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All Graduate Projects

Science and Mathematics Education

Curriculum Development

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Strategies To Improve Math Fact Fluency In Elementary School Students, Jennifer Whealy Jan 2011

Strategies To Improve Math Fact Fluency In Elementary School Students, Jennifer Whealy

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The purpose of this project is to develop a guide that contains strategies to improve math fact fluency in elementary school students. The guide is developed to be used by elementary school teachers in Washington State to show them how to incorporate strategies for math fact fluency into their math curriculum. The math fact fluency strategies ca:n be used to help teachers support students in their understanding of their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. This guide will contain research based strategies to improve math fact fluency for kindergarten through fifth grade students. The guide will include research based …


When Am I Ever Going To Use This? A Mathematics Investigation Involving Animals, Nicole Lynn Drake Jan 2006

When Am I Ever Going To Use This? A Mathematics Investigation Involving Animals, Nicole Lynn Drake

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This project is a format for developing investigations that includes a sample set of investigations that teachers can use as a resource. This project develops an investigation that assists teachers in presenting math concepts within the context of his or her students' everyday life. Investigations use real live experiences as background and context for student learning. By developing a problem that the students can relate to, the student's attitudes and depth of knowledge will improve. This project looks into, the history of reform in mathematics education, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards, current curricula addressing reform, math workshops, …


Integrating Award Winning Literature Into A Constructivist Based Middle School Mathematics Curriculum, Michael Douglas Martone Jan 2005

Integrating Award Winning Literature Into A Constructivist Based Middle School Mathematics Curriculum, Michael Douglas Martone

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The purpose of this project was to design three independent units that integrate award winning literature and mathematics to be used in middle school mathematics classrooms. Numerous educators have been linking mathematics and literature in their classrooms. Children's literature gives students context in mathematics that can lead to an increase in students understanding of concepts. This project includes three independent units that are aligned with the national standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Suggestions for further study on the connection between literature and mathematics are discussed.


The Periodic Table Of The Elements, Michael A. Bailey Jan 2004

The Periodic Table Of The Elements, Michael A. Bailey

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The blueprint to the world of chemistry is encoded in the periodic table of the elements. This fundamental chart can be found in virtually all science classrooms in the world. The purpose of this project was to design a professional development course focusing on the periodic table of the elements. The target audience is college students working towards teaching science as a career, current teachers looking to enhance their understanding of the table, and resident teachers working towards continuing certification. In order to accomplish this purpose extensive literary research, the Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science, published science lessons, …


A Model General Science Developmental Writing Skills Curriculum In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Troy L. Halfaday Jan 2004

A Model General Science Developmental Writing Skills Curriculum In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Troy L. Halfaday

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The purpose of this project was to design a model general science curriculum, for seventh grade students, for implementation at Ballou Junior High School, Puyallup, Washington. The model curriculum was designed in alignment with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR's). To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature was reviewed. Additionally, related information from authorities was obtained and analyzed.


Proposal For An Elemenatry Science Curriculum Outline To Help K-4 Teachers Prepare Students To Take The 5th Grade Science Wasl, Cindy D. Williams Jan 2004

Proposal For An Elemenatry Science Curriculum Outline To Help K-4 Teachers Prepare Students To Take The 5th Grade Science Wasl, Cindy D. Williams

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With a statewide pilot of the 5th grade science Washington Assessment of Student Leaming (WASL) in the spring of 2003, all elementary schools were tiying to prepare their students to meet the standards. At this time, the only resources schools had for preparation was a glimpse of the first criterion-referenced assessment, the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), Grade level Expectations (GLEs) and a "release booklet" of sample items distributed to 5th grade science teachers. Educators knew that the best curriculum built on the previous year's knowledge which spiraled throughout the curriculum. At this time there were no curriculums designed starting …


A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado Jan 2003

A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado

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Teaching concepts in science that incorporated different science disciplines were studied and placed into practice at Tahoma Junior High School, Maple Valley, Washington. This form of integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated science model unit detailed river systems and the many different sciences that play a role in creating the river environment we see daily. Research showed students learned as well if not better in integrated science classrooms when compared to students who fulfilled the traditional sequence of science classes. Moreover, brain research …


A Guide To Motion And Newton's Laws For General Science, Roger F. Hume Jan 2003

A Guide To Motion And Newton's Laws For General Science, Roger F. Hume

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This project provides activities in motion and Newton's Laws of motion. Besides instructions on how to perform the activity, a list of student selfassessment questions is provided to encourage further inquiry. The activities are also aligned with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the State of Washington. These activities are designed to supplement curriculum already being taught.


