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Full-Text Articles in Education

Aligning Prisms Plus With Ngss And Physics Education Research, Juliana Huegerich, Lawrence Escalada Aug 2019

Aligning Prisms Plus With Ngss And Physics Education Research, Juliana Huegerich, Lawrence Escalada

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Since the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) have been adopted by Iowa, the changing expectations for high school physics students means that preexisting curricula like PRISMS PLUS need to be brought into alignment with the NGSS. Before revising PRISMS PLUS, other aligned curricula were consulted, as well as many sources of physics education research. A revised PRISMS PLUS template aligned with the NGSS and physics education research was made, which can be applied to each of the learning cycles in PRISMS PLUS. One learning cycle was revised in full, as an example.


Fossil Mobiles: Exploring The Process Of Art As Science Inquiry For Elementary Students Through A Grounded Theory Study, Jolene K. Teske, Courtney Clausen, Harun Parpucu, Phyllis Gray, Audrey C. Rule Jun 2019

Fossil Mobiles: Exploring The Process Of Art As Science Inquiry For Elementary Students Through A Grounded Theory Study, Jolene K. Teske, Courtney Clausen, Harun Parpucu, Phyllis Gray, Audrey C. Rule

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

Arts integration into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subject areas is currently an important area of investigation. This study developed a grounded theory of how artmaking of a mobile related to fossil life of the Devonian period engendered geoscience inquiry. Data were collected from elementary students entering fourth to sixth grade (7 male, 9 female) attending a week-long summer camp at a Midwestern university. Students engaged in a daily hour-long class creating fossil mobiles and learning geoscience content through illustrated slide shows, form and function sets of materials related to Devonian fossils, fossil books, and a fossil hunter- fossil …


Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Still-Life Paintings Of Crystals With Artist-Focused Compared To Science-Focused Introductions, Mahjabeen Hussain, Dessy Stoycheva, Audrey C. Rule, Denise A. Tallakson Jun 2019

Exploring Preservice Teachers’ Still-Life Paintings Of Crystals With Artist-Focused Compared To Science-Focused Introductions, Mahjabeen Hussain, Dessy Stoycheva, Audrey C. Rule, Denise A. Tallakson

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This experimental study was undertaken with preservice teachers to test whether the use of science integration into arts education increases demonstration of science details and creative features in artwork. Two conditions were created: arts-focused and science-focused; gouache still-life paintings were produced and analyzed, and an attitude survey was completed. The results suggested that science integration into visual arts classes increased creativity for the arts-focused condition and increased science concepts in the science-focused condition. Participants in both conditions reported positive attitudes, specifically, high levels of enjoyment, alluded to lack of experience with arts and creative projects, and expressed desire for more …


A Content Analysis Of Thirty Children’S Picture Books About Ecology, Natalia Martín Martín, Jennifer L. Hageman, Sarah E. Montgomery, Audrey C. Rule Jun 2019

A Content Analysis Of Thirty Children’S Picture Books About Ecology, Natalia Martín Martín, Jennifer L. Hageman, Sarah E. Montgomery, Audrey C. Rule

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This study presents a content analysis of 30 ecology-themed children’s picture books published in English and Spanish from 1994 to the present. Books were analyzed for the following aspects: 1) Nature appreciation, 2) Interrelatedness of Nature, 3) Realistic ecology problem, 4) Differing perspectives, 5) Hope for a solution, 6) Reflection and responsibility, 7) Steps for a solution, 8) Positive tone, 9) Representation of diversity, 10) Appropriate illustrations, 11) Story appeal, and 12) Developmental appropriateness. Scoring guidelines are provided in an appendix. Content analysis results revealed that most books raise awareness about the impact of human action on the environment, although …


Ocean Underwater Scene Dioramas Of First Graders With Submarine Porthole Views, Ksenia Zhbanova, Audrey C. Rule, Denise A. Tallakson Jun 2019

Ocean Underwater Scene Dioramas Of First Graders With Submarine Porthole Views, Ksenia Zhbanova, Audrey C. Rule, Denise A. Tallakson

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

Ecology education of the younger generations is vital for worldwide change of people’s attitudes toward nature warranted by the current global ecological crisis. Yet, this goal needs to be addressed through age-appropriate activities that are educational and engaging. This practical article focuses on dioramas of ocean reef life made by first graders. This arts-integrated project served two main purposes: 1) education of primary students about ocean ecology and helping students realize their roles in saving nature 2) increasing student science content knowledge. Additionally, several other benefits of making dioramas emerged during this project, including highly creative student products, genuine interest …


