Articles tagged with Middle School
A North Carolina State University study found that outdoor education programs significantly improved environmental literacy among minority students. The research showed that time spent outdoors had a positive impact on African-American and Hispanic students, leading to better ecological knowledge and cognitive skills.
Research from the University of Georgia found that middle school students who date are four times more likely to drop out and report higher substance use. Teachers reported better study skills among those who never or rarely dated during this period.
Research at the American Psychological Association's convention found that cardiorespiratory fitness is a significant factor in middle school students' academic performance. Students who are physically fit scored higher on reading and math tests, with social support also playing a role for boys.
A new study by Southern Methodist University found that middle school boys who used e-readers rated reading more valuable as an activity, but girls struggled with motivation. The study, which included Amazon's Kindle e-reader, showed that boys improved their attitudes towards reading after using the e-readers.
A three-year project called Studio STEM provides middle school students with inquiry-based after-school programs that integrate engineering design activities. The program aims to equip youth with essential skills for the 21st-century workplace, including digital modeling, social media, and game development tools.
A new study by the RAND Corporation suggests that a voluntary after-school program focusing on substance use can help middle school-aged children avoid alcohol. The CHOICE program, presented in five 30-minute sessions, was found to reduce alcohol use among all students at intervention schools.
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that junk food sales in schools did not lead to an increase in weight gain among children between fifth and eighth grades. Despite a significant increase in junk food availability, obesity rates actually decreased during this period.
A new video game aims to improve middle school students' computer science knowledge, addressing a shortage of skilled workers in the field. The project, funded by $1 million from NSF, incorporates engaging elements to attract girls and other underrepresented groups.
A USC study finds that black middle school students whose close friends drink alcohol are more likely to drink themselves, with a significant risk factor identified for future alcohol use. Researchers suggest special prevention programs may benefit this group.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that exposure to profanity in media can lead to increased physical and relational aggression in adolescents. The research suggests that profanity can act as a stepping stone, reducing inhibitions about using profanity and increasing aggressive behavior.
A new program aims to increase physical activity among middle school girls, particularly those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The Girls on the Move project will expand its successful pilot program to more schools, targeting girls' physical health and well-being.
A four-year school intervention in Michigan improved middle school students' cholesterol levels and resting heart rates, reducing obesity-related health risks. The program goals included eating more fruits and vegetables, getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity, and spending less time in front of screens.
A new longitudinal study found that children who feel more responsible to their parents stay engaged in school and perform better. The study, conducted in the US and China, suggests that parents should communicate to teenagers the importance of acting responsibly as they enter middle school.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that people often misjudge how experience duration affects emotional responses. Unlike good experiences where knowing the end date enhances enjoyment, bad experiences become more aversive when their duration is anticipated.
A study published in Education found that Transcendental Meditation improved math and English academic achievement in low-performing students. Meditating students showed significant increases in scale scores and performance level scores compared to non-meditating controls.
A University of Michigan study found that obese children tend to eat more school meals, watch more TV, and exercise less than their normal-weight peers. The researchers suggest increasing physical activity, reducing screen time, and improving school lunch nutrition can help reverse childhood obesity trends.
Researchers at Penn State are designing a fast service lane option called meal deals for school cafeterias, which will limit the time spent in line and offer predetermined side selections. The goal is to create an environment where students can make healthier food choices by choosing familiar options.
The Discovering the Science of the Environment (DSE) program transforms school ground natural areas into outdoor laboratories, allowing students to explore and learn about their environment. Through interactive technology tools and computerized mapping capabilities, DSE aims to inspire future leaders in science, technology, and environ...
A UCLA study of 2,300 middle school students found that bullying is consistently associated with lower grades across three years. The researchers projected the findings to show a one-point increase on the four-point bullying scale was linked to a 1.5-point decrease in GPA.
Studies show that watching superheroes promote aggressive and autonomic behaviors can harm boys' relationships and psychological adjustment. Experts recommend teaching boys to resist these stereotypes and promoting healthy family and friendship relationships to improve their mental well-being.