John Sedgwick Junior High School Physical Science Curriculum Alignment At The South Kitsap School District With The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And National Science Standards, Iva Scott Jan 2003

John Sedgwick Junior High School Physical Science Curriculum Alignment At The South Kitsap School District With The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And National Science Standards, Iva Scott

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Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) lists curriculum alignment as one of the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools. With an increased emphasis on educational accountability and assessment of student learning, school districts are placing heightened emphasis on state and national learning standards. Physical science curriculum alignment consisted of matching curricular standards with information and skills being taught in the classroom and assessed through utilization of various forms of testing, including Washington Assessment of Student Leaming in Science, which is currently being developed. This project provides a format for development and utilization of district curricula that is aligned with …


A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem Jan 2003

A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem

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This project examined the role of a brain-based pedagogy to improve student achievement in middle school students. The review of current research found that orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness and active processing were integral for an effective brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement. Included is a curriculum that focused on a brain-based pedagogy. Written for teachers of middle school students. Lessons included support a brain-based pedagogy, were age appropriate, and encouraged teachers to use a curriculum based on a brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement.


A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis Jan 2002

A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis

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This project provides a supplemental curriculum to assist teachers in integrating reading and writing with science kits for first grade students. Included is a review of research which discusses what thematic and integrative teaching encompasses, the value of thematic teaching, the development ofreading, writing, and language through thematic units, thematic centers, a rationale for using thematic content area teaching to English as a second language students in the acquisition of the English language, and the importance of science education. The handbook encompasses two main themes: weather and organisms.


Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald Jan 2002

Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald

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The adoption of the Open Court reading program in conjunction with the Washington Read's Grant was the initial idea for this project. The integration of science and social studies themes was researched, and found to be beneficial in the teaching of those content areas. A handbook for second grade educators was created to integrate the adopted science and social studies topics with the newly adopted reading curriculum at Vale Elementary in Cashmere, Washington. This handbook contains a scope and sequence, literature libraries for three reading achievement levels, the benchmarks and essential learning's for the designated topics, and suggested activities for …


A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano Jan 2002

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

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The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.


Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang Jan 2002

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

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The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.


Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne Jan 2002

Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne

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Multiple intelligence theory was investigated; a description and history of the theory, as proposed by Howard Gardner, is provided. The multiple intelligence theory as it relates to education, particularly mathematics education, was reviewed. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for seventh grade teachers that will assist in the application and integration of mathematics across the range of multiple intelligences in their classroom. Assessments that resemble the Washington Assessment of Students Leaming are included, in order to develop skills necessary to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements of Washington.


A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy Jan 2002

A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy

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The purpose of this project was to develop a model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum for Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary in Sammamish, Washington, in the Lake Washington School District, aimed at sixth grade mathematics classrooms. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted and utilized to develop unit and lesson plans for a model mathematics thinking skills curriculum. Students were given sample problems from the units and comparisons were made between teaching mathematics with thinking skills and traditional methods. The results support the hypothesis that mathematics concepts are better understood when combined with thinking skills and the …


An Integrated Math Curriculum Designed To Develop Problem Solving Skills In Third Grade Students, Nwaynna Bernadette Stewart Jan 2002

An Integrated Math Curriculum Designed To Develop Problem Solving Skills In Third Grade Students, Nwaynna Bernadette Stewart

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The effectiveness of a curriculum integrating math, manipulative use, writing, drama and the visual arts was examined. The information gathered through research articles and case studies was used to create an integrated math program. The focus of the project is to strengthen problem solving and critical thinking skills of third grade students. The project is designed to supplement materials and textbooks teachers are currently using in their classrooms. Implications for future areas of research are discussed.


A Model Geometry And Probability Supplimental Curriculum For Fourth Grade Students In Alignment With The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Mirror Lake Elementary School, Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington, Melanie Jane Strey Jan 2002

A Model Geometry And Probability Supplimental Curriculum For Fourth Grade Students In Alignment With The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Mirror Lake Elementary School, Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington, Melanie Jane Strey

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The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a model supplemental geometry and probability curriculum for Mirror Lake Elementary in the Federal Way School District, Federal Way, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature was conducted. Additionally, related information and materials from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. Control Groups were formed to test district provided curriculum and district provided curriculum with supplemental units. The results showed greater student academic gains when the district provided curriculum was supplemented with additional material.


A Model Mathematics Problem Solving Curriculum For Randle Elementary School In Randle, Washington In The White Pass School District, Randy A. Torrey Jan 2002

A Model Mathematics Problem Solving Curriculum For Randle Elementary School In Randle, Washington In The White Pass School District, Randy A. Torrey

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The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fifth grade mathematics curriculum, in alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements, for the White Pass School District in Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of cun-ent research and literature was conducted and used to develop unit and lesson plans for a model problem solving mathematics curriculum. The results support the hypothesis that mathematic concepts are better understood when problem solving skills are used. Implications for using problem solving skills in a mathematics cuniculum are discussed.


Integrating Mathematics And Language Arts With Assessment In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Erika Vestad Jan 2002

Integrating Mathematics And Language Arts With Assessment In A Fourth Grade Classroom, Erika Vestad

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The purpose of this project was to develop a unit integrating language arts, mathematics, and Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) practice items for use in a fourth grade classroom in the Yakima School District in Yakima, Washington. This unit allows teachers to better use the W ASL practice items assigned by the district. It also helps students prepare for the WASL and teaches life-long skills. To accomplish this purpose. current literature was reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed. Current literature and related sources were synthesized into an integrated unit on measurement and geometry to …


Integrating The Primary Grades Curriculum Using A Science Activity Handbook For A Classroom Pet, Sue Wilson Jan 2002

Integrating The Primary Grades Curriculum Using A Science Activity Handbook For A Classroom Pet, Sue Wilson

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An integrated activity handbook for a guinea pig, a classroom or home pet, has been developed to aid teachers in incorporating science into the elementary classroom. Studies indicate the importance of science education for young children. This integrated approach has been found to be a means to connect various academic areas such as science, reading, and mathematics. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements contain many elements, features, and forms that can be met in the materials and activities in this project. Research and literature regarding science education were explored.


