Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to collect walking data with my students to enter the PSA contest?

Yes, you do need to collect and upload data from students for three days to enter the PSA contest

Is it appropriate for us to collect data from our entire student body, only one grade, or just one class?

The larger the pool of students from which you collect data, the better, but if you only able to survey your class you are still eligible to participate in the PSA contest.

Why are you collecting data for three days?

We are collecting data for three days simply to record data for more than one day, but no more than three days so it won’t be a burden on you – we understand that you are very busy!

Can we create our own survey?

You need to use our survey in order to provide us with the data we need, but you can add additional questions to the survey or hand out another survey created by your class to learn more from the student body in preparation for your PSA. You could find out about perceptions of danger, reasons why students do or do not walk, their thoughts on the health benefits of walking, etc.

What will the data be used for?

The data will be presented at the Walk21 Conference on Walk to School Day. It’s not for any scientific study, but will be shared to celebrate the fact that New York is a green city because of its many walkers and transit riders. We expect to have high numbers of students who walk and ride public transportation.

Can more than one classroom create a PSA?

Yes, more than one classroom from your school can participate, upload data, and create a PSA. However, we will only accept one PSA per class

Can students organize and lead our We’re Walking Here NYC activities?

We encourage student leadership on this project, especially at the high school level. We do, however, need a teacher or administrator’s permission and contact information from your school, and we need that adult contact to upload the data and the PSA to our site.

How can I get my K-2 students involved in We’re Walking Here NYC activities?

Your K-2 students can be participants in the data collection phase (wall chart, collection containers, or survey), and any activities you would like to plan on Walk to School Day (for suggestions, please visit: http://www.walktoschool-usa.org/eventideas/ideas-list.cfm). Younger students should not add up the data or create a PSA.  Instead pick classes from grades 3-5 for this part of the contest.

Can our PSA discuss the environmental, health, and safety issues that are interconnected or is that straying “off-topic”?

Please feel free to explore a range of issues around walking – we want your students to research a topic that’s meaningful and interesting to them!