Education Commons^™

Sprouting Systems, Abaigeal Aydt, Cassidy Smith

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

After taking a class at UNL about environmental awareness, two honors students paired up to start a hydroponics club at a local Lincoln school. In reaching out to the LPS director of sustainability, they were paired up with Prescott Elementary School. Over the course of a semester, they developed a club that got a hydroponic grow tower functioning for the school and taught students about nutrition and sustainability. This club is only in its beginning stages, but the impacts that it is making around the school can already be seen.

Presence Of Electron Donor/Acceptor Radiographic Contrast Media In Unusual Photosynthesis Environment Of Fresh Plant Cells: Near-Infrared And X-Ray Characterization, Tetiana Soloviova, Subhendra Sarkar, Amina Shahbaz, Aldona Gjoni

Publications and Research

Photosynthesis is a chemical process through which light energy is used to convert inorganic material (water and carbon dioxide) into organic molecules. Anaerobic photosynthesis, also known as anoxygenic photosynthesis, is the process by which certain bacteria use light energy to create organic compounds but do not adequately involve oxygen. In this experiment we are trying to influence photosynthesis (light and dark reactions: PS-I and PS-II by electron rich gadolinium/iodine complexes like Eovist and Isovue. We also performed X-ray and NIR reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure Gd difusivity and PS-I/II infrared response. The results for X-ray (45kvp and 5 Mas ) …

Green Club After School Program Curriculum, Megan Willburn

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

Green Club is an after school program which encourages students to develop environmental empathy, passions for environmental sustainability, and knowledge about the workings of environmental systems.

Elevating The Environment Through Artistic Expression, Becky Gumbrewicz

Senior Honors Projects

REBECCA GUMBREWICZ (Environmental Science and Management)

Elevating the Environment Through Artistic Expression

Sponsor: Judith Swift (Communication Studies, Coastal Institute)

Currently there are multiple areas of environmental concern that require not only scientific research but increased public awareness in order to motivate further action toward preservation of our environment or remediation of human impacts. To promote a broader perspective of the most effective ways to communicate science, this project offers the culmination of an environmentally-focused art showcase of student interpretations of science that one could posit elevated public perception of the environment. An integral part of conducting research is understanding how …

Ne Stem 4u Afterschool Intervention Leads To Gains In Stem Content Knowledge For Middle School Youth, Christine E. Cutucache, Taylor Boham, Jamie Luhr, Amie Sommers, Nikolaus Stevenson, Erkko Sointu, Kati Mäkitalo‐Siegl, Sirpa Kärkkäinen, Teemu Valtonen, Neal Grandgenett, William Tapprich

Biology Faculty Publications

Afterschool interventions in STEM are linked to learning gains during the school day. These opportunities engage and excite students about STEM concepts since they observe a more hands-on, project-oriented approach. Often these opportunities for afterschool interventions are infrequent in nature and leave gaps for students in their maturation and understanding. Herein we describe the first report of an afterschool intervention, named NE STEM 4U, targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged middle school youth via a twice weekly, year-long intervention, studied across two years. We assessed the impact of this program on i.) short-term, individual student gains in STEM content knowledge and ii.) delivery …

Longitudinal Effects Of Parental, Child And Neighborhood Factors On Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity And Sedentary Time In Latino Children, Nancy F. Butte, Steven E. Gregorich, Jeanne M. Tschann, Carlos Penilla, Lauri A. Pasch, Cynthia L. De Groat, Elena Flores, Julianna Deardorff, Louise C. Greenspan, Suzanna M. Martinez

School of Education Faculty Research

Background: Moderate-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) confers beneficial effects on child musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular fitness, and psychosocial well-being; in contrast, sedentary time (%SED) is emerging as a risk factor for health. This study aimed to identify parental, child and neighborhood factors influencing longitudinal assessments of body mass index (BMI) and activity patterns among Latino children, and to estimate lagged and cross-lagged effects between child BMI, %MVPA and %SED.

