CATCH Middle School Program

CATCH Middle School is a program designed to promote physical activity and healthy food choices. CATCH employs a holistic approach to child health by targeting multiple aspects of the school environment and involving classroom teachers, school food service staff, physical education (PE) teachers, students’ families, and the broader school community in a range of health promoting activities. Evaluation of CATCH Middle School components have demonstrated effects in reducing TV viewing, increasing physical activity, and healthy food consumption.

As an important enhancement to the CATCH Middle School program, we have incorporated the award winning HEADS UP science education program and the IMPACT physical activity program. HEADS UP was designed to excite middle and high school students about science, and places an emphasis on learning science concepts through health related examples. Multimedia science curriculum modules provide teachers with cutting-edge health science content. Presented in a video format with student role models, researchers, other experts, colorful images and animation, content is reinforced with classroom activities, glossaries, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills ( TAKS) warm-ups, assessment tools, and web-based resources. Evaluation of HEADS UP has shown significant improvements in standardized academic achievement tests. The HEADS UP content is supplemented with the IMPACT Physical Activity Intervention. IMPACT lessons are designed to teach osteoporosis prevention, calcium intake, and increased weight-bearing activities. Other components of IMPACT include physical education and a school food service component that emphasizes calcium rich food choices. CATCH, HEADS UP, and IMPACT were developed by researchers at the UT School of Public Health.

Cost
The CATCH Middle School Program resource materials (6-8 CATCH PE Activity Box & Guidebook, Eat Smart Manual, HEADS UP & IMPACT Teacher manual & DVD) is $375/set. CATCH Middle School training is a dynamic, interactive full-day session. Schools send a cadre of representatives which includes a physical education teacher, child nutrition manager, and a classroom teacher representative. Schools are encouraged to invite other school personnel such as the nurse, counselor, administrator or a parent. Cost for training will be $4500, with up to 20 schools (each sending a team of 3) attending. Write Megan Conklin or call: 1-866-512-346-6163 Ext. 2007 to schedule training.

CATCH Middle School overview (power point presentation)

How to order CATCH Middle School Resource Materials