Education Commons^™

How Rocks Rock: The Processes That Shape Our World, Jennifer Harrison

Lesson Plans

Have you ever thought about how the rocks in your driveway formed? Or the sand on your beach? How about the diamond in a ring or the charcoal in a grill?

All earthen material is subject to forces that impact its properties, from where we find it, how its structure is made and how it behaves under external pressures. Rocks are defined as any inorganic material found in the natural world (meaning not living material). There are 3 types of rock, and where and how they form is important in their classifications. They are subject to geological processes as well …

Applying Design-Thinking In Didactic Activities (Adidas), Emily L. Stebbins Md, Elena N. Dansky, Eugene Korsunskiy Mfa, Bridget Marroquin Md, Mitchell H. Tsai Md, Mmm, Fasa, Faacd

Larner College of Medicine Fourth Year Advanced Integration Teaching/Scholarly Projects

Background: Although didactic lectures are a common medical education teaching method, data suggest long term retention is minimal.

Objective: Design thinking as a potential means to improve a didactic session on operating room (OR) equipment and safety is explored here.

Methods: During a 2021 didactic session for five CA-1 residents, a faculty member structured a design activity on OR equipment and safety. The residents were asked to build an OR rapid prototype using office supplies. They were given ten minutes to brainstorm, followed by thirty minutes to build.

Results: General feedback from residents (60% response rate) was positive, …

Administrators' Capacity For Supporting Reform-Oriented Science Instruction: An Urban School District Case Study, Venicia Ferrell, Joanna K. Garner

Center for Educational Partnerships Publications

Secondary school administrators play a vital role as instructional leaders, but little is known about their knowledge of science practices and perceptions of strategies for supporting reform-oriented science instruction. This multiphase, mixed-methods Q-Methodology study explored administrators' perceptions of instructional leadership and, in particular, high-quality science instruction. After a concourse of 40 items was developed through a review of literature and an expert panel, n = 22 administrators from one urban school district completed a Q-sort and a post-sort questionnaire in which they commented on a lesson excerpt. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was used to assimilate the participants into …

Mathematics Preparatory Workshops To Foster Student Success, Sandie Han, Diana Samaroo, Janet Liou-Mark, Lauri Aguirre

Publications and Research

Mathematics preparatory workshops were offered to college students at a diverse urban undergraduate institution. The goal was to prepare students for their mathematics course, by offering non-credit bearing and free preparatory workshops. The lack of adequate preparation for mathematics courses is a barrier for student engagement in future STEM courses. We believe that by providing preparatory workshops, we can improve not only the success but access for students in foundational mathematics courses. The workshops allowed students to engage with the course content in a rigorous and intensive manner prior to the start of the semester. Students who participated in the …

Discoverinsects.Com: An Interactive Tool To Introduce Younger Audiences To Entomology, Ian Eldred

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

Early in life, children’s views towards arthropods can be tainted by many things. One major way is through the views held and expressed by those that surround them, especially their caregivers. Tools are needed to reach children during these crucial developmental ages and expose them to all of the wonderful things arthropods do and educate them on how big of a role arthropods play in the lives of every human around the globe. As digital technology in households is becoming more apparent and accessible, new ways to engage these audiences need to be developed and utilized. This creates a unique …

"Entomology In Citizen Science" Course Materials, Kristen A. Lewis

Department of Entomology: Distance Master of Science Projects

"Entomology in Citizen Science" introduces students to entomology in literature, in science articles and studies, and in inquiry-based field experiences. Students engage in citizen science by surveying arthropods in the local environment and posting pictures on iNaturalist. Arthropod surveys conducted in this course will serve as baseline biodiversity measures and will be continued and added to by future classes. Written, visual, and mathematic expression are taught in this course, and course objectives align with the Benchmarks for Science Literacy Project 2061 (American Association for the Advancement of Science; 1993).

Includes numerous supplemental materials.

Smartphone-Based Approach To Demonstrating Relativistic Aberration Of Light Using Electronic Circuit Analogues For Undergraduates In The Philippines, Samuel Martirez, June Capin, Shayne Venancio, Perine Bianzon, John Gabriel Rivera, Benjamin Dingel, Clint Dominic Bennett

Physics Faculty Publications

Previously, we demonstrated an electronic circuit analogue of one of Special Relativity's (SR) phenomena called the Relativistic Aberration of Light (RAL) (European Journal of Physics, 42, 015605, 2021), which describes the change in the angle an observer sees a light source relative to their direction of motion at relativistic speeds. It used typical bulky laboratory equipment such as (i) function generators, (ii) oscilloscopes, and (iii) power supplies together with our all-pass filter (APF)-based electronic circuit analogue to perform experiments. In this paper, we present a novel smartphone-based experimental set-up performing the same experiment, but we replace the bulky and expensive …

