The purpose of this resource is to gain an understanding of which travel modes students are using to journey to and from school. It is geared for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Description
A Student Travel Survey is a quick and simple survey conducted in the classroom once every school day for one week. Students are asked two questions: ‘How did you travel to school this morning?’ and ‘How will you travel home this afternoon?’. As the teacher reads out each travel mode — walk, bike, roll, school bus, public transit, and car — students indicate which mode they used by raising their hand.
The survey findings show which travel modes are the most popular at the school, and help to see whether as many students are walking or taking the school bus as might be expected. By repeating the survey (e.g., once or twice per school year) comparison of results can show whether travel behaviours are changing.
The survey is usually led by a teacher, but it is also a great opportunity for older students to demonstrate leadership by helping to conduct the survey, record the responses, and tally the results for their class or for the whole school. Analysis of the survey results can be linked to the math curriculum as part of a Classroom Lesson, and the findings can be communicated to the whole school through announcements, bulletin boards, and assemblies.
What you will need
- Students and/or teachers to administer the survey
- Survey tools (see Resources)
Who can help
School administrators, teachers, students, school travel planner/facilitator, and public health nurse.
Key words
Survey, tools, data collection, travel mode, school travel, student travel behaviour, students, bike, walk, roll, school bus, public transit, car.