Sharing Best Practices

High school students should study earth science. Here’s why

Prof. Michael Wysession in his office with the stack of textbooks that he has written. Photos by Joe Angeles

Ever wonder why some subjects are taught in high school while others are not, or why students spend so much time memorizing facts? According to Washington University geophysicist Michael Wysession, science curricula in the US are based on standards that are more than 120 years old, and being stuck in the past has had serious consequences. Wysession is bringing a new approach to science education to St. Louis and beyond. To learn more, visit the podcast Hold That Thought.