Two middle school students from Wisconsin have co-authored a study revealing the innermost structure of a key bacterial enzyme that activates antibiotics and anti-cancer agents. The researchers identified the 3D structure of the methyltransferase, a crucial step in determining its function.
The Dr. John A. McAdams Jr. Space Center is a unique educational/research facility designed to teach science, math, and technology to K-12 students. The center features state-of-the-art robotics, teleconference systems, and Internet2, aiming to increase STEM competitiveness in the US.
Luis Saldanha, an ASU mathematics educator, has been awarded a $638,805 NSF Career Award to investigate the role of variability in teaching statistical thinking among middle school students. The research aims to improve instruction and make students more aware of statistics' importance in daily life.
Researchers at Cornell University's Food & Brand Lab found that moving the salad bar to a more prominent location in the cafeteria led to a 250-300% increase in sales of certain salad items. This simple change resulted in 6% more kids eating school lunches.
A Kansas State University professor found that e-readers enhance students' reading experiences by allowing interactive text features. This interaction boosts reading comprehension and engagement, particularly among reluctant readers.
A study found that reducing class size in early grades raises achievement for all students through middle school and closes the gap between high- and low-achievers. Students in consistently small classes had substantially higher test scores in grades four through eight.
The UT HEADS UP program significantly increases middle school students' interest in science, leading to improved achievement scores and increased confidence. The program, which uses multimedia modules and video interviews with science experts, has shown a 7.2% increase in Stanford Achievement Test scores among participants.
A research review found that instilling the value of education and linking school work to future goals is key to boosting grades in middle school students. Parental involvement in conveying academic importance, relating educational goals to occupational aspirations, and discussing learning strategies had a positive impact on achievement.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study found that an in-class writing assignment increased the grade-point averages of African-American middle school students over a two-year period. The intervention reduced the rate at which these students were held back or placed in remediation, suggesting targeted psychological interventions coul...
A recent study found that middle school students as young as 12 are engaging in vaginal, oral, and anal sex, with 1 in 3 sexually active students reporting unprotected sex. The study highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education programs to promote healthy attitudes and skills among young people.
Farnsworth Middle School from New York won the Best Communications System Award with its efficient PED system, while St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School from Florida took third place. The Future City Competition promotes technological literacy and engineering among middle school students.
A study by Western Michigan University researchers suggests that neither teaching approach has a significant advantage over the other, with good teachers, positive attitudes towards science, and well-designed curricula being more important factors in learning outcomes. The findings challenge current debates surrounding instructional ap...
A study finds that many girls with exceptional math talent exist but are rarely identified due to a lack of respect for math and role models. The US pipeline for nurturing top math talent is badly broken, with 80% of female faculty hired at top research universities born in other countries.
Middle schoolers are increasingly exposed to alcohol use due to peer pressure and social events. Parents can take proactive steps to prevent early drinking by having open conversations with their children about the risks of alcohol abuse.
Harding Middle School of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, won the IEEE-USA Best Communications System Award for its innovative 'xMax' technology, providing fast and non-line of sight connectivity. The students also developed a comprehensive 'Smart Home Programming' system to control their city's infrastructure.
A new computerized tutoring system aims to help middle school students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts by teaching them to 'think like scientists.' The system will guide students' learning, assess their progress, and provide feedback automatically to teachers.
A recent Michigan State University study found US middle school math teachers to be ill-prepared compared to their counterparts in other countries. The study, which surveyed over 2,600 future teachers, revealed that the US ranked mediocre in math knowledge and practical teaching skills.
A University of Georgia study found that 17% of middle school students in rural areas drove after drinking. The study also revealed that nearly half of the students rode with a driver who had been drinking in the past 30 days. Researchers hope their findings will spur more research and awareness on this overlooked behavior.
The team will develop a comprehensive set of hands-on learning activities aligned with the 12 Principles of Plant Biology. The project aims to engage middle school students in plant science education through inquiry-based learning and disseminate the materials to various settings.