Slime Bash Social: A Tactile Manipulative For Child And Youth Play, Joyce A. Levingston, Marie E. Adebiyi, Brian Hadley, Younis Al-Hassan, Dongyub Back, Michelle Cook, Christopher R. Edginton Jun 2019

Slime Bash Social: A Tactile Manipulative For Child And Youth Play, Joyce A. Levingston, Marie E. Adebiyi, Brian Hadley, Younis Al-Hassan, Dongyub Back, Michelle Cook, Christopher R. Edginton

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

The play product of slime has gained increasing popularity amongst children and youth throughout the United States. Slime can be thought of as a tactile manipulative that can be shaped, stretched, expanded, lumped together, twisted, squeezed, squashed, folded, rolled, shredded, twirled, swirled, pounded, and cut or pulled apart. As a learning tool, slime can and does support STEM initiatives and programs. Slime can be created using simple ingredients that are easily measured, combined, and prepared by children and youth. In addition, slime can incorporate components such as glitter, beads, shaving cream, color dyes and other items. This paper offers an …


Practical Art Projects Related To Children’S Picture Books About Ecology, Jennifer L. Hageman, Natalia Martín Martín, Sarah E. Montgomery, Audrey C. Rule Jun 2019

Practical Art Projects Related To Children’S Picture Books About Ecology, Jennifer L. Hageman, Natalia Martín Martín, Sarah E. Montgomery, Audrey C. Rule

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This study presents art projects that reinforce scientific content presented in children’s picture books about ecology. Ten K-6 students from varying socioeconomic classes, and different cultural and language backgrounds from the United States and Spain participated. Next Generation Science Standards were identified and addressed in these art projects. Students’ understanding and engagement were evaluated through teacher observations, photographs, and a student attitude survey. Upper- and lower-elementary students evidenced increased understanding of environmental issues, and high level of enjoyment and engagement through these art projects integrated with science content. Researchers encourage educators to incorporate picture books and art in science lessons …


Editorial: Developing Creativity Through Stem Subjects Integrated With The Arts, Ksenia Zhbanova Jun 2019

Editorial: Developing Creativity Through Stem Subjects Integrated With The Arts, Ksenia Zhbanova

Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions

This issue of the Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions is focused on creativity - one of the most highly-desirable 21st Century skills on personal and global levels. Time, pedagogical knowledge, and resource constraints limit the number of opportunities for teachers to develop creativity in students. In this editorial, creativity development steps and strategies are illuminated along with specific roles of STEM subjects and the arts in development of student creativity. The processes of creativity development used in STEM and the arts are compared to each other and to the non-subject-specific creative process model of Root-Bernstein and Root- …


Uni Science Education Update Conference [Program] April 5, 2019, University Of Northern Iowa Science Education Program. Apr 2019

Uni Science Education Update Conference [Program] April 5, 2019, University Of Northern Iowa Science Education Program.

Science Education Update Conference Documents

The program for the Science Education Update Conference held on April 5, 2019 at the University of Northern Iowa.


Navigating The Financial Aid Process, Jennifer Sullivan, Kristin Peiffer Apr 2019

Navigating The Financial Aid Process, Jennifer Sullivan, Kristin Peiffer

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Whether you're a current college student, current educator, or a community member, this session will help cover the basics of financial aid programs and also discuss TEACH grant programs and federal loan forgiveness programs.


Empowering Students Through Science, Ashley Flatebo Apr 2019

Empowering Students Through Science, Ashley Flatebo

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Gaining strategies to engage students in STEM through experiences that will transfer beyond the classroom walls.


Green Iowa Americorps: Providing Environmental Services And Initiatives For K-12 School Districts Throughout The State, Carmen Rae Finken Apr 2019

Green Iowa Americorps: Providing Environmental Services And Initiatives For K-12 School Districts Throughout The State, Carmen Rae Finken

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Green Iowa AmeriCorps employs individuals in a year of national service to increase environmental sustainability in school districts and communities throughout the state. This presentation will focus on the Sustainable Schools branch of the Green Iowa AmeriCorps program, highlighting the work that our AmeriCorps members are accomplishing in several Iowa school districts. By incorporating environmental education in the classroom, conducting energy audits, decreasing school food waste, and implementing more sustainable behavioral practices, our Green Iowa AmeriCorps members are leading the "green school" movement here in Iowa. Individuals attending this presentation will learn how they can serve as AmeriCorps members and …


Inclusive Curriculum: Making Stem Accessible For All Students, Mark Busch Apr 2019

Inclusive Curriculum: Making Stem Accessible For All Students, Mark Busch

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Historically, women and people from marginalized community groups have accounted for a small portion of those pursuing STEM careers. In this session, participants will reflect on their current curriculum and consider new practices for making STEM coursework accessible to at-risk students and other students from underrepresented populations. This will be a conversation based session where participants will share about their experiences and reflect on their classrooms.


