In yet another experiment, the researchers repeated the anagram tests, the mazes, and the monetary rewards with a different set of students, but then they added a wrinkle: After rewarding themselves from the envelopes on their desks, the students had the opportunity to donate some of their winnings to National Public Radio.

FORBES: The Importance of Telling Employees 'Don't Do That'

In 1970, John Adams and a handful of unpaid attorneys and law students salvaged some old desks and set up an environmental law firm in New York City.

WHITEHOUSE: 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Huddled under desks, students called 911 and texted their parents.

NEWYORKER: Battleground America

Other students were sitting at their desks reading or doing pencil-and-paper homework.

WSJ: For the Internet-Deprived, McDonald's Is Study Hall

When students are growing antsy at their desks and need to get some physical exercise to let off some steam and reboot for more learning, they have the autonomy to go to the gym and work out.

FORBES: Physical Activity and Digital Learning: Two Peas in a Pod

So he assigned his first students to actually build the chairs and the desks and even a couple of the classrooms.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Gives Commencement Address at Booker T. Washington High School | The White House