Step To It
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The password-protected step tracker is no longer available. However, viewers are encouraged to record their steps using other methods.
In this exploration:
- students make predictions about their movement
- use pedometers over a 10–week period to measure their steps
- draw conclusions
- make recommendations on how to sustain increased activity
This exploration will require three full class periods of instruction over a 10–week period — two classes in the first two weeks and one class at the end. Throughout the period, students will be using their own time to track steps and complete their journal.
Teacher Tip:
- Don't have 10 weeks? You can shorten this activity, but you'll want to have students track steps for at least 7 weeks.
- Need more information getting and using pedometers? View our "Pedometer Tip Sheet" for ideas.
Lessons and Schedule
Competencies:
Students will:
- Use a pedometer.
- Record step counts using a Student Journal and online Step Tracker (no longer available).
- Establish a baseline for goal setting in personal movement.
- Hypothesize movement levels and reasoning behind them.
- Define how many steps a day they should take.
- Convert other types of activity to step equivalents.
- Engage in activity challenges to increase steps over time.
- Monitor progress toward goals over time.
- Analyze data using graphs and tables.
- Publish findings of investigation by creating a newsletter documenting their progress.
| Lesson 1 | View Lesson 1 |
| Monday of Week 1 | Students receive pedometers and use them to track steps in a journal during first week. Students make predictions about movement over 10–week period. |
| Lesson 2 | View Lesson 2 |
| Monday of Week 2 | Students review baseline data and use a special step-tracking tool to track steps. Students set step goals. |
| Weeks 2–9 | Students track step data and work toward meeting recommended movement goals. |
| Lesson 3 | View Lesson 3 |
| Monday Week 10 |
Students review data collected over 10–week period, draw conclusions,
make recommendations and share findings on ways to increase movement.
View some of the samples of student work |
National Science Standards
This exploration meets many of the National Science Education Standards, set forth by the National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment, of the National Research Council. Review the standards for this exploration.
Some of the following pages contain links to PDF files. In order to view them, you will need Adobe's free acrobat reader software, which can be downloaded here: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html