Enhancing Student Veterans' Self-Efficacy And Sense Of Belonging In A Targeted Learning Community: Four Years Of Qualitative Results, Anthony W. Dean, Cynthia Tomovic, Vukica Jovanovic, Kim E. Bullington

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Eight semesters of qualitative data, collected over four academic years, are presented from a project that resulted in the development of a student professional learning community of high-achieving, low-income engineering and engineering technology student veterans. In the context of this project, student veterans received academic, professional, and financial support that helped them to be successful in school and to prepare them for a career in the STEM workforce. As adult learners, students in this learning community were a vital part of the curriculum development which resulted in increasing the students’ interest and buy-in. Typically, adult learners have lower levels of …

Comparing Teacher-Written And Ai-Generated Math Problem Solving Strategies For Elementary School Students: Implications For Classroom Learning, Sai Gattupalli, Robert W. Maloy, Sharon Edwards

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

Teachers and teacher educators are actively exploring the ways to use Generative AI tools like ChatGPT-4 in elementary math education. In this paper, we compare teacher-written and AI-generated hints and strategies for solving fourth grade math word problems as part of an open online math tutor called Usable Math. When given the perspectives of a 10-year math teacher and four virtual coaches (Estella Explainer, Chef Math Bear, How-to Hound, and Visual Vicuna), ChatGPT-4 provides text-heavy, largely procedural problem solving strategies. Teacher-written hints offer more ways to differentiate learning for students through the use of shorter, more child-accessible language; visual and …

Prompt Literacy: A Pivotal Educational Skill In The Age Of Ai, Sai Gattupalli, Robert W. Maloy, Sharon A. Edwards

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

Prompt literacy signifies a major leap in education, offering a potent tool to interact with generative AI systems. As an emerging necessity in the 21st century and beyond, it encompasses the formulation, interpretation, and analysis of AI prompts. Poised to be foundational for all future generations, this discourse brings to light its emergence in parallel with generative AI and its transformative role in pedagogical contexts for the coming decades and beyond.

Developing Usable Math Online Tutor For Elementary Math Learners With Nocode Tools, Robert W. Maloy, Sai Gattupalli, Sharon A. Edwards

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

Usable Math, an online OER math tutor, leverages the functions of NoCode tools including Google Slides and Carrd to provide interactive math word problem solving for teachers and students in grades 3-6. The goal is to support elementary learners in developing mathematical reasoning and computation skills through engaging math problem practice, hints and motivational cues. By developing Usable Math and making it available and accessible, we demonstrate to teachers practical ways they can use NoCode tools to support elementary students in acquiring knowledge and skills as math problem solvers.

The Creative Thinking & Learning Studio: A Catalyst For Steam-Based Adult Learning, Sai Gattupalli, Peggy Martalock

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

This experience report examines the transformative impact of the Creative Thinking & Learning Studio at the Greenfield Community College, a vibrant hub fostering STEAM education and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of learning and teaching. This case study illustrates how interdisciplinary collaboration and practical engagement in a hands-on environment revolutionize traditional educational practices, shaping innovative, critical thinkers.

Theories And Practices Of Emotion, Movement, And Embodiment In Mathematical Learning, Will Lee, Sai Gattupalli

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

• Physical movements, emotion, and embodiment are fundamental to mathematical learning.
• Problem: Lack of study in collaborative embodiment.
• Identified applications of embodiment using virtual reality. An exploratory analysis of a set of videos for an embodied mathematical game was conducted.

Prompt Literacy For Stem Educators. Enhance Your Teaching And Learning With Generative Ai, Sai Gattupalli, Robert W. Maloy, Sharon Edwards, Alexandra Gearty

College of Education Working Papers and Reports Series

Understanding Prompt Literacy and Its Role in STEM Education

● Workshop focuses on prompt literacy, a pivotal skill for educators in the digital age.

● Discuss fundamentals of prompt crafting, interpret and critique AI prompts

● Hands-on activities for prompt crafting, using CAST model

● Workshop participant backgrounds include:

• Edtech, speech-language, GenEd, Special Ed, Inclusion, AP Language, English, Business, World Languages, STEM Education, and more, across various grade levels

The Impact Of The Cuny Algebra For All Program On Teachers’ Beliefs And Practices About Teaching And Learning Mathematics, Celia C. Cruz, Rabab Abi-Hanna

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Effective Model With Personalized Online Teaching And Learning Science, Kalani Hettiarachchilage, Neel Haldolaarachchige

Publications and Research

The recent development of science education leads educators to explore new teaching and learning methodologies and restructure classes and assignments to bring students' knowledge to the highest level of education by allowing learners to gain various skills that are reflected in their future. We are discussing how to develop and deliver effective online courses by personalizing the class and individualizing the assignments for learners to succeed in Physics. Various teaching and learning activities are aimed at effective learning and interaction to enhance student learning in this class structure. The students' performances and progress are analyzed in four large introductory Physics …

Network Science: String Network. Activity Guide For Facilitators, Worlds Of Connections Sepa

Worlds of Connections Resources

Crosscutting Concept 4. Systems and system models. A system is an organized group of related objects or components; models can be used for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems.

