Sarah Swenson, 2015 M.Ed. graduate in Applied Kinesiology, recently published her capstone project under the direction of Zan Gao, Ph.D., in the Journal of Teaching, Research, and Media in Kinesiology. Kinesiology Ph.D. student Zachary Pope was a coauthor on the publication, “Objectively-Measured Physical Activity Levels in Physical Education among Homeschool Children.”

The purpose of the study was to objectively examine, via accelerometry and pedometry, the physical activity levels of homeschool students participating in structured physical education and basketball programs. Potential gender differences in physical activity levels during the two activities were also examined. Results indicated children were significantly more active during the basketball program, with no gender differences noted when comparing physical activity levels during participation in either physical education or basketball. Findings suggest that providing activity programs for homeschool children can increase physical activity levels, but that more concentration needs to be placed on promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.