Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Fierce Female Friendships: An Artistic Representation And Exploration Of The Benefits Of Gender-Based Inclusivity And Community In Stem, Maya Bachmeier-Evans

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Incorporating visual art, social research, women’s studies, and artificial intelligence, Fierce Female Friendships investigates the ramifications of gendered experience on the learning environment. By reflecting upon her work in a male-dominated discipline, the author transforms her sense of classroom isolation into two paintings that highlight the subtle yet significant differences that separate inclusivity from alienation. In addition to her personalized reflections, the author also creates a fourteen-question survey which invites her peers to consider gender in academia, to assess their experiences on a university campus, and to imagine how they might depict those experiences using visual art. Positing the idea …

The Secret Life Of Diatoms: An Exploration Of The Fascinating World Of Diatoms Through The Art Of Printmaking, Zofia Danielson

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Diatoms are a type of microscopic primary producer that fall within the group of phytoplankton. They are named for their two halves: two cell walls made of glass (silica). These glass walls have a variety of forms depending upon the species that allow diatoms to adapt to their marine environments. Diatoms also contribute to productive coastal ecosystems, global oxygen production, and nutrient cycles. This project explored the significance of diatoms to marine ecosystems and their beauty in form through relief linocut printmaking in a workshop setting. The final result of this project is a relief printmaking workshop curriculum about diatoms …

Cross-Disciplinary Learning Index: A Quantitative Measure Of Cross-Disciplinary Learning About Energy, Todd Haskell, Emily Borda, Andrew Boudreaux

Physics & Astronomy

The structure of many science programs at the college level assumes that students are able to draw on and integrate ideas from multiple disciplinary contexts. However, most assessment tools focus on learning in the context of a single discipline. We describe the development and validation of an instrument to measure how well students are able to combine energy ideas from different disciplines into a coherent understanding of a phenomenon. The final version of the instrument consists of a pair of multiple-choice online assessments, along with a metric calculated from the assessment scores: the cross disciplinary learning index (CDLI). The items …

Innovative Practicum Experiences For Elementary Science In Collaboration With Community Partners, Donald J. Burgess, Debi Hanuscin

Secondary Education

Poster presented at the Association of Science Teacher Education (ASTE) International Conference. January 10-14. Salt Lake CIty, US.(January 2022)

Making Upper-Level Math Accessible To A Younger Audience, Allyson Roller

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

Symmetry is all around us. It appears on fabrics and on the buildings that surround us. Believe it or not, there is actually quite a bit of math that goes into generating these patterns, which are known as the seven frieze patterns. In my work, I explain how each unique pattern is generated using different types of symmetries. I also created a PDF of a children’s book about frieze patterns to ensure that people of all ages have the opportunity to learn about seemingly complex patterns.

Physics Inventory Of Quantitative Literacy: A Tool For Assessing Mathematical Reasoning In Introductory Physics, Suzanne W. Brahmia, Alexis Olsho, Trevor I. Smith, Andrew Boudreaux, Philip Eaton, Charlotte Zimmerman

Physics & Astronomy

One desired outcome of introductory physics instruction is that students will develop facility with reasoning quantitatively about physical phenomena. Little research has been done regarding how students develop the algebraic concepts and skills involved in reasoning productively about physics quantities, which is different from either understanding of physics concepts or problem-solving abilities. We introduce the Physics Inventory of Quantitative Literacy (PIQL) as a tool for measuring Quantitative Literacy, a foundation of mathematical reasoning, in the context of introductory physics. We present the development of the PIQL and evidence of its validity for use in calculus-based introductory physics courses. Unlike …

Designing Research-Based Instructional Materials That Leverage Dual-Process Theories Of Reasoning: Insights From Testing One Specific, Theory-Driven Intervention, Mila Kryjevskaia, Mackenzie R. Stetzer, Beth A. Lindsey, Alistair Mcinerny, Paula R. L. Heron, Andrew Boudreaux

Physics & Astronomy

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection on Curriculum Development: Theory into Design.] Research in physics education has contributed substantively to improvements in the learning and teaching of university physics by informing the development of research-based instructional materials for physics courses. Reports on the design of these materials have tended to focus on overall improvements in student performance, while the role of theory in informing the development, refinement, and assessment of the materials is often not clearly articulated. In this article, we illustrate how dual-process theories of reasoning and decision making have guided the ongoing development, testing, and analysis …

Toward A Framework For The Natures Of Proportional Reasoning In Introductory Physics, Andrew Boudreaux, Stephen E. Kanim, Alexis Olsho, Suzanne W. Brahmia, Charlotte Zimmerman, Trevor I. Smith

Physics & Astronomy

We present a set of modes of reasoning about ratio and proportion as a means of operationalizing expert practice in physics. These modes, or natures of proportional reasoning, stem from consideration of how physicists reason in context and are informed by prior work in physics and mathematics education. We frame the natures as the core of an emerging framework for proportional reasoning in introductory physics, that will categorize the uses of proportional reasoning in introductory physics contexts, and provide guidance for the development of reliable assessments. We share results from preliminary assessment items indicating that university physics students have difficulty …

Preparing Future Teachers In The Age Of Ngss: An Investigation Of A Preservice Teacher Curriculum, Pearl Hughes, Ellis Lower

