Education Commons^™

Use Of Modeling To Support Students’ Learning Of Energy Concepts, Delaney Carone, Ashley Perkins

Honors Theses

This paper presents a method for teaching energy concepts to children to children. By implementing modeling and the predict-observe-explain method, teachers can greatly improve critical thinking skills and abstract conception capacity in young students. The main focus of this lesson is based on the disciplinary core idea of Energy, and specifically on 4-PS3-1: Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object (NGSS Lead States, 2012). Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standard 4.PS3.1, the lesson gives examples of activities and tips on how teachers can teach students to explain how …

Why Do Shadows Change Throughout The Day?, Caitlin M. Hallam

Honors Theses

In this lesson, elementary students use a hands-on demonstration to study why shadows change throughout the data. They collect data using a model of the earth and sun system, and then use their own shadows to verify their data collection.

The Relationship Between Classroom Distractions And Off-Task Students, Michelle L. Andrus, Ashton K. Harrison, Kathryn E. Wojnar

Honors Theses

This study focuses on the prevalence of classroom distractions in elementary education candidates’ field experiences. Classroom disturbances challenge students’ ability to focus on, and process the information that is being taught (Frisby, et al. 2018). Disturbances can occur for a variety of reasons. Intentional distractions, or anti-citizenship behaviors are classroom disturbances that are created by students with the goal of distracting others (Myers, et al. 2015). Classroom disturbances can also be unintentional, yet still equally distracting.

Throughout the duration of this research, the candidates have conducted observations and research in a variety of grade levels. In this paper, the candidates …

The Relationship Between Classroom Distractions And Off-Task Students, Ashton Harrison, Kathryn E. Wojnar

Honors Theses

Classroom distractions occur on a daily basis and prevent students from being fully engaged with their teacher’s instruction. In this session, elementary education candidates discuss the results of a study in which they documented the sources of students’ inattention.

"Turn Up The Music!", Caitlyn M. Hinnerschitz, Catherine Scott

Honors Theses

The elementary school classroom provides unique opportunities for teachers to engage students in STEM thinking, using both scientific content and innovative thinking. In today’s world, educators spend time determining how to both conserve resources when engaging students in hands-on experiences, while still bringing relevant experiences into their lessons. In this lesson, we examine the ways that teachers can address student interests in music and technology through an engineering lesson focusing on amplification of sound and recycled materials

Structured And Unstructured Movement In Elementary School Classrooms: Effects On Student Performance, Savannah E. Watson

Honors Theses

Research has shown the benefits of movement for adults and children alike. Not only are there physical benefits to movement, including physical fitness and health, there are also mental benefits. In this study, the researchers sought to discover how movement impacts student performance on exit slips and assessments given during a unit of instruction.