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Program ENERGY: Guided exploration of brain and nervous system science by 6th grade elementary school children
Author(s) -
Campfield L. Arthur,
Smith Francoise J,
Schiller Kristin,
Smith Alexandra C
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.633.14
Subject(s) - test (biology) , intervention (counseling) , mental health , psychology , energy (signal processing) , medical education , medicine , psychiatry , ecology , statistics , mathematics , biology
Program ENERGY's goal is to reduce obesity/type 2 diabetes in suburban/rural elementary school children and families by teaching/reinforcing body science, energy balance and healthy behavior choices. A specific extension focusing on brain and nervous system science and good decision‐making was delivered to three classes of 6th grade children at Tavelli Elementary School in Ft. Collins, CO. An 8‐week program of classroom explorations and outdoors activities on the brain, body image, mental illness and their impact on behavioral intent was delivered by scientists. Beginning and end of intervention assessments including knowledge and attitudes about brain and nervous system science were conducted. Results show statistically significant improvements in: health and science knowledge (brain science), attitudes (mental illness), behaviors (sensory physiology, increased body acceptance), and increased interest in science/health‐related careers. Total score (n=57) was 24% ± 4% for the pre test and 60% ± 4% for the post test (t=13, p<0.05). The intervention had high rates of enrollment and retention, positive evaluations by children and educators, and produced significant positive outcomes. Thus, this extension of Program ENERGY into explorations, guided by scientists, of brain and nervous system science and behavior was effective and could be replicated in other schools. Supported by NCRR, SEPA, NIH grant.