Fitness Gram
Teacher Page
A WebQuest page for 6th Grade Students
Designed by
Bradley Barrett
Introduction
What is the FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM program?
FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM is the national educational assessment, data
management, and reporting software program. The software contains two major components, a
comprehensive physical fitness assessment and reporting program (FITNESSGRAM), and a
detailed 3 day physical activity assessment program (ACTIVITYGRAM). The software also
includes a physical activity logging tool (Activity Log) that allows youth to track physical
activity levels (minutes or step counts) on an easy to use calendar interface. The logging tool
can also be used by teachers to administer class or school-based physical activity challenges.
The FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM program was developed by The Cooper
Institute and a Scientific Advisory Board in response to the need for a comprehensive
assessment protocol. A complete history of the FITNESSGRAM/ACTIVITYGRAM program is
presented as a separate chapter in the Reference Guide (History of FITNESSGRAM). It was
originally presented in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (Plowman, et al., 2006) but
is included here to provide a context to understanding the evolution and history of the
program.
Learners
This test is part of the sixth grade physical education class that has different activities to keep an average overall grade of physical education students.
Describe what the learners will need no prior knowledge of the Fitness Gram to complete this lesson.
Curriculum Standards
Students will define and research the components of the Fitness Gram. Students will learn how to improve their overall fitness by adjusting these components.
Questions
1. How do I know which version of Fitnessgram is best for my school district?
2. What are the system requirements?
3. How much does Fitnessgram cost?
4. What comes in the Fitnessgram Test Kit?
5. What training options are available for Fitnessgram?
6. Is there a limit to the number of users/computers?
7. Are there any recurring or "hidden" costs with the program?
8. How do I get a price quote?
9. How do I place my order?
10. Who can I contact to find out more?
Answers
1. The Order Information section of this web site describes the different versions of Fitnessgram in general terms; a more detailed description of the different versions and system requirements for each is found in the Technical Assistance section. Some important questions you need to ask with regard to which version to use are (a) what are your objectives in doing fitness testing in your school or district? (b) Do you want to collect data and conduct analyses of the data? (c) Are you doing this for yourself, the school, or district-wide? These questions have a bearing on which version of the software is right for you, based on your objectives. Important tips: Make sure you share the system requirements information with your instructional technology personnel prior to making your purchase decision!
2. See answer to #1 directly above. Our K-12 sales reps can provide you with a demo CD for the network version of the software so that you IT staff can check it out. We also can conduct conference calls with school/district IT staff and our Tech Support team to help you sort out issues related to system requirements.
3. Fitnessgram is available in several different versions—we recommend that you work with your tech staff to determine the version appropriate for your school or district. Please see the Order Information section of this site for complete pricing details for each version of the software as well as various ancillary materials that may be purchased separately.
4. Fitnessgram/Activitygram Test Administration Manual, which includes the PACER CD and the DVD showing test protocols, skinfold caliper, 3" and 4-1/2" rubber curl-up strips, samples of the Fitnessgram and Activitygram reports, and the Healthy Fitness Zone clipboard and wall chart.
5. A free online course is available that explains the process for administering the Fitnessgram test to students. A certificate worth four credit hours is provided at the end of the course exam. The Fitnessgram/Activitygram Test Administration Manual introduces teachers to the Fitnessgram philosophy and guides them through the test administration protocols. A bound-in DVD features video clips of all the Fitnessgram test items, including common errors and corrections, as well as training videos for the FG software. The book includes an audio CD that contains cadences needed for administering the PACER and curl-cup portions of the test. Software Training Videos available on the Training section of this web site walk you through the process of setting up class records, entering students' scores, updating school and class information, generating reports, and more. These training videos are also included on the DVD bound into the test manual, as well as on each software CD.
6. The District Server version allows school districts of all sizes to compile data from multiple schools within the district through a centralized database. The Small Network version allows multiple computers within one school to share data through a common server. The Stand-alone version is installed on one computer in a school. Data can only be accessed from the computer where Fitnessgram is installed. This works best if only one person or one computer will be used for entering and accessing Fitnessgram data.
7. There is no ongoing fee or any other additional cost for using Fitnessgram 8 after your initial purchase. And there are no fees for reasonable technical support.
8. Refer to the Order Information page of this site for basic price information. If you are interested in purchasing the software for multiple school buildings or need an official price quote, please contact your Human Kinetics K-12 sales representative. Important tip: Please consult with your HK sales rep and your technology coordinator before placing your order. We can work with you to ensure that your Fitnessgram purchase matches your information systems and meets your fitness assessment needs most efficiently.
9. Purchase Order. Fax a copy of your P.O. to the attention of your K-12 sales rep in the U.S. at (217) 351-1549 or mail it to the attention of your K-12 sales rep at: Human Kinetics, PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076. In Canada, fax to (519) 971-9797 or mail it to Human Kinetics, 475 Devonshire Rd., Unit 100, Windsor, Ontario N8Y 2L5. Credit card. Call our order department toll-free in the U.S. at (800) 747-4457 or Canada at (800) 465-7301. Online. Go to the Order Information page of this site to order online, or go to the Human Kinetics web site (www.HumanKinetics.com) and search on the key word "Fitnessgram." Order Form. You can download a PDF to fill out and mail or fax to Human Kinetics.
10. Your Human Kinetics K-12 sales representative can answer a lot of your questions and guide you through the decision making process. Go to the Contact a Sales Rep page of this web site for complete contact info.
References
http://www.cooperinstitute.org/ourkidshealth/fitnessgram/documents/FITNESSGRAM_ReferenceGuide.pdf
http://www.perrytonisd.com/fitnessgrams/FGparent.pdf
http://www.fitnessgram.net/ProgDesc_8.htm
http://www.fitnessgram.net/programoverview/top10/