Minnesota high school testing stand-up desks

ANDOVER, Minn. (KMSP) - Sit or stand? Some students at Andover High School in Minnesota have the option after social studies teacher Richard Wilkie launched an experiment with stand-up desks.

"I just wanted a different type of stimulus for my classroom," Wilkie said. "I will say this -- you're not falling asleep in a stand-up desk."

Wilkie has been teaching for 27 years and was intrigued by the idea of stand-up desks after reading several articles last year.

Soon after Wilkie began researching options, the Anoka-Hennepin School District received a donation of 10 standing desks from the American Heart Association, with five ending up in Wilkie's classroom.

Reaction has been mixed, but some students say they feel more engaged and alert at a stand-up desk. They also like having the option to stand for at least one class amid a day that can include 6 hours of sitting.