An Evaluation of a Classroom Science Intervention Designed To Extend the Bicycle Helmet Safety Message

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

Study evaluates Wizards of Motion, a grade 7 curriculum delivery program that links Kinesiology physics applications to Ministry of Education requirements while adding human movement and data analysis experiences. The research measures students’ head safety knowledge and attitudes toward helmet use after participation. Data from five classrooms compare two intervention classrooms (n=37) with three control classrooms (n=37). Results show significant pre-post knowledge improvement and increased future helmet-wearing intention, supporting knowledge translation to health education practice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Cycling, Head Safety and Helmet Use

Helmet Effectiveness and Policy Context

Research Article An Evaluation of a Classroom Science Intervention Designed To Extend the Bicycle Helmet Safety Message Moira N. McPherson, Pamela K. Marsh, William J. Montelpare, Christina Van Barneveld, and Carlos E. Zerpa ABSTRACT Background: Wizards of Motion is a program of curriculum delivery through which experts in Kinesiology introduce grade 7 students to applications of physics for human movement. The program is linked closely to Ministry of Education curriculum requirements but includes human movement applications and data analysis experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ head safety knowledge and attitudes toward helmet use after participating in the program. Methods: Data were collected from five grade 7 classrooms. Two classrooms (n = 37) receiving the program, while three classrooms,(n = 37) formed the control group (no intervention). Results on the Knowledge Test, and the Student Helmet Use Questionnaire were compared between intervention and control students. Results: A significant pre-post change in level of knowledge scores was observed in the intervention group. Likewise, intervention group students showed a significant increase in their intention to wear a helmet in future. Discussion: The successful program delivery illustrated the usefulness of linking public health promotion to standard classroom curriculum. Translation to Health Education Practice: This program exemplified the fundamental elements of knowledge translation and knowledge development, and is therefore recommended as a positive approach to delivering the public health message of helmet use for head safety. McPherson MN, Marsh PK, Montelpare WJ, Van Barneveld C, Zerpa CE. An evaluation of a classroom science intervention designed to extend the bicycle helmet safety message. Am J Health Educ. 2009;40(2):71-79. This paper was submitted to the Journal on April 14, 2008, revised and accepted for publication on September 24, 2008. BACKGROUND It is commonly recognized that injury prevention and the development of programs that promote safety are central tenets of public health. Similarly, promotion of participation in sport and recreation at all levels of society is a major emphasis of public health promotion. Yet, participation in sport and recreational activity is not without risk of injury. For example, in 2000 the Canadian Institute of Child Health (CICH)1 reported that unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and a major cause of injury in children and adolescents. Likewise, in 2002, the World Health Organization2 reported that over 700,000 children ages 14 and under died as a result of injuries, of which 90% were classified as unintentional. Among the risks associated with participation in sport and recreation is the risk of head injuries. In Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information3 reported that in 2003-2004, participation in sport and recreation was the third leading cause of hospital admission due to traumatic head injuries for children and youth. Clinical studies of moderate to severe head injuries show that the consequences can include Moira N. McPherson is the associate vicepresident (Academic) and professor in the School ofKinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; E-mail: moira.mcpherson@ [lakeheadu.ca. Pamela K. Marsh is an elementary](lakeheadu.ca. Pamela K. Marsh is an elementary)[ ](lakeheadu.ca. Pamela K. Marsh is an elementary)[school teacher in Brantford](school teacher in Brantford), Ontario, Canada. William J. Montelpare is a professor in the School ofKinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Christina Van Barneveld is an associate professor, Faculty of Education, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Carlos E. Zerpa is a technologist and contract lecturer in the School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Moira N. McPherson, Pamela K. Marsh, William J. Montel

FAQs

What program does the study evaluate?

The study evaluates Wizards of Motion, a curriculum delivery program where Kinesiology experts introduce grade 7 students to physics applications for human movement, including human movement and data analysis experiences.

How were students assigned to intervention or control groups?

Data were collected from five grade 7 classrooms: two classrooms (n=37) received the program as the intervention group, while three classrooms (n=37) formed a control group with no intervention.

What outcomes improved after students participated?

Students in the intervention group showed a significant pre-post increase in head safety knowledge scores and a significant rise in their intention to wear a helmet in the future.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda