The purpose of this study was to investigate what factors affect and motivate girls and boys in grade 8 to their participation in the subject of sport and health. For the purpose to be achieved, a quantitative method was used and, in order to interpret the result, an motivation theory was used to categorize the students' motivational factors.  The quantitative method consisted of a digital questionnaire that the students answered via a link. The questionnaire consisted of a number of questions answered by students in grade 8 and which were then compiled. The study was conducted at a high school school in a smaller town in Västra Götaland County. The survey consisted of a total of 93 students, of which 44 boys and 49 girls.  The result showed, among other things, that both boys and girls indicate that they participate in the subject because it is fun and because they can move. Almost half of the boys and about 30% of the girls indicate that they participate in order to get grades on the subject. Furthermore, the results of the study showed that both the girls and the boys think that the teacher's way of teaching has a bearing on motivation. They choose several different options but it is fun and interesting lessons and the teacher is happy and positive who gets the highest response rate. The lesson content in the subject of sport and health is also something that motivates both girls and boys according to the results. There are significant differences between the sexes, especially in the classroom music and movement. The result shows that the girls feel great motivation for music and movement while the boys have a significantly lower motivation for this content. The result, however, shows that both boys and girls are positively tuned and have a high motivation for both ball games, games and co-operative exercises.