Free school meals for all may reduce childhood obesity, while easing financial and logistical burdens for families and schools

Since nutrition standards were strengthened in 2010, eating at school provides many students better diet quality compared with other major U.S. food sources.

Jessica Jones-Smith, Associate Professor of Health Systems and Population Health, Epidemiology, University of Washington • conversation
March 18, 2024 ~10 min

I wrote a play for children about integrating the arts into STEM fields − here's what I learned about encouraging creative, interdisciplinary thinking

Is it a STEM education or a STEAM education? Integrating arts into science programming and vice versa can pique kids’ curiosity − a play touring Michigan aims to do just that.

Rob Roznowski, Professor of Acting, Michigan State University • conversation
Jan. 12, 2024 ~8 min


Students could get more sleep and learn better if school started a little later

Most teens aren’t getting enough sleep, leading to poorer academic performance. Early school start times combined with natural changes in hormones and the circadian rhythm could be to blame.

Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh • conversation
Dec. 18, 2023 ~8 min

Massachusetts is updating its sex education guidelines for the first time in 24 years

Twelve states do not require sex education of any kind.

Emily Rothman, Professor and Chair, Occupational Therapy; and Professor of Community Health Sciences, Boston University • conversation
July 24, 2023 ~8 min

Is the pandemic over? We asked an economist, an education expert and a public health scholar their views

President Joe Biden’s suggestion that the COVID-19 pandemic is over has led to a backlash among some experts who suggest the comment is premature – and counterproductive.

Wayne Au, Professor of Education, University of Washington, Bothell • conversation
Sept. 21, 2022 ~7 min

Art illuminates the beauty of science – and could inspire the next generation of scientists young and old

Scientists have been using art to illuminate and share their research with the public for centuries. And art could be one way to bolster K-12 science education and scientific literacy in the public.

Chris Curran, Professor and Director Neuroscience Program, Northern Kentucky University • conversation
Nov. 23, 2021 ~10 min

5 reasons video games should be more widely used in school

While China has taken steps to rein in the playing of video games among students during the school week, a U.S. scholar makes the case for why the games should be featured more prominently in school.

Andre Thomas, Director - LIVE lab and Associate Professor of the Practice, Texas A&M University • conversation
Sept. 3, 2021 ~9 min

Want to teach kids about nature? Insects can help

Insects are plentiful and inexpensive. Even when children aren't attending school in person, they can learn from the encounters they have with insects outside.

Megan Ennes, Assistant Curator of Museum Education, University of Florida • conversation
Oct. 29, 2020 ~5 min


School bus safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: 8 recommendations

A researcher explains what it will take to make sure children are reasonably safe from catching the coronavirus aboard school buses.

Jesse Capecelatro, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Sept. 3, 2020 ~9 min

Reopening elementary schools carries less COVID-19 risk than high schools – but that doesn't guarantee safety

New research points to why reopening elementary schools is the safest bet and what else needs to happen for schools to have the best chance of staying open.

Justin Remais, Associate Professor and Chair of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
Aug. 25, 2020 ~9 min

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