Journey 2050, Cindy Hall, Will Fett Apr 2019

Journey 2050, Cindy Hall, Will Fett

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Journey 2050 takes students on a virtual simulation that explores the science and economics of world food sustainability. Through an inquiry-based approach, students make decisions on farms in Kenya, India, and Canada that impact society, the environment and the economy at a local and global scale. Explore the science behind best management practices as we journey to feed the world!


Science Education Update Conference, Save The Date Flier, Spring 2019, University Of Northern Iowa. Science Education Program. Apr 2019

Science Education Update Conference, Save The Date Flier, Spring 2019, University Of Northern Iowa. Science Education Program.

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Announcement for the 2019 Science Education Update Conference


The Science Of A Gmo, Will Fett, Cindy Hall Apr 2019

The Science Of A Gmo, Will Fett, Cindy Hall

Science Education Update Conference Documents

But the seeds look the same! Compare conventional and genetically modified soybeans through an easy-to-replicate GM seed test lab. This session will also compare and contrast various methods of selective breeding and discuss the process of creating a genetically modified plant.


Uni Financial Aid & Scholarships, Tim Bakula Apr 2019

Uni Financial Aid & Scholarships, Tim Bakula

Science Education Update Conference Documents

No abstract provided.


What Does "Ngss Implementation" Really Look Like?, Mandie Sanderman Apr 2019

What Does "Ngss Implementation" Really Look Like?, Mandie Sanderman

Science Education Update Conference Documents

Participants will learn what "NGSS Implementation in Grades K-12" really looks like. We will use an implementation tool called an "IC Map" to determine strengths and areas of focus for growth. This presentation will cover the major innovations of the NGSS and the IC Map will help teachers identify the level to which they are implementing the standards with regards to those innovations.


Chemical Bonding And "Rainworks" Sidewalk Art, Holly Garcia Apr 2019

Chemical Bonding And "Rainworks" Sidewalk Art, Holly Garcia

Science Education Update Conference Documents

During this interactive session, immerse yourself in an NGSS-aligned Chemistry unit about chemical bonds and forces (HS PS 1- 1 & 1-3). This phenomenon-driven unit culminates in a final STEAM project for students to design, explain, and apply Rainworks art onto concrete.


Second Grade Students Learn About Civil Engineers And Erosion, Andrea Anderson Apr 2019

Second Grade Students Learn About Civil Engineers And Erosion, Andrea Anderson

Annual Graduate Student Symposium

The integration of art into curricula focused on teaching science is a new perspective in education designed to reach a broader range of students. The current study examined the process of second-grade students participating in science and art activities through qualitative content analysis. The subjects of science and art were not taught to the students separately, rather, students engaged in both subjects simultaneously, in an integrated manner. Participants were 23 second-grade students (11 female and 12 male; age range 7 to 8 years) who were learning about erosion through sketching and creative construction and the work of civil engineers through …


Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Elementary Stem Environments That Nurture Creativity And Innovation, Lisa Jo Chizek Jan 2019

Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Elementary Stem Environments That Nurture Creativity And Innovation, Lisa Jo Chizek

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study examined creativity in schools through the lens of nine rural Midwestern public school fifth grade students in a student-centered, inquiry-based science classroom within a STEM Framework. Previous literature suggesting the importance of nurturing creativity in schools (Florida, 2004; Executive Office of the President, 2018; K. H. Kim, 2016; Csikszentmihalyi, 1999) inspired the purpose for this dissertation. What is missing is the perspective of creative youth. Phenomenology as a research method is a “systematic attempt to uncover and describe the structures, the internal meaning structures, of lived experiences” (van Manen, 2016, p. 10). Through student voices, this qualitative study …


The Effect Of Math Tracking On Students' Growth Mindsets, Amber Lawrence Jan 2019

The Effect Of Math Tracking On Students' Growth Mindsets, Amber Lawrence

Honors Program Theses

This study investigated the effects of tracking in math classes on students’ growth mindset in math. A survey was given to students to evaluate their growth mindset in a quantitative way. Students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade were surveyed. The 6th grade students had not been officially tracked, the 7th grade students were in their first year of tracking, and the 8th grade students had been tracked for over a year. A one-way analysis of variance was performed and showed a statistically significant difference between the growth mindset scores of the students by grade level. A Student’s T-Test …