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National education reformers target local school boards

A new study finds that outside donors are playing a large role in school board elections, often supporting reform-minded candidates over those backed by teacher unions. This trend suggests that local democracy may be influenced by national education reform groups and wealthy donors with differing views on education policy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Affairs Review·DateSep 7, 2016

Fulfilling an unmet need for children with autism spectrum disorders

A new reading comprehension intervention is being developed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a disorder affecting one in 68 children in the US. The program aims to improve academic success and reduce learning issues by using interest-based text, and will be tested over three years.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateSep 1, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Are urban black males shortchanged in classroom?

A new study by Michigan State University scholar Chezare Warren found that over-supporting urban black males in high school can have negative consequences for their academic success in college. The research suggests that balancing instructional and social supports is crucial to preparing students academically for college

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateAug 18, 2016

Negative attention from teachers can lead to more negative student behaviors

Researchers found students receiving negative attention from teachers experience emotional regulation, concentration problems and increased disruptive behavior. Teachers tend to give more negative attention to African-American students and those receiving free or reduced lunch.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAssessment for Effective Intervention·DateAug 8, 2016

A sweeter way of teaching health and safety

The University of Sheffield has developed a new approach to teaching health and safety, using chocolate as a test material in experimental practical work. This innovative method increases student engagement and helps students understand the importance of health and safety in their studies and future careers.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPhysics Education·DateAug 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Replacing ill workers with healthy ones accelerates some epidemics

Mathematical biologist Samuel Scarpino and colleagues found that replacing sick individuals with healthy ones can accelerate the spread of infection for certain diseases. The study analyzed data from two diseases, influenza and dengue, and revealed a stronger correlation between human exchange and outbreak acceleration in influenza.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2016

MSU to lead multi-university language learning effort

Michigan State University will lead a three-year research project to enhance the teaching of less commonly taught languages, leveraging a $1.2 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The initiative aims to develop templates for online LCTL instruction and share them among Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJul 29, 2016

In France, hiring biases slightly favor women in male-dominated STEM fields

A French study suggests a slight hiring bias in favor of women for science teaching positions, contradicting previous notions of bias against women. Researchers found that female applicants received higher grades than males in more male-dominated fields, with biases ranging from 3 to 10 percentile ranks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2016

Faces aren't always to be believed when it comes to honesty

Researchers found that people make judgments of trustworthiness based solely on facial features, not expressions. Certain features like higher eyebrows and rounder faces are perceived as trustworthy, while others like downturned eyebrows can be seen as untrustworthy.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·DateJul 27, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Animation library to increase science literacy in Victoria

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is creating a free online database of over 100 scientifically accurate 3D biomedical animations. This project, led by Dr Drew Berry, aims to provide valuable teaching and learning resources for schools and universities teaching biomedical science.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateJul 26, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Need skills? Corporate volunteering programs not always best place to acquire them

A study of Google, Cisco, Cognizant, and Fidelity employees found that skill improvements in areas like leadership, mentorship, and public speaking were linked to personal characteristics and the volunteering experience. Volunteers who had more opportunities to practice skills while volunteering showed greater improvement.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 30, 2016

Stress contagion possible amongst students and teachers: UBC study

A UBC study suggests that teacher burnout and student stress are linked, with elevated cortisol levels found in students in classrooms where teachers experience more emotional exhaustion. This connection highlights the need for adequate resources and support for teachers to prevent a cyclical problem of stress contagion in classrooms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 27, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Preschool academic skills improve only when instruction is good to excellent

Research by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that higher-quality preschool instruction leads to better outcomes in various skills. Children who attended more than one year of Head Start showed significant gains in academic skills when they received sufficient time in math and reading instruction.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateJun 7, 2016

Interracial friendships decrease over time in elementary and middle school

A study led by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that same-race friendships increase over time, particularly among white students. Teachers' classroom support and differential treatment also play a role in shaping student friendships.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 6, 2016

2016 Gutenberg Teaching Award conferred on Nobel Prize winner Carl Wieman

Carl Wieman, a Nobel laureate in Physics, has received the 2016 Gutenberg Teaching Award for his exceptional contributions to the dissemination of knowledge and quality of academic teaching. The award recognizes his efforts to improve undergraduate science education through innovative approaches and tools.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateMay 31, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Lung function may affect vocal health for women

Researchers discovered a connection between pulmonary function and vocal fatigue complaints among female teachers, highlighting the importance of respiratory health for voice health. The study used spirometry measures to assess lung function and found that reduced pulmonary function was associated with increased vocal fatigue symptoms.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 25, 2016

Evolution and religion: New insight into instructor attitudes in Arizona

Most Arizona biology instructors prioritize teaching facts over helping students accept evolution, according to a new ASU study. The research found that many professors perceive barriers to discussing the topic and often stick to neutral facts, despite recognizing that science can coexist with religious beliefs.

