was publised in 1998; translated into 23 languages and achieved sales of 500,000 across all editions. When Joe Simpson and his friend Simon Yates decided to go climbing in Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes, he wouldn’t imagine he would caught up in the most spectacular survival story. Fallen into a crevasse after Yates cuts the rope during an accident he was left for dead, but his will to survive was stronger than the odds. We will write a custom essay sample on Touching the Void or any similar topic only for you Order Now Main Characters Joe Simpson – mountaineer/first climber-optimistic, Joe falls, breaking his leg and heel when he impacts the bottom then Simon cut the rope which Joe was hanging asuming that Joe will die. Simon Yates – mountaineer /climber – 21-ear-old, was faced with the first of two terrible decisions: should he abandon his friend – whom they both knew was as good as dead – or try to get him down the mountain? Yates chose the second option. Plot In the mid-80’s two young climbers attempted to reach the summit of Siula Grande in Peru; a feat that had previously been attempted but never achieved. With an extra man looking after base camp, Simon and Joe set off to scale the mount in one long push over several days. The peak is reached, however on the descent Joe falls and breaks his leg. Despite what it means, the two continue with Simon letting Joe out on a rope for 300 meters, then descending to join him and so on. However when Joe goes out over an overhang with no way of climbing back up, Simon makes the decision to cut the rope. Joe falls into a crevice and Simon, assuming him dead, continues back down. Joe however survives the fall and was lucky to hit a ledge in the crevice. This is the story of how he got back down. A man was on a 21,000-foot peak in the Andes Mountains where a fall broke his leg severely. Joe Simpson and his friend, Simon Yates were experienced mountain climbers but were not prepared for this grueling disaster in the hours that followed Joe’s fall. Surviving in sub zero temperatures, treacherous icy cliffs and a severe injury left Joe helpless while his climbing partner, Simon had to make difficult decisions for both of their survivals. Simon decided to painfully lower injured Joe slowly with ropes in the blinding snow and used tugs on the ropes as their communications. A few hours went by as the climbing team tried in vein to avoid deep crevices and avalanches while the roaring wind and no visibility made the situation much worse. Simon felt no life on the other side of the rope for quite some time before he decided to cut his end, assuming his friend Joe had died from the descending attempts. The story progresses into unbelievable human emotion as Simon expresses the guilt he felt of not being able to save his friend and cutting the rope for his own survival as he makes the daring descend down to base camp to tell the sad news to others. Meanwhile, Joe was not dead at all but seriously injured and crawled and slid down the mountain with no water or food for two days in blizzard conditions. Simon was packing up Joe’s belongings and getting ready to leave camp to tell Joe’s family the horrible news when all of a sudden he heard a howling wolf. The howling was coming from Joe unbeknownst to Simon until he decided to go investigate and was flabbergasted to see his injured friend a few miles from base camp. Pharagraph by pharagraph How to cite Touching the Void, Papers