Texas Health Plano and the Plano Independent School District are teaming up to help get some fifth-graders fit.
The district recently purchased new pedometers with a $55,000 grant from the hospital. But the pedometers don't just measure the number of steps students take, they measure the amount of time they spend doing moderate or vigorous physical activity.
Not only is it motivating the students to work harder. It's changing the way PE coaches instruct their classes.
"I'm seeing that I don't want the kids standing around anymore. I want to make sure they are active from the moment they come in the gym," said Paula Edwards, PE coach, Hickey Elementary School. "I distribute equipment right away. I move them from station to station. We have more active games."
The pedometers are currently being used by fifth-graders at six Plano elementary schools. Next year, the sixth grade classes at the feeder schools will get pedometers, too.
Students will also be keeping a physical activity and nutrition log to help them stay on track.
