Active Science®: A Review of Physical Activity Promotion and Science Learning

Abstract

Background: Schools, afterschool programs (ASPs), and outdoor environment have been identified as ideal settings to increase physical activity (PA) levels and improve academic performance of children. The purpose of this review study is to assess the effectiveness of the Active Science program in promoting PA and science learning in a variety of settings including in school, afterschool, and the outdoors. Methods: Active Science encompasses PA within exploratory-type educational experiences to create “active education” environments. This approach of using PA as a component of academics is not unique to Active Science , and others have successfully demonstrated beneficial effects on activity and academics. This study reviewed the results of the Active Science program in three different settings, in school, afterschool, and an outdoor education environment. Results: Regardless of the setting, the results supported that children had significantly higher PA levels and improved science scores when they participated in Active Science. Conclusion: The Active Science approach is one way to get students physically active while promoting science learning during the school day, ASPs, and outdoor education environments.