Turning Knowledge into Climate Competence, Community Empowerment, and Adaptive Resiliency Why free education may be one of our most powerful tools for confronting the Climate and Ecological Emergen…

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Background: The SimZones model is an organizational framework for simulation-based education that structures learning across 5 progressive zones, from self-directed preparatory activities (zone 0) to team-based clinical scenarios (zones 1‐4). However, empirical evidence on the impact of zone 0 regarding procedural skill acquisition and retention remains limited. Objective: The present pilot study aimed to build on this evidence gap by examining whether the addition of a structured zone 0 self-directed preparatory phase, delivered through interactive video (IV), could enhance cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) competence acquisition, skill retention, and CPR quality among nursing students when combined with conventional instructor-led zone 1 training, while also assessing the #feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Methods: A total of 52 nursing students from San Pablo CEU University (Madrid, Spain) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=33, SimZone 0 IV followed by SimZone 1 instructor-led seminar) or a control group (n=19, SimZone 1 instructor-led seminar only). CPR competence acquisition, skill retention, CPR quality, and #feasibility were assessed immediately after zone 1 training and at 3 and 6 months. Results: In the self-directed zone 0 phase, 73% (24/33) of experimental group students achieved competence. After zone 1 training, 100% (28/28) of the experimental group achieved competence vs 84% (16/19) of the control group (=.06, Fisher exact test). At 3 months, competence was 96% (23/24) vs 71% (10/14; =.05), and at 6 months, 96% (22/23) vs 62% (8/13; =.02). Mean CPR quality scores were consistently higher in the experimental group across all time points (zone 1: 94%, SD 11.8% vs 90%, SD 16.4%; 3 months: 92%, SD 10.9% vs 90%, SD 12.1%; and 6 months: 92%, SD 10.9% vs 85%, SD 17.8%). The intervention was feasible, well accepted, and free of adverse events or technical issues. Conclusions: Self-directed IV learning as a preparatory phase before instructor-led training is feasible, acceptable, and is associated with preliminary signals of enhanced CPR skill acquisition and retention among nursing students. These findings should be interpreted with caution given the pilot nature of the study and the small sample size.

Riding a Ferris wheel brings the mechanics of rotation, torque, and momentum into view. The slow rise and turn offer a chance to notice how movement shapes perspective, both physically and in…

From Fibonacci spirals to fields of golden bloom, sunflowers remind us how agriculture, art, and math meet in nature. Learning through sunflowers nurtures curiosity, showing how a single plant can…

August brings the golden days of sweet corn, inviting you to explore its stories and flavors. From Native American traditions to kitchen experiments, let this humble crop spark your curiosity and…

Seeking shade on a hot summer day draws attention to the ways shadows shape experience. Stories about the Earth's shadow on the moon appear across cultures, connecting observation to imagination.…

Superstitions like "step on a crack, break your mother’s back" and beliefs about black cats, Friday the 13th, and whistling in a theater often have origins in coincidences, forgotten religions, or out...

Winter events in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley invite families to learn, play, and connect through outdoor explorations, Jan 8–16, 2026.

The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and new beginnings. Discover Western Mass events from January 1-9, 2026.

Explore Western Massachusetts Holiday Events, including cultural celebrations, outdoor discovery, music, science exhibits, and New Year traditions.

Gift wrapping is more than decoration. It is a hands-on way to explore geometry, math, history, and sustainability. Measuring paper, creating clean folds, and working with angles all build spatial rea...

Discover December 18-26 holidays via Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, & Kwanzaa with meaningful seasonal learning events in Western Mass.

New England trees offer a path into multidisciplinary learning. Explore ecology, art, and history by studying their bark, buds, and changing leaves. From carbon storage to bird habitats, trees connect...

December brings stories to life through film, theater, and music! Classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Carol have been adapted into animated specials, movies, and stage perform...

Families can learn together this winter by exploring evergreens in nearby forests. Notice textures, shapes, and colors, and collect samples to create a home nature table. Find inspiration and activiti...

Explore Events in Western Massachusetts that inspire curiosity. Discover seasonal activities, hands-on learning, & creative experiences weekly.