SourceArizona State University·DateMay 19, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Foreign language teachers facing a confidence conundrum

Researchers at Michigan State University found that foreign language teachers often prioritize accuracy over speaking skills, leading to feelings of inadequacy. To address this issue, the study emphasizes the need for professional development programs that cater to different teacher needs and promote collaboration.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSystem·DateMay 18, 2016

Black students more likely to be identified as gifted if teachers are black

Research by Indiana University and Vanderbilt University found that African-American children are three times as likely to be placed in gifted-education programs if they have a black teacher. Black teachers are more likely to see black students as gifted, regardless of student scores or demographic factors.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·DateMay 10, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Teaching computers to understand human languages

The algorithms enable a computer to act like a human when encountering an unknown word, looking up words in a dictionary and associating them with context. This development paves the way for computers to perform tasks such as translating texts, summarizing articles, and finding similar documents

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateMay 6, 2016

Research-based exercise program turning preschoolers into 'Fit Kids'

A research-based fitness program called Children and Teachers (CATs) on the Move, developed by Betsy Hoza, is having a positive impact on preschoolers. The program uses developmentally appropriate games to promote physical activity and improve executive functioning, motor, and communication skills.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMay 2, 2016

Transforming teaching with Twitter

A new study shows that Twitter can enhance middle school learning, with students reporting significant increases in exposure to reputable science leaders, broadening their audience, and connecting science to their lives. The research highlights the potential of open social networking tools like Twitter for personalizing education.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMiddle School Journal·DateApr 27, 2016

Does learning improve when every student gets a laptop?

A comprehensive review of studies on one-to-one laptop programs found significant improvements in test scores and educational outcomes. The research suggests that laptops can enhance student engagement, teacher-student relationships, and 21st century skills like technological proficiency and problem-solving.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateApr 26, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Oregon's property tax compression a minus for eighth-grade math

A study found that math scores drop 5% in the first year of a budget cycle when tax-compression rules are triggered, disrupting planning and teacher assignments. School districts face uncertainty until state budgets are finalized, affecting resource allocations.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of Education Finance·DateApr 19, 2016

Michael Gage and Arnold Pizer receive 2016 AMS Impact Award

WeBWorK, created by Michael Gage and Arnold Pizer, has made an invaluable contribution to teaching mathematics through its open-source online homework system. The system provides immediate feedback to students and is used in mathematics classes across the country, covering courses from college algebra to linear algebra.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·DateApr 13, 2016

How ballet training could learn from football and rugby, says report

A new study suggests that traditional ballet practices may be counterproductive for young dancers, particularly late-maturing girls. The researchers propose adopting a 'bio-banding' approach to training, grouping individuals by biological rather than chronological age, to better support their development and reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateApr 4, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Race biases teachers' expectations for students

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that white teachers are more likely to doubt the educational prospects of black boys and girls. This bias can have long-term effects on student outcomes, including lower expectations for college completion and graduation rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEconomics of Education Review·DateMar 30, 2016

Cricket players more successful when batting the 'wrong' way

Research published in Sports Medicine suggests that adopting a reversed stance provides technical advantages, allowing the dominant hand to control the bat's path. The study found that half of Australian batsmen and 40% of English batsmen use this stance, giving them an edge in international competitions.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalSports Medicine·DateMar 22, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Is educational neuroscience a waste of money?

A new study from the University of Bristol finds that educational neuroscience lacks concrete benefits for teaching and child progress in classrooms. The research criticizes the use of brain scans and other methods without solid evidence to support their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPsychological Review·DateMar 9, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

MOOC instructors may need more support for successful courses

Researchers found that most MOOC instructors face challenges throughout the course development and instruction process, including preparation, implementation, and feedback phases. Instructors reported heavy workloads, overwhelming expectations, and difficulty in providing one-on-one guidance in a large online class.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 29, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

College psychology classes lack curriculum about disabilities

The study found that many types of disability are underrepresented in psychology classes, including chronic health and physical disabilities. To address this, researchers recommend reworking course content to include more diversity and examples of different disabilities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalTeaching of Psychology·DateFeb 23, 2016

Which discipline or reward is best for your child?

A new study by the University of Michigan explores how children perceive fairness in discipline practices. Preschool-age children tend to favor giving equal rewards or punishments, while older children and adults prefer a more merit-based approach.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 22, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Using stories to teach human values to artificial agents

Using stories to teach human values to artificial agents is a technique developed by Mark Riedl and Brent Harrison at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The method aligns an AI's goals with human values by training robots to read stories, learn acceptable sequences of events and understand successful ways to behave in human societies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 2016

First nationwide survey of climate change education

A nationwide survey found that over 1500 middle and high school science teachers were unaware of or misinformed about the scientific consensus on climate change. Many teachers also brought climate change denial into the classroom, allowing students to discuss controversy without guiding them to scientifically supported conclusions.

SourceNational Center for Science Education·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016

Teachers' knowledge and values can hinder climate education

A study of US science teachers found that 30% emphasize natural causes for global warming, while 12% don't mention human causes. The authors propose addressing the root causes of resistance to science through science communication research.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 11, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.