Middle School Backpack Investigation Results

Middle School Backpack Investigation Results

By the Science and Society Class

 Three years ago, the Science and Society class investigated the affect that carrying backpacks has on Middle School students’ physical health.  The investigation concluded that over 97% of Middle School students carried backpacks that exceeded 10% of their body weight and over 43% of students reported daily back and shoulder pain. 

 Two years ago, the Science and Society class continued the research and developed a project to encourage the use of rolling backpacks to serve as a solution to the health problems. This year, the Science and Society class again investigated the usage of backpacks in the Middle School.   Our research was to determine if the number of rolling backpacks has increased.  The results were not as significant as we had hoped but there were improvements. 

Percent of Middle School students that said yes to the following questions:

 Data Comparisons                                                    

• Percent of students with rolling backpacks increased by 5%.
• Percent of students who perceive rolling backpacks as uncool has decreased by 7%.
• Percent of students who believe that rolling backpacks are convenient increased by 20%.
• Percent of students who carry around another bag has decreased by 10%.
• Percent of students who experience pain has increased by 7%.

Conclusion

• There was an increase in the number of rolling backpacks being used.
• The psychology of the students has changed from thinking rolling backpacks were not trendy to thinking that they are cool.
• It is becoming more convenient to use rolling backpacks.
• Based on these results, it is perplexing that the number of students with rolling backpacks isn’t increasing at a faster pace as the psychology has changed and the pain is still present.
• This project could be continued to foster the increased use of rolling backpacks because the survey indicates that Middle School students are still experiencing back and soldier pain.