The purpose of this study is:

• To validate the use of pedometers in assessing the level of physical activity in middle school children.
• To evaluate whether setting a step goal through the use of pedometers could increase physical activity and prevent weight gain in middle school children.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All healthy 8th grade students at the Springboard Academy of the Milton Hershey School willing to participate in the study and whose parents give consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any medical condition that prevents the child from walking during the 12 week study period.
• Non-English speaking student.