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 401 - 410 of 680 | Export entire research library
Might School Performance Grow on Trees? Examining the Link Between “Greenness” and Academic Achievement in Urban, High-Poverty Schools
Kuo, Ming
Using data from 318 Chicago public schools, this study found that greater tree cover on school property predicted significantly higher math achievement, even after controlling for poverty and demographics. Findings suggest greening schoolyards may…
Keywords: geographic information systems, Academic performance, greening, schoolyards, socioeconomic status, income, race, urban tree canopy assessment
Psychological benefits of a biodiversity-focussed outdoor learning program for primary school children
Harvey, Deborah J.
A yearlong school-based biodiversity curriculum for 8-11-year-olds improved mood and wellbeing compared to a control group. Benefits were strongest among initially nature-disconnected students. Suggests embedding nature-based learning in curriculum…
Keywords: outdoor education, Biodiversity, mood, primary education, Wellbeing, biophilia
Designing an outdoor learning environment for and with a primary school community: a case study in Bangladesh
Khan, Matluba
In rural Bangladesh, participatory methods with students, teachers, and parents helped design primary school grounds that support learning and play. Findings suggest nature-based outdoor spaces enhance educational engagement and offer affordable…
Keywords: primary school ground, children’s preferences, Learning, loose materials, teachers’ views; affordances, behaviour settings
Perceptions of School-Based Kitchen Garden Programs in Low-Income, African American Communities
Knapp, Megan B.
Qualitative focus groups in New Orleans schools explored views on Edible Schoolyard kitchen gardens. Students, parents, and teachers cited benefits like life skills, healthy eating, and learning engagement. Findings support school gardens as…
Keywords: Nutrition, Black/African American, minority health, qualitative evaluation, program planning and evaluation, Obesity, chronic disease, child/adolescent health, health education
Do Lessons in Nature Boost Subsequent Classroom Engagement? Refueling Students in Flight
Kuo, Ming
This study compared classroom engagement after indoor vs. nature-based lessons across 10 matched topics in two third-grade classrooms. Engagement was consistently higher after nature lessons. Findings suggest outdoor instruction can enhance…
Keywords: classroom engagement, Academic achievement, teaching outdoors, lessons in nature, environmental education
Regional differences in access to the outdoors and outdoor play of Canadian children and youth during the COVID-19 outbreak
Lannoy, Louise de
This commentary explores how COVID-19 policies across Canadian provinces impacted children’s outdoor play. With restrictions linked to reduced outdoor activity, the authors recommend prioritizing access to outdoor space in future public health…
Keywords: COVID-19, outdoor play, policy, children and youth, Health
A methodology to empower citizens towards a low-carbon economy. The potential of schools and sustainability indicators
Lizana, Jesus
Pilot study in 39 European schools tested “ClimACT” methodology for sustainability. Tracked performance via transport, air quality, energy, water, and waste indicators. Showed 10% school performance gains and 20% improved household behavior.`
Keywords: environmental empowering, sustainability indicators, school sustainability index, sustainable development, Education, environmental performance
Ohio LEED Schools and Academic Performance: A Panel Study, 2006-2016
Thombs, Ryan P.
Matched-pair analysis of 34 Ohio schools found that LEED-certified buildings had no significant impact on math or reading scores. Results suggest building certification alone does not guarantee improved academic outcomes.
Keywords: green schools, LEED schools, Ohio schools, Academic performance
Can green schools influence academic performance?
Vakalis, D.
Synthesizes findings from 28 new and 101 prior studies on LEED building factors and student performance; indoor air quality and acoustics show strongest links to cognitive and test outcomes, guiding future green school design.
Keywords: educational facility, LEED, rating system
Greenness Surrounding Schools and Visual Impairment in Chinese Children and Adolescents
Yang, Bo-Yi
Large cross-sectional study of over 61,000 Chinese students found that greater school-surrounding greenness was associated with lower odds of visual impairment and better visual acuity. Air pollution partially mediated these associations.
Keywords: None listed by authors