It is widely accepted by researchers and scientists alike that exercise has numerous benefits in childhood and adulthood. According to Katz, physical activity in both adults and children can reduce stress, stimulate brain activity, and help in concentration.8 While there is still a lot of information that needs to be discovered due to the complexities of the brain, researchers are currently developing and executing new studies to determine the effects that exercise has on the brain. According to the American Psychological Association some researchers have found evidence to suggest that exercise positively stimulates the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls learning and memory. The Society of Neuroscience reported on a study in which researchers found that adult mice doubled their number of new brain cells in the hippocampus when they had access to running wheels.9
Another study compared the effects of anti-depressants to exercise. They found that "unforced exercise provided more benefits than either impramine (an anti-depressant) or forced exercise."9 Exercise was found to increases the release of norepinephrine activating the body's stress response. After learning this materials students will write in their journal about how these findings could affect them academically.9
Not only does physical activity help students academically but can also reduce the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high blood lipids, cardiovascular disease, lower risk of cancer, increase bone density, obesity,10 develop stronger muscles and bones, develop a leaner body, lower blood pressure, and cholesterol.8 To address the fact that most of the words stated above (students will not know the meaning of). I will have students participate in an internet scavenger hunt using student friendly search engines to determine the meaning of each words. Students compare their finding with another group. While in small groups comparing their findings, students will be asked to determine why this is important information for both children and adults to know.
