Research Paper Presentation

http://www.livestrong.com/article/375849-how-extracurricular-sports-have-a-positive-influence-on-children/

Discusses the growing obesity problem in America, and sports' programs involvement in attempting to control this.  Academic achievement has been positively linked to higher math and reading scores. Also, classroom behavior and self esteem have been found to improve with the inclusion of sports, along with a better learning environment.

http://www.isbe.state.il.us/IRTF/pdf/recess_elem_school.pdf

Discusses the positive effect of playgrounds/recess on children's development.  Cooperation, school spirit, and organizational skills are acquired while children are playing.  These skills transfer into the classroom, and help children to work on interacting in groups and working together.