This study evaluated the efficacy and validity of body composition assessments made using a hand-to-hand bio-electrical impedance analyzer installed in a kiosk. The use of kiosk bio-electrical impedance analyzers in public schools is becoming more popular as they are standard equipment in the National School Fitness Foundation Leadership in Fitness Training program that is installed in over 500 public schools across the United States. The kiosk is also the means by which physical fitness and body composition data is stored in a national data base. This study compared the body composition assessments of students enrolled in Physical Education at a Junior High School using two methods: the sum of tricep and calf skinfolds and the kiosk. Four-hundred and eight 7-9 grade boys and girls (ages 12-15) enrolled in 14 Physical Education classes participated in this study. Six classes followed a curriculum that included 16 weeks of traditional physical education (TRAD) units. Eight classes followed a curriculum that included 16 weeks of traditional physical education units combined with strength training every other day (LIFT). Assessments of stature, physical fitness, and body composition were made at the beginning and end of the 16 weeks. Body composition assessments were made using the kiosk and skinfold measurements. The results indicate that when body composition was assessed using skinfolds, boys tended to have relatively stable body compositions (percent body fat) between the 7, 8, and 9 grades and within the 16 weeks of physical education whether the participated in TRAD or LIFT. The percent body fat of girls increased from 7 to 9 grades but was relatively stable over the 16 weeks of physical education. Compared to skinfold assessments, the kiosk tended to underestimate percent body fat in both males and females in all three grades and the changes in body fat over 16 weeks of physical education were variable. Changes in body composition occuring over the 16 weeks could not be attributed to whether students participated in TRAD or LIFT Physical Education curriculum. This preliminary study suggests the need for validation of bio-electrical impedance methods in children before the body composition data can be correctly interpreted.Keyword(s): measurement/evaluation, middle school issues, technology