William H. Farquhar Middle School, Olney, MD. Photo credit: Patrick Ross
School Health Research Library
We have curated a library of peer-reviewed scientific studies from around the world published since 2016, focusing on the school built environment and occupant health and performance. This research builds on the 2017 Schools for Health: Foundations for Student Success report released by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that synthesizes foundational research about school indoor environmental quality impacts on students and staff.
To help translate this research into action in schools, we have compiled School Health Research Highlights to help school staff and leaders access key findings and actionable strategies on priority topics.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 585 | Export entire research library
Inverse relationship between urban green space and childhood autism in California elementary school districts
Wu, Jianyong
District-level study in California linked autism prevalence to various green space metrics; found tree canopy and grassland near roads inversely associated with autism rates.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Greenness, Near-road tree canopy, Air pollution, School children
Getting Out of the Classroom and Into Nature: A Systematic Review of Nature-Specific Outdoor Learning on School Children’s Learning and Development
Mann, Jeff
Review of 147 studies found nature-specific outdoor learning supports academic, social, and emotional development; recommends curriculum integration to improve student well-being.
Keywords: Academic improvement, Education, Learning outside the classroom, Nature-specific, Outdoor learning, Pro-environmental behavior, Socio-emotional, Wellbeing
Effects of a School-Based Garden Program on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Davis, Jaimie N.
Cluster RCT in 16 Texas elementary schools tested garden, nutrition, and cooking lessons. Fourth-grade reading scores improved; policy may support integration of garden-based learning.
Keywords: Gardening, Nutrition, Cooking intervention, Hispanic, Low-income, School-based., Academic performance
How does the built environment affect teenagers (aged 13–14) physical activity and fitness? A cross-sectional analysis of the ACTIVE Project
James, Michaela
Study of 270 Welsh adolescents (age 13–14) used accelerometers and GIS data to assess effects of green space, travel routes, and proximity to transport on physical fitness and activity. Results suggest spatial planning affects youth activity…
Keywords:
Uncertainty analysis of various CO2-Based tracer-gas methods for estimating seasonal ventilation rates in classrooms with different mechanical systems
Kabirikopaei, Adel
CO₂ concentrations were monitored seasonally in 220 Midwestern classrooms to compare methods for estimating ventilation rates. Uncertainty varied by method, system type, and CO₂ sensor accuracy. Findings guide improved air quality monitoring in…
Keywords: Ventilation rate, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Classrooms, Uncertainty, Occupied space
The Effects of the Visual Environment on K-12 Student Achievement
Kuhlenengel, Michael
Visual characteristics of 220 Midwestern classrooms (e.g., daylight, outside view, glare) were assessed alongside math and reading scores. Regression analyses found associations between view metrics and reading achievement. Visual design may…
Keywords: Visual environment, Student achievement, Classroom environment
Speech and noise levels measured in occupied K–12 classrooms
Wang, Lily M.
Acoustic monitoring was conducted over 6 days in 220 U.S. K–12 classrooms. Speech and noise levels were analyzed using clustering methods to estimate signal-to-noise ratios. Findings support improving classroom acoustics to promote speech clarity…
Keywords:
Particulate matter in mechanically ventilated high school classrooms
Ren, Jianlin
Two-year field study measured airborne particulate matter (PM) in 39 Texas high school classrooms with mechanical ventilation. PM levels varied by flooring and outdoor sources. Understanding PM exposure can inform design and filtration strategies…
Keywords: Particles, Particulate matter (PM), Emissions, Resuspension, Flooring
Classroom conditions and CO2 concentrations and teacher health symptom reporting in 10 New York State Schools
Muscatiello, N.
CO2 was measured in 64 classrooms across 10 NY schools; teacher symptoms were linked to CO₂ levels. Neuro-physiologic symptoms rose with every 100 ppm increase. Classroom-specific ventilation corrections may improve staff health and indoor air…
Keywords: Teachers, School health, Carbon dioxide (CO2), Indoor environmental quality
Building-related health symptoms and classroom indoor air quality: a survey of school teachers in New York State
Kielb, C.
Cross-sectional phone survey of ~500 NYS teachers linking self-reported symptoms to classroom characteristics related to indoor air quality. Dust, mold, and paint odors were strongly associated with sinus, allergy, and respiratory symptoms. Suggests…
Keywords: Indoor air quality, School health, Teachers, Occupational health, Allergens, Chemical irritants