Why Technology is Failing Schools When They Need It Most (0:30)

Guest: Justin Reich, Mistui Career Development Professor of Comparative Media Studies, Director of the Teaching Systems Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Author of “Failure to Disrupt: Why Technology Alone Can’t Transform Education”

Many very smart people believed that by now, most schooling in America would be happening online. That prediction was wrong–until the pandemic hit. Now students and teachers at all grade levels are learning the disappointing limits of technology.

Cannabis Poses Special Risks for the ADHD Brain (19:43)

Guest: Roberto Olivardia, Clinical Psychologist, Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Member of the Professional Advisory Board for Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)

Young people with ADHD are more likely to use cannabis–and more likely to become addicted to it.

Civility Rules! Creating a Purposeful Practice of Civility. (34:53)

Guest: Shelby Scarbrough, Author of "Civility Rules", Speaker, Entrepreneur, Protocol Expert

It's difficult to behave civilly when we get riled up. But it seems like angry outbursts, personal attacks and name calling are just the norm in American public life these days. If you watch cable news–or the Presidential Debates-you know exactly what I’m talking about. While swimming in a sea of hostility, how are we supposed talk respectfully about sensitive, but important topics?

A Fresh Take on an Alphabet Book (52:48)

Guests: Chris Harris, TV Comedy Writer and Author; Dan Santat, Illustrator and Author, “The Alphabet’s Alphabet”

My six-year-old niece is learning the alphabet right now and it’s all about trying to differentiate between the letters. No, that’s a capital B, not a D. See how it has two bumps instead of one? This is the letter A, not an H. See how the two long sides close together on top? There's a new picture book that leans in to the idea of shapes of letters in the silliest way. It’s called, “The Alphabet’s Alphabet.”

Scientists Found a New Way to Measure Ocean Temperature by Using Earthquakes (1:12:03)

Guest: Joern Callies, Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering, California Institute of Technology

The sea is a giant energy sponge. More than 90% of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases is absorbed in the oceans – so, if we’re going to understand how the planet is warming, we need a way to accurately take the temperature of ocean water.

Animal Brains in Captivity (1:29:36)

Guest: Bob Jacobs, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Colorado College

During the pandemic lockdown, animals in many zoos acted differently. Some primates went looking for visitors, wondering where they went. Some keepers had to step in and have lunch dates with social birds. But how does captivity affect animals even when there are people around? Bob Jacobs argues that it’s extremely detrimental for the brain health of large mammals.