Hancock County Cooperative Extension Nutritional Assistant (NEP) partnered with South Hancock Elementary school PE teacher. The fifth grade met in the gym during their PE time, it was thought that was a great time to teach the Professor Popcorn program. This would be an opportunity to teach about physical activity along with healthier food habits.

There was a survey given to all the students, one of the questions asked how long they spent performing physical activities each day. Only 19% answered that they spent at least one hour being physically active. Studies show a child 5-18 in age should be active for at least sixty minutes every day.   

At each lesson with the students a physical activity tip was given, such as, riding a bike, walking around their house, playing at a park. There were also tips for when it’s colder outside, pushups, walking in place, dancing, set ups. Along with these tips it was taught why it’s so important to be active.  Such as, strengthens muscles and bones during growth, heart health, keeps lungs strong.   

At the end of the program an exit survey was given, 67% of the students improved on the amount of time they spend being physical active each day.