Get in the GROOVE!

Get in the GROOVE (Girls Realizing Options Through OpenSim Virtual Experiences)!

Get in the GROOVE! will address health disparities impacting underserved youth. Given the alarming rate of overweight and obesity among high school minority youth, the project will focus on middle school with the primary aim of reaching middle school girls before unhealthy habits become firmly ingrained.

The primary aim of the research project is to investigate the impact of two types of summer science enrichment programs (that focus on health and wellness) on middle school girls' self-efficacy, health knowledge, health behaviors, and interest in science. One program will present the curriculum by conventional means (GROOVE condition) while the second program will include the addition of a closed 3-D virtual world environment to reinforce concepts (GROOVE+ condition).

The following hypotheses will be tested in the randomized controlled trial:

1. Upon completion of the summer program, the enhanced summer program GROOVE+ relative to the conventional summer program will result in a) increased self-efficacy for adopting healthy behavior change; b) increased health knowledge; c) enhanced science self-concept; and e) more positive behavior change (e.g., improved nutrition, increased physical activity).
2. At follow-up, the enhanced summer program relative to the conventional summer program will result in further and/or sustained improvements in positive behavior health behaviors and attitudes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Girls 11-14 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

Girls are excluded if they are:

• not fluent in English
• enrolled in a special education program at school (other than gifted program) that would interfere with ability to master the material
• have a condition that would preclude their participation in the dance activities of the summer program