Physical Activity and Its Effect on the Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if third grade students would achieve higher on math assignments and behave more orderly in the classroom when they receive more physical activity. The measurement tool was direct observations on classroom behavior and the math teacher’s grade book. This study was a quasi-experimental design. Ultimately, the amount of physical activity a student received did not impact academic achievement or student behavior. Research in this area should continue as there is minimal information on the correlation between physical activity and academic achievement. Future studies should be done at a longer duration and classroom schedules in regards to lessons and activities should be taken into account.