Youth will understand and demonstrate the importance of building and recognizing connections in a community. They will make a network model that reveals connections that may seem invisible until youth trace them. Youth will learn about the concept of ‘six degrees of separation/small worlds’ (i.e., how we may be connected to people far away through our friends’ friends).

Network Science: Core Concepts

Worlds of Connections Resources

Visualization, interdependence, position, and scope are core themes for using network models to analyze systems. A network 1) is a set of relationships, 2) shows how things are connected, and 3) reveals hidden information.

Network Science: Eye Spy Networks, Worlds Of Connections Sepa

Worlds of Connections Resources

Next Generation Science Standards* Crosscutting Concept 4. Systems and system models. A system is an organized group of related objects or components; models can be used for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems.

Youth will identify components of network graphs and interpret relationships modeled by the network graphs. They will develop curiosity (ask questions) about why there are connections in some places and not in other places; why there are different colors; shapes, and sizes, and how/if the model helps us understand the phenomenon.

Nebraska Voices Survey Methodology Report; Including Missing Data Handling And Creating A Raked Weight Variable Using Iterative Proportional Fitting, Joseph C. Jochman, Julia Mcquillan, Grace Kelly, Patricia Wonch Hill, Meghan Leadabrand

Worlds of Connections Resources

To gain a comprehensive picture of the surveys that this methodology report references, see the Bureau of Sociological Research methodology reports for each survey available at this link. In the original survey reports the Bureau of Sociological Research staff provide descriptions of data collection, sampling and questionnaire design, response rate, data processing, and preliminary data cleaning. Introduction This report outlines the process of creating a raked weight variable for the NebrASKa Voices 2020 survey, a second “Wave 2” survey following four different “Wave 1” surveys. The 2020 NebrASKa Voices sample Wave 1 prior Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Surveys (NASIS) come …

Decline Is Not Inevitable: Changes In Science Identity During The Progression Through A U.S. Middle School Among Boys And Girls, Julia Mcquillan, Patricia Wonch Hill, Joseph C. Jochman, Grace Kelly

Worlds of Connections Resources

In the United States, science capital is important for navigating many aspects of life. Yet during middle school, science interest declines more for girls than boys. It is unclear, however, whether science identity also declines during the middle school years and if there are differences by gender. The authors advance prior research by modeling changes in science identity and associations with changes in identity-relevant characteristics using growth curve analyses on four waves of data from 760 middle school youth. For girls and boys, science identity changes over time; about 40 percent of the variance is within-person change, with the remainder …

Lps–Unl Science Connector Directory 2023, Worlds Of Connections Sepa

Worlds of Connections Resources

2nd Floor, Morrill Hall

1. Plants Get Sick Too ▪ Clemencia Rojas

2. Energy and Nanoscience ▪ Shudipto Dishari

3. ChatGPT and the Limits of AI ▪ M. R. Hasan

4. Polymer Science & Engineering ▪ Mona Bavarian

5. Nebraska Nanoscale Energy Engineering ▪ Mohammad Ghashami

6. Astronomy Curriculum Tools ▪ Kevin Lee

7. You Scratch My Back, I'll Scratch Yours: Microbial Interactions in Extreme Environments! ▪ Wayne Riekhof

8. Nanotechnology and Biological Sensors ▪ Nicole Iverson

9. Origins of Magma ▪ Lynne Elkins

10. Funsize Physics ▪ Shireen Adenwalla

11. Cell Collective: Integrate Cutting Edge Technology Into Your Classroom …

Network Science: Hoop Network. Activity Guide For Facilitators, Worlds Of Connections Sepa

Worlds of Connections Resources

Crosscutting Concept 4. Systems and system models. A system is an organized group of related objects or components; models can be used for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems.

Objective: Youth will demonstrate how parts of a network are interdependent.

This guide is designed to give activity leaders the core themes for using network models to analyze systems. The basic network ideas and skills in this activity can be used in numerous career paths to study patterns of behavior and reveal hidden connections. Sociologists, computer scientists, biologists, anthropologists, engineers, neuroscientists, and many others can use network science in their …

Network Science: Me & My Network. Activity Guide For Facilitators, Worlds Of Connections Sepa

Worlds of Connections Resources

Crosscutting Concept 4. Systems and system models. A system is an organized group of related objects or components; models can be used for understanding and predicting the behavior of systems.

