Power4Bones is rooted in research, and every single component has been rigorously tested and refined to teach our key bone-building messages.

An extensive needs assessment and classroom and program component pilots were conducted in 2004. Test/control student surveys, student and teacher online surveys and focus groups were conducted to evaluate the Ontario program in 2005 and 2006.

The post-program evaluations consistently revealed not only that the program was well received by both teachers and students, but also that, after participating in the program, students understood the importance of nutrients and weight-bearing activities for healthy bones and had improved intention for behaviour change.

A pilot test of the program was conducted in Alberta classrooms in early 2007 in preparation for the Alberta program launch in 2008.

The Power4Bones team is constantly seeking opportunities to build on the program. Numerous improvements have been made to the program each year to refine the learning process and to make the program even easier to implement.