Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Equity in computer science impossible without review of curriculum, say researchers

A study found that girls in English secondary schools are 42% less likely to aspire to be computer scientists compared to boys. The researchers propose revamping the curriculum to include creative aspects like digital art to increase interest and engagement in computer science. This could help achieve greater gender parity in computing.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2023

Why high school kids are saying no to alcohol

A study found that high school students' attitudes towards drinking have shifted over the past 20 years, with a decrease in youth drinking attributed to changes in social media and spending time online. Today's teens view not drinking as more socially acceptable than it used to be.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateMay 25, 2023

A troubling reaction to school violence compounds the crisis

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that US high school students who experience violence at school are more likely to carry weapons. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants and found that nearly half of males who experienced violence carried a weapon, as did nearly a third of fema...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2023

Misconceptions put women off STEM subjects

A sociological study at the University of Zurich reveals that outdated gender stereotypes play a major role in women's reluctance to pursue STEM subjects. Women tend to prefer fields with less emphasis on analytical thinking and more social and emotional skills, despite high salaries and good employment prospects. The study suggests th...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

School prevalence of stimulant therapy for ADHD associated with higher rates of prescription stimulant misuse among teens

A new study found a strong association between the prevalence of prescription stimulant therapy for ADHD and rates of prescription stimulant misuse among middle and high school students. Schools with higher numbers of students on stimulant therapy had significantly higher rates of misused stimulants, highlighting the need for education...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 18, 2023

Researchers find comprehensive sex education reduces homophobia, transphobia

A randomized controlled trial of High School FLASH, an LGBTQIA+ inclusive evidence-based sex education curriculum, found that the program reduced homophobic and transphobic beliefs among both LGBTQ and straight/cisgender students. The study also showed improved feelings of safety and connection to peers among LGBTQ students.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalPrevention Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2023

Black girls benefit most when STEM teachers train up

A study by Rice University found that students in classes taught by STEM teachers who received professional development training were more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Black female students showed the greatest increase, with nearly double the percentage of non-AMP! teachers.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of STEM Outreach·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

MU researcher studies childhood obesity prevention programs in rural schools

A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJBI Evidence Synthesis·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 9, 2023

Seasonal changes in adolescent suicide explain controversial ‘13 Reasons Why’ findings

Research by Dan Romer finds that seasonal fluctuations and other factors eliminate the apparent suicide contagion effect reported from the release of '13 Reasons Why'. The study also reveals a decline in adolescent suicide rates during summer months when youths are not in school.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2022

The AVID college prep program leads to lower substance use, better health behaviors among high school students, UCLA-led research suggests

The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2022

Religion is not the factor that most influences rejection of evolutionary theory in schools, study says

A survey of 5,500 Brazilian and Italian students aged 14-16 found that nationality, social perceptions of science, and household income were more influential than religion in rejecting evolutionary theory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant gap in understanding geological time between Italian and Brazilian Catholics.

New AI method for public health analysis shows trends in substance use among high schoolers

A new AI method has analyzed substance use trends among Canadian high schoolers, identifying factors such as large weekly allowances and low physical activity that increase the risk of transitioning to multiple substance use. The study found that once students start using substances, it is rare for them to stop, highlighting the need f...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateNov 30, 2022

In the transition to high school, eighth graders who move to a new building were less delinquent than peers who stayed in the same setting

A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 20, 2022

Low-income charter school graduates had lower rates of problematic substance use as young adults, UCLA research suggests

A new study from UCLA found that students who attended high-performing charter schools had a 50% lower rate of alcohol use disorder compared to waitlisted students. Males in the intervention group also reported better physical health and lower obesity rates, while females did not show similar benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

Study shows how math, science identity in students affects college, career outcomes

A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

High school students with disabilities achieve better outcomes in inclusive academic settings

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that high school students with disabilities who spend 80% of their time in general education classrooms score higher on state reading and math assessments. This is the second phase of a previous study that showed similar results for younger students with disabilities, highlighting ...

SourceIndiana University·JournalThe Journal of Special Education·DateSep 15, 2022

Stevens ACES Program that identifies and nurtures STEM talent in underserved communities is awarded $750,000 from the U.S. Department of Education

The Stevens ACES program has been awarded a $750,000 grant to expand its STEM education initiatives in underserved communities. The program provides full-tuition scholarships and academic support to high school students from these communities, with a remarkable success record for inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.

Concussions at school may affect academic performance

A study published in Injury Prevention found that adolescents who experienced a concussion in the past 12 months were 25% more likely to be in poor academic standing. This association was stronger with a history of repeated concussions, and varied by race/ethnicity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2022

Clever COVID-19

MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

High school students measure Earth's magnetic field from ISS

Three high school students from Portugal used a Raspberry Pi computer to measure Earth's magnetic field in orbit, comparing their results to data provided by the International Geomagnetic Reference Field. They found significant differences due to static magnetic fields inside the space station, but improved results with more measurements.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2022

One-sport high school athletes prone to injury, burnout

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 2, 2022

Teen internet usage associated with stress and suicidal ideation

A survey of nearly 30,000 Korean high school students found a strong association between non-academic internet usage and mental health issues such as stress and suicidal ideation. Students who spent more time online reported better health, reduced stress, and fewer feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2022

Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022