Scholars Week

The Next Generation Science Standards call for science learning be composed of scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas, i.e. “three-dimensional." The class SCED 201 at Western uses the Next Generation Physical Science and Everyday Thinking curriculum, whose publishers claim it to be three-dimensional. A revised version of the Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol (3DLAP), was used to analyze one unit of the curriculum. Knowing how to revise learning opportunities to engage with each of the three dimensions, will help provide students with learning in line with the NGSS. This poster presents the results of the 3DLAP analysis, and an …

Framework For The Natures Of Negativity In Introductory Physics, Suzanne W. Brahmia, Alexis Olsho, Trevor I. Smith, Andrew Boudreaux

Physics & Astronomy

Mathematical reasoning skills are a desired outcome of many introductory physics courses, particularly calculus-based physics courses. Novices can struggle to understand the many roles signed numbers play in physics contexts, and recent evidence shows that unresolved struggle can carry over to subsequent physics courses. Positive and negative quantities are ubiquitous in physics, and the sign carries important and varied meanings. The mathematics education research literature documents the cognitive challenge of conceptualizing negative numbers as mathematical objects—both for experts, historically, and for novices as they learn. We contribute to the small but growing body of research in physics contexts that examines …

The Next Generation Science Standards: Saving K-12 Science Education, Kaitlin Caylor

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

The United States has been struggling to provide effective K-12 science education. In response, states began adopting the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in 2013 with the hopes of improving science education in the United States. As the NGSS become more common throughout schools in the U.S. it is important to begin collecting data on how they are affecting science education. This study was designed to collect preliminary data on the effectiveness of the NGSS in preparing students for college-level biology. University students with varying levels of exposure to the NGSS were given a biology benchmark assessment that is aligned …

Developing A Place-Based Curriculum For Environmental Education Aligned To Next Generation Science Standards, Alexander Brush, Michelle Mcfarland, Donald J. Burgess

Secondary Education

With the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, schools opting for early adoption are fundamentally changing their science instruction. Synergistically, the environmental education community is also adopting these new 3-dimensional standards. The purpose of our study was to work with Western Washington University’s new SEA Discovery Center in Poulsbo, WA to develop an NGSS aligned 6th grade curriculum centered on Olympia Oyster restoration. The place-based curriculum would need to utilize the Center’s unique resources while addressing relevant environmental education programming goals. During the summer of 2017 we met with a variety of stakeholders including the SEA Discovery director, Center …

Lost In Translation: How The Way We Talk About Math And Science Isn't Helping Anyone, Jonathan Flynn

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

All podcast episodes are found at the bottom of the page under Additional Files.

"Lost in Translation" is a podcast that discusses the problems with our society's attitude towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics and we can address them.

This podcast has three episodes which are listed in Additional Files, along with the bibliography.

Change At The Core: A Collaborative Model For Undergraduate Stem Education Reform, Emily Borda, Edward Geary, Emily Schumacher

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Residency

Here we describe two projects that describe and study the effects of Change at the Core (C-Core), a professional development program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) faculty and an institutional reform project for three interlinked institutions. One takes a classroom view, describing initial implementation of student-centered teaching in C-Core participants’ classrooms, and the other takes an institutional view, describing affordances and constraints of the Western Washington University (WWU), Whatcom Community College (WCC), and Skagit Valley College (SVC) collaboration.

Nurturing Biophilia: Merlin And Sanderling, Donald J. Burgess

Secondary Education

The author develops a narrative of Merlin predation to illustrate the growth of biophilia. Initially descriptive, the story evolves by following an iterative process of questioning and relationship building, which leads to an informed and purposeful application of biophilia.

Emergent Student Practices: Unintended Consequences In A Dialogic, Collaborative Classroom, Anne E. Crampton

Journal of Educational Controversy

It’s a commonplace to decry the folly of “best practices” in education. They make many practitioners and researchers twitch, fearing that the good-- or even just decent--practice will soon be setting the tempo in the steady march toward standardization. The argument against best practices, then, is the argument against one-size-fits-all pedagogy. Instructional practices must come with a necessary humility, based on situating students within the picture, with particular attention to with histories of institutional and societal othering and marginalization. Good practices cannot be delivered or imposed, and therefore, if successful, they become suggestions or starting points carried out with greater …

Circling Back To Guiding Questions, Marc N. Muniz

Backward by Design Mini-Studies

My participation in the Backwards by Design workshop last Summer inspired me to think deeply about the nature of writing experiences afforded to our students in the physical sciences. One of the courses I teach is SCED 201: Matter and Energy in Physical Systems. This is a 4 credit-hour, inquiry-based, physics course for prospective primary (elementary) school educators. It utilizes a well-researched curriculum known as “Physics in Everyday Thinking,” which allows students to investigate various physical phenomena through activities.¹These activities begin by eliciting students’ initial ideas, which are often shared during whole-class whiteboarding sessions. The students then proceed …

What If Your Father Were A Chickadee: What I Observed Today, Donald J. Burgess

Secondary Education

In any attempt to make sense of the natural world, field naturalists are subject to observational bias and must consider their own interpretive process as they record and interpret field notes. Recounting a narrative about fledgling chickadees, the author utilizes a six-step model for analysis of field experience. The five levels of representation are experienced recursively and involve a primary experience that is first attended to, shared, transcribed as field notes, analyzed, and finally offered for others to collaboratively read and respond.

Teachwashington Noyce Teacher Scholarships/Stipends, Donald J. Burgess, Bruce Larson

Secondary Education

The goal of the TeachWashington Noyce Program is to contribute to a larger vision to permanently increase the number of secondary mathematics and science teachers prepared at Western Washington University without sacrificing the proven quality of our