Objective -- Youth will model their social connections as systems related to their identities. Youth will be able to understand the social relationships in their lives as part of social systems related to their identities and model these social systems as ego-networks.

Impact Of Designed Task-Based Interventions On K-8 Preservice Teachers’ Knowledge And Ability To Solve Measurement Unit Conversion Problems, Ha Nguyen, Tuyin An, Eryn Maher

Department of Mathematical Sciences Faculty Publications

Converting two-dimensional measurement units presents challenges for K-8 preservice teachers (PSTs) (e.g., 9 ft2 = __ yd2). Place value deficiency, lack of understanding of metric system measurement units, misconceptions about relationships between measurement units, and uncertain knowledge of ratios have been identified as causes of student error in one-dimensional analysis (e.g., Livy & Vale, 2011; Morris, 2001; Southwell & Penglase, 2005). However, PSTs’ strategies for solving two-dimensional measurement unit conversion problems (MUCPs) and possible interventions for improvement are rarely investigated in research. The purpose of this study is to design and test a set of tasks that may help students …

Hook, Line, And Sinker: How To Build Dei In Stem Focused Institutional Repositories By Putting Student Research First, Anne Marie Casey, Debra Rodensky

Publications

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Scholarly Commons is an institutional repository on the bepress Digital Commons platform that highlights the intellectual output of the university’s faculty, staff, and students. Established in May 2013, Scholarly Commons has grown to include faculty, student, and staff research, instructional materials, journals, magazines, conferences, and research data. By August 2022, the collections consisted of more than 34,600 works downloaded nearly 4.9 million times. An important part of this collection is the research submitted by undergraduate students, which offers a variety of diverse voices.

How Does Working On An Interdisciplinary Service-Learning Project Vs. A Disciplinary Design Project Affect Peer Evaluators' Teamwork Skills, Isaac Koduah Kumi, Stacie I. Ringleb, Orlando M. Ayala, Pilar Pazos, Francisco Cima, Krishnanand Kaipa, Min Jung Lee, Kristie Gutierrez, Jennifer Jill Kidd

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Over the course of several semesters, two different project-based learning approaches were used in two undergraduate engineering courses–a 100-level introductory course that covered a general education requirement on information literacy and a 300-level fluid mechanics course. One project (treatment) was an interdisciplinary service-learning project, implemented with undergraduate engineering and education students who collaborated to develop and deliver engineering lessons to fourth and fifth-grade students in a field trip model. The other projects (comparison) involved a team-based design project contained within each class. In the 100-level course, students selected their project based on personal interests and followed the engineering design process …

The Impact Of A Multidisciplinary Service-Learning Project On Engineering Knowledge And Professional Skills In Engineering In Engineering And Education Students, Stacie I. Ringleb, Pilar Pazos, Francisco Cima, Isaac Koduah Kumi, Orlando M. Ayala, Krishnanand Kaipa, Jennifer Jill Kidd, Kristie Gutierrez, Min Jung Lee

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A multidisciplinary service-learning project that involved teaching engineering to fourth and fifth graders was implemented in three sets of engineering and education classes to determine if there was an impact on engineering knowledge and teamwork skills in both the engineering and education students as well as persistence in the engineering students. Collaboration 1 paired a 100-level engineering Information Literacy class in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a 300-level Educational Foundation class. Collaboration 2 combined a 300-level Electromechanical Systems class in Mechanical Engineering with a 400-level Educational Technology class. Collaboration 3 paired a 300-level Fluid Mechanics class in Mechanical Engineering Technology …

What Do Mathematics Lessons Look Like? Analyses Of Primary Students’ Drawings, Benjamin Rott, Laura Barton, Vesife Hatisaru

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of student drawings to assess their experiences and beliefs about teaching and learning of mathematics has become almost a regular research method – especially when working with young students who may not express themselves well, for example, in self-report questionnaires. These methods, nevertheless, need to be improved regarding their objectivity and validity. By building on the existing research, in this study, we focus on objectivity and validity issues in drawing-based methods. We use a drawing-based instrument: Draw A Mathematics Classroom (DAMC) and present 104 fourth-grade students to draw a picture of their regular mathematics lessons. We especially aim …

Influences On Student Decisions To Enrol In Higher-Level Mathematics Courses, Gregory Hine, Chris Forlin, Paola Chivers

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Addressing the participation rates in senior secondary mathematics courses in Australian schools remains a critically important issue. In this paper, the authors report on quantitative findings from a study in which all year 11 and year 12 (aged 17–18 years) Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) students in Western Australia were invited to participate. The aim was to explore the perceptions of these students regarding their enrolment in higher-level mathematics courses. Data from 1633 students were collected using a survey instrument comprised of 12, 5-point, Likert-scale items. Data were analysed by applying two statistical procedures: calculating frequencies of the 12 items …