education

Episode 3 of Simplified is all about microplastics! Host Lacey Alexander is joined by Dr. Jason Bara, a professor at Alabama and the co-director of the Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center. Dr. Bara’s research group is focused on development of advanced polymer materials, processes for clean energy production, and more.

Ever tried to explain a rotary phone to a 10-year-old? Archiving the history of how we talk to each other is more than just collecting old gadgets—it’s about preserving our connection to the past. Volunteer archivist Brad Clasgens with Signals Museum of Information Explosion in Huntsville knows a thing or two about that. He's the latest guest on Quick-Fire Quips and has the full download from scrolling to streaming to syncing up. Plus, the history of fun and unusual devices!

In our second episode, Lacey sits down with Dr. Michael Innis-Jiménez, an American Studies professor at The University of Alabama. His research is predominantly on how Latino communities function within the United States, making him the perfect guest to discuss the island of Puerto Rico and it's (legal and emotional) relationship to the US!

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey urged the board that oversees Alabama Public Television to delay any decision on severing ties with PBS until it has studied Alabamians’ opinions on the matter and developed a plan for what comes next.

This week on StoryCorps, Ann Thomas returns with long-time neighbor Michael Lord to discuss worldwide history and the effects of teachers in schools.

This week on StoryCorps, Ann Thomas and her daughter's elementary school teacher, Louise Wood, remember the innovative hands-on teaching styles implemented in the Selma, Alabama area decades ago and discuss the benefits that came from them.

This week on StoryCorps, Cindy Owens tells us about her career as a political activist and her frustrations with the lack of quality in the Selma school systems.

Friends and coworkers Tina Lewis and Ife’ Colvin sat down at StoryCorps to share their innovative approach to teaching and reflect on their own journeys to become educators.

A growing number of conservative leaders are pushing states to upend the long-standing U.S. constitutional right to free public education for children, regardless of immigration status. Alabama tried to enforce a state law to keep undocumented migrant children from public schooling, but agreed to a legal settlement on the matter and the law was blocked.

The University of North Alabama, the state's oldest public four-year institution, is commemorating is 195th anniversary. The occasion is being marked by school pride, opportunities for giving and other milestones across the campus.