A new UGA study explains how anti-smoking ads can either backfire or be effective, finding that youth are more likely to smoke when exposed to messages about their friends listening. The researchers suggest that health campaigns should focus on changing social norms and designing multi-year efforts with a nuanced approach.
A study of over 3,700 middle school students found that most obtain alcohol from their parents' homes, with one-third of users getting it from family members. The research highlights the importance of parental involvement in preventing underage drinking.
A large-scale study found that school environment plays a significant role in modulating student aggression. Supportive decision-making and cultural sensitivity training have been shown to reduce aggressive behavior, suggesting that schools can impact students' aggressive tendencies. The study's findings highlight the importance of cre...
A study found that benefits of increased homework vary widely across nations, grades, and quality of schools. In the US, there is a negative relationship between higher homework amounts and student achievement in elementary schools, but only a small benefit in middle schools.
The UCSD initiative aims to keep middle school girls engaged in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning experiences, such as measuring air quality and analyzing solar radiation. The project also develops a multi-player online science challenge game designed specifically for girls, addressing the critical leak in the talent pipeline.
The American Chemical Society has announced the winners of its nationwide student chemistry competition. The top prizes were awarded to Marissa Hohman, Jeanette Lawrence, and Andrew Gomez for their outstanding posters in grades K-2, 3-4, and 9-12, respectively.
A recent study found that frequent verbal harassment in middle school is associated with a three-fold increase in alcohol use during high school. The researchers also discovered that peer harassment fuels aggression and antisocial behaviors among boys, particularly those who experience both verbal and physical harassment.
A recent USC study found that popular sixth-grade students were more susceptible to smoking and more likely to actually smoke than their peers. The association existed across ethnicities and genders, with non-white boys being the strongest group.
Middle school students report frequent peer harassment, with witnessing others' harassment shielding them from emotional distress. The study highlights the importance of targeting violence intervention efforts to all students and addressing all forms of bullying.
A recent UCR study of middle school students in Riverside and San Bernardino counties found that the weight of backpacks is a significant predictor of pain. The researchers calculated that students carrying packs weighing up to 20% of their body weight were more likely to experience back pain.
A recent study found that middle school students who slept fewer hours experienced lower self-esteem, higher levels of depression, and poorer grades. The research, published in Child Development, suggests that a good night's sleep is crucial for adolescents' health and academic success.
The project aims to design exercises that help students develop mathematical descriptions of the natural world, applying statistical concepts to understand variation in plant growth. Researchers will also study statistical consultants in practice and develop technologies to support learning.
The study found that students consumed an average of 26 grams of total fat at school, exceeding the recommended 20 grams. A la carte items and student-run stores also contributed to high-fat consumption, with cafeteria lunches being the largest contributor.
A National Science Foundation-funded study is examining the theory that media messages received as early as middle school influence women and minority students' career choices. The research aims to create a new curriculum to educate teachers about media messages and career options, while collecting data on students' media habits.
A recent study found that middle school and high school students are more likely to quit smoking when faced with the prospect of fines or license loss. Students in high-enforcement areas were also more aware of penalties and had lower smoking rates, ranging from 21-26.6% compared to low-enforcement areas.
A new study by NC State University professor Dr. John L. Hubisz found significant errors in widely used middle school physical science textbooks, including incorrect statements about Newton's first law of motion and the equator's location. The study also criticized textbook layout, exercises, and the lack of clear authors.
A Penn State researcher finds that curriculum tracking in US middle schools tends to work against poorer students, with factors such as attitude and course complexity contributing to this outcome. The system often discourages low-income families from questioning or contesting the placement offered by the school.
Carnegie Mellon's Big Signal allows users to explore Antarctica remotely through Nomad's sensors and cameras. The project aims to engage students in remote geology and provide them with access to scientific data.
Case Western Reserve University math fellows are team-teaching a new graduate course to help Cleveland teachers discover mathematical concepts through hands-on activities. The course, led by fellows and Professor David Singer, will make advanced math accessible to teachers without a strong math background.
A study found that hypermedia and collaborative learning enhance knowledge sharing among middle school students, creating a community of learners. This approach allows students to construct their own understanding and communicate it effectively.