Integrating Writing To Enhance Mathematical Skills At The Elementary Level, Kendra J. Kupp Jan 2000

Integrating Writing To Enhance Mathematical Skills At The Elementary Level, Kendra J. Kupp

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The recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and writing are studied. Integrated activities and materials for a first and second grade mathematics curriculum are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.


The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham Jan 2000

The Mathematics Of Sound: Integrating Music Into A Math Curriculum, Shawn William Meacham

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The purpose of this project was to develop prototype lesson plans that connects and integrates musical and mathematical concepts at the 5th grade level. Both musical and mathematical concepts can be enhanced when studying the correlation between the two subjects. This project will provide lesson plans and activities using the Washington State Essential Academic Leaming Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. The goal of the project is to inspire teachers to use integration throughout the curriculum. An integrated curriculum develops and supports the coherence of ideas and concepts taught within our schools. By fostering our natural instinct …


Alignment Of The Challenger Center Curriculum With The Washington State Essential Learning Requirements And The Use Of Multiple Intelligences, Shaila Donel Brookover Jan 1999

Alignment Of The Challenger Center Curriculum With The Washington State Essential Learning Requirements And The Use Of Multiple Intelligences, Shaila Donel Brookover

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The State ofWashington has recently adopted a set oflearning standards called the Essential Academic Learning Requirements. It is the intention of this Master's project to align the learning objectives of the Challenger Center curriculum with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science, so that it may be used as a sixth and seventh grade enrichment opportunity. Itis also within the scope of this project to include Gardner's theory on multiple intelligence as an educational tool to improve student learning. It will be suggested that with the use of multiple intelligences and the integration of informal science learning experiences, students will …


A Model, Secondary Level, Mathematics Curriculum Developed In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Easton School District, Seyed Victor Nourani Jan 1999

A Model, Secondary Level, Mathematics Curriculum Developed In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Easton School District, Seyed Victor Nourani

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The purpose ofthis project was to design and develop a model secondary level mathematics curriculum, in alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, for the Easton School District in Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements related to secondary mathematics was conducted. In addition, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.


Wolves And Bears: An Interdisciplinary Activity Guide For Grades 3-5, Susan L. Thomas Jan 1999

Wolves And Bears: An Interdisciplinary Activity Guide For Grades 3-5, Susan L. Thomas

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A popular set of "Discovery Boxes" are used by educators across North Central Washington. These boxes are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and focus on such themes as wolves, bears, fire, plants and forests. These boxes are available to be checked out to educators for two-week periods, and reach approximately 9,000 students annually. Each box contains "hands-on" props which enhance the learning of each theme. Some of the boxes have activity guides in them to assist the educator in teaching the theme and thus using the box to its full potential. Two of the most popular boxes, the wolf …


An Interdisciplinary Research Project For The Middle School Study Skills Curriculum, Colleen M. Kinney Jan 1998

An Interdisciplinary Research Project For The Middle School Study Skills Curriculum, Colleen M. Kinney

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An integrated curriculum correlating endangered species with the disciplines of life science, math, language arts, geography, and study skills, for seventh grade students at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Yakima, Washington, was developed. A literature review supports the premise that integrated units enable students to make connections between the concepts taught in school and the real world. The literature review also indicated the need for schools to teach study skills to better prepare students for the future.


Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri Jan 1998

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

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Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.


Designing And Developing A Model Applied Mathematics Curriculum For Taiwanese-Canadian Extension School Students, In Grades Ten Through Twelve In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Kuo-Tung Liu Jan 1997

Designing And Developing A Model Applied Mathematics Curriculum For Taiwanese-Canadian Extension School Students, In Grades Ten Through Twelve In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Kuo-Tung Liu

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The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model applied mathematics curriculum for Taiwanese-Canadian extension school students, in grades ten through twelve in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding curriculum and instruction related to applied mathematics was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected schools with applied mathematics programs in Taiwan, Canada, and the United States of America, was obtained and analyzed. A handsearch of various other sources was also conducted.


Instructional Lessons And Activities For Middle School Science Teachers, Sally Josephine Rich Jan 1997

Instructional Lessons And Activities For Middle School Science Teachers, Sally Josephine Rich

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The significance of providing an inquiry based, hands-on approach to teaching science to middle school students was researched. Several sources supported this teaching method. The research suggested having students participate in engaging, thought provoking, and problem solving science activities to optimize successful student learning. Lessons and activities, which focus on active student learning, critical thinking and problem solving, were developed to enhance and revise the existing curriculum for five chosen textbooks. These selected science texts were intended for middle school sixth and seventh grade students.