Campus News Briefs — Winter 2020

Benefits to Full-Day Preschool 

Children enrolled in full-day preschool versus half-day preschool benefit more in their learning, CU Boulder researchers found in a first-of-its-kind study. The extra time improved children’s vocabulary, literacy, math and more. 

“Even a month in the life of a young child may represent a huge period in their development,” said CU assistant education professor Allison Atteberry. 

The study, published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, suggests children’s early experiences can affect their academic growth. The researchers will continue to explore this learning boost as the children head to elementary school. 

Asteroid Named for CU Researcher 

At a space conference in late November, the International Astronomical Union announced asteroid 2000 VH57 has a name: (20882) Paulsánchez. 

CU Boulder’s Paul Sánchez sat in the audience, shocked. 

“It was quite unexpected,” the aerospace senior research associate told the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. 

It’s a rare honor — only about 5 percent of asteroids have names. Two other CU faculty members also have their own asteroids: distinguished professor Dan Scheeres and assistant professor Jay McMahon. 

Sánchez received the recognition for his work with rubble pile asteroids, which are comprised of many pieces as opposed to one large piece. He’s identified a potential force that causes the asteroids to rotate rapidly, causing a weak cement to form. 

You can have very good friendships with people you disagree with."

— Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan on her collegial relationships with her Court colleagues. Kagan spoke to a sold-out crowd at Macky Auditorium on Oct. 22, 2019. 

Photos iStock/AndrewLilley (blocks); Patrick Campbell