Methods: A longitudinal design with assessments at baseline, 1 and 2 years follow-up (FU) was used to evaluate the effects of maternal and paternal factors (BMI, age, education level, acculturation, household income and …

Improving School Lunches And Environment Through On-Site Gardens, Benjamin J. Spoden

A with Honors Projects

This project is a proposal to illustrate the pros and cons of building a program for school lunches and horticulture education. Building community, knowledge, and health by an on-site gardening program.

Sustainability Through Profitability: The Triple Bottom Line, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

Today’s highly competitive, globalized world requires organizations and businesses to think differently about how they are going to stay in business. Businesses can no longer afford to focus on profits as their sole purpose for existence. Organizations must instead think about the “Triple Bottom Line” and its implications for their ability to grow their brand, customer loyalty and profits.

Crop Updates 2005 - Farming Systems, David Stephens, Nicola Telcik, Ross Kingwell, Wayne Pluske, Bill Bowden, Mike Collins, Frances Hoyle, D. V. Murphy, N. Milton, M. Osman, L. K. Abbott, W. R. Cookson, S. Darmawanto, Bill Crabtree, Geoff Anderson, Darren Kidson, Ross Brennan, Nick Drew, Craig Scanlan, Lisa Sherriff, Bob French, Reg Lunt, Jeff Russell, Angie Roe, Ian Maling, Matthew Adams, George Yan, Mohammad Hamza, Glen Riethmuller, Wal Anderson, Angela Loi, Phil Nichols, Clinton Revell, David Ferris, Phil Ward, Andrea Hills, Sally-Anne Penny, David Hall, Michael Robertson, Don Gaydon, Tress Walmsley, Caroline Peek, Megan Abrahams, Paul Raper, Richard O'Donnell, Trevor Lacey, Meredith Fairbanks, David Tennant, Cameron Weeks, Richard Quinlan, Alexandra Edward, Chris Carter, Doug Hamilton, Peter Tozer, Renaye Horne, Tracey Gianatti, Paul Carmody, Ian Foster, Michele John, Ross George, Imma Farré, Ian Kininmonth, Dennis Van Gool, Neil Coles, Bill Porter, Louise Barton, Richard Harper, Peter Ritson, Tony Beck, Chris Mitchell, Michael Hill, Fiona Barker-Reid, Will Gates, Ken Wilson, Rob Baigent, Ian Galbally, Mick Meyer, Ian Weeks, Traci Griffin, D. Rodriguez, M. Probust, M. Meyers, D. Chen, A. Bennett, W. Strong, R. Nussey, I Galbally, M. Howden

Crop Updates

This session covers forty four papers from different authors:

PLENARY

1. 2005 Outlook, David Stephens and Nicola Telcik, Department of Agriculture

FERTILITY AND NUTRITION

2. The effect of higher nitrogen fertiliser prices on rotation and fertiliser strategies in cropping systems, Ross Kingwell, Department of Agriculture and University of Western Australia

3. Stubble management: The short and long term implications for crop nutrition and soil fertility, Wayne Pluske, Nutrient Management Systems and Bill Bowden, Department of Agriculture

4. Stubble management: The pros and cons of different methods, Bill Bowden, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia and Mike Collins, …

The Challenge Of Environmental Protection, Jennifer Mattei

Biology Faculty Publications

Connecticut is in the midst of a demographic transition to a period of lower population growth. These demographic changes will help check the pressures exerted on the state's natural resources by population growth. Water, air, soil, energy sources, food, fisheries, forests, and biodiversity are common pool resources upon which we depend in ways that transcend political boundaries. Those governing Connecticut should help turn the state into a model of how to manage natural resources by halting forest fragmentation, reducing pollution, and promoting environmental science education.

Nf05-640 Early Literacy Checklist — Classroom, Janet S. Hanna, Kayla M. Hinrichs, Carla J. Mahar, John Defrain

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This checklist represents the kinds of language and literacy development practices often seen in high-quality early childhood environments. The checklist encompasses all children birth to age 5 and is inclusive of the needs of children with disabilities and English language learners.

Manure Storage Selection, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the factors that might influence the selection of a particular type of manure storage facility. Manure storage facilities covered include solid systems, slurry systems, and liquid (lagoon systems).

Nutrient Concentrations In Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the nutrient loss and retention characteristics of different types of manure storage. The concentration of nutrients in manure storage facilities is important for planning land application activities. Nutrient concentration is usually the critical factor in determining the amount of manure to be spread per acre of land. Manure systems similar in type and management may have characteristically similar concentrations of manure nutrients.

Manure Storage, Process Improvement For Animal Feeding Operations, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the need for manure storage facilities.

Safety In Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

As livestock operations become larger and numbers of employees more numerous, safety becomes a critical issue in manure storage.

Types Of Manure Storage, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

The objective of this fact sheet is to help producers understand the characteristics of different types of manure storage facilities. Factors that might influence the selection of a particular type of manure storage facility are discussed. Manure storage facilities discussed include solid systems, slurry systems, and liquid (lagoon systems).

Animal Manure Removal Methods For Manure Storage Facilities, John Harrison, Dallen Smith

All Current Publications

A well-designed manure storage facility must also be well managed to prevent environmental concerns from developing. Probably the single most important requirement in operating and maintaining a manure storage facility is to ensure that the facility does not overflow or discharge.

Nf04-597 Biosecurity And The Poultry Flock, Dan Mcguire, Sheila Scheideler

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

What is Biosecurity? Biosecurity is a modern term created out of a need to protect, in our case poultry, from an intentional or unintentional threat from a biological agent. In our everyday management, biosecurity is an endless endeavor to keep viral disease agents and/or the spread of such disease agents at bay. We have learned from our own personal welfare that by keeping our environment clean, i.e., "cleanliness is next to godliness" and by reducing contact with infected people or animals, i.e., "being a good neighbor," we can reduce our chance of catching or spreading disease. This NebGuide discusses what …

G03-1524 What Is Fair Housing? When Does Discrimination Occur?, Shirley Niemeyer, Ladeane Jha, Alfonza Whitaker

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide will provide you with an overview of housing discrimination. It will provide examples in which discrimination may or may not have occurred. This publication is not intended to serve as a legal document or interpretation of the law. It is provided for awareness and educational purposes only. For more information contact the agencies listed at the end of this publication or legal professionals.

Nf03-589 New Onsite Wastewater Treatment Law Protects Nebraska's People And Environment, Janet R. Hygnstrom, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

New Law Requires Certification to Perform On-site Wastewater Treatment Work

Beginning Jan. 1, 2004, a new Nebraska law allows only certified professionals or Nebraska-licensed professional engineers to perform work on on-site wastewater treatment systems (septic systems and individual lagoons). There is a concern that failing septic systems are having a negative impact on the environment and creating potentially harmful health conditions. This legislation will protect public health and the environment by authorizing development of a certification system so that people in the industry have, and demonstrate, the knowledge base necessary to minimize risks.

This NebFact discusses what this law will …

Nf03-570 Fumonisins In Corn, Jim Stack, Michael Carlson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

During the past two years, millers have rejected some Nebraska food grade corn because it was contaminated with the mycotoxin fumonisin. Most of the contaminated samples and the highest levels of contamination were detected in corn from counties in the eastern half of Nebraska.

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by the grain molds Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum. These fungi are commonly found in corn throughout the United States.

This NebFact discusses the cause and occurrence of fumonisin in corn; the effects it has on plants, animals and humans; and management options to minimize fumonisin contamination.

G02-1444 Medical Sharps Disposal From Livestock Operations, Dicky D. Griffin, Marilyn Buhman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to properly dispose of medical sharps (hypodermic needles and scalpel blades) for livestock operations. Understanding this is critical for employee safety and environmental stewardship.

Disposing livestock medical sharps presents two concerns. The first is human safety. Handling livestock medical sharps presents a potential employee safety concern and as such is addressed within the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Second, the disposal of livestock medical sharps presents an environmental hazard and as such is addressed within the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

Nf02-520 Fungicide Spray Schedule For Home Garden Small Fruits, John E. Watkins, Jernnifer L. Chaky

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Home grown strawberries, raspberries and grapes are a rewarding experience for the gardener as well as the consumer of the fresh fruits and jellies. If properly managed, these crops can be a source of enjoyment for years. To be successful, however, the home gardener must develop a sound integrated pest management (IPM) approach to controlling diseases and insect pests. A good IPM program makes use of cultural, varietal and chemical means of preventing or reducing disease losses.

This NebFact discusses which fungicides to use for which disease of small garden fruits and provides recommendations for a fungicide treatment schedule.

G02-1463 Indoor Air Qualitiy: Know The Asthma Triggers In The Home, Shirley Niemeyer, Sharon Skipton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication discusses asthma triggers sometimes found in the home and possible solutions. It is intended to help manage and reduce possible indoor triggers. Medical professionals should be consulted first and their recommendations followed.

Asthma, a serious lung disease, is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. Asthma affects 112,100 Nebraskans, of whom 75,000 are adults, and 37,100 are youth (1998), and is on the rise. While the U.S. death rate has decreased since 1993, Nebraska's rate has increased to second highest in the nation. The highest death rate is among blacks, females and those 65 years of age …

Ec01-2507 Safe Transport, Storage And Disposal Of Pesticides, Larry D. Schulze, Shripat T. Kamble, Clyde Ogg, Edward F. Vitzthum

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Most accidental pesticide poisonings occur when pesticides are mishandled. Young children area often the victims.

Pesticide accidents can be prevented by careful planning, using a secure storage location, adopting safe handling methods during transport and following proper disposal guidelines for both product and containers.

How Do We Know There Is A Population-Environment Problem?, Peter J. Taylor

Working Papers on Science in a Changing World

Five fictional friends of the author have agreed to meet and talk, hoping that he was right when he claimed that discussion crossing the usual boundaries of their fields would enrich their different inquiries and concerns. Ecolo, a natural and human ecologist, breaks the ice. He wants to marshall scientific knowledge to persuade others of the seriousness of the population problem. He is questioned by Philoso, whose philosophical bent leads her to observe the models that people use and to ask how they support the claims they make. In turn, the other three join in: Activo, an activist who is …

Ec00-1879 Sorghum Ergot In The Northern Great Plains, Jim Stack

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sorghum is grown throughout Nebraska on approximately 0.6 million acres of land. It is grown as a forage crop as well as a grain crop. There is no significant commercial seed production in Nebraska. Grain sorghum is used domestically as livestock feed, in ethanol production, and to a limited extent as a food crop.

Grain sorghum is also exported to several countries. All sorghum hybrids (grain and forage) are susceptible to ergot disease. Ergot is a disease that impacts sorghum production directly by infecting unfertilized flowers and preventing seed development. Ergot also impacts sorghum production indirectly. Affected fields with honeydew-covered …

G00-1778 Field Windbreaks, James R. Brandle, Laurie Hodges

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

gricultural producers face many challenges as they try to balance efficient production systems with increasing environmental demands. For these systems to be successful, they must optimize the balance between inputs and final production. Field windbreaks are one way to increase yields while at the same time reducing inputs and improving both environmental quality and production efficiency. Windbreaks reduce wind speed and alter the microclimate in sheltered areas. Field windbreaks reduce wind erosion and the damage to crops caused by wind-blown soil. They improve water use efficiency, reduce risks associated with drought, and manage blowing snow.

Field windbreaks provide positive economic …

G98-1370 Abandonment Planning For Earthen Manure Storages, Holding Ponds And Anaerobic Lagoons, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The purpose of this NebGuide is to define some critical issues to be addressed by an abandonment plan of an earthen manure storage, anaerobic lagoon or runoff holding pond.

A Nebraska construction permit for a Livestock Waste Control Facility (LWCF) requires a written plan defining possible abandonment procedures in the event the operation (and associated LWCF) is discontinued. The plan must be approved by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) prior to permit issuance.

Ec97-781 Livestock Systems Environmental Assessment, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The goal of this assessment package is to help a livestock producer confidentially evaluate their stewardship of water and air resources. Protecting both the groundwater that supplies your drinking water and the surface waters that provide recreational opportunities is in the interests of every livestock producer. The worksheets will assist you in estimating the quantity of nutrients in the manure from your livestock; guide you through a step-by-step evaluation of your livestock system for possible impacts on water and air quality; and help you identify your operation's enviornmental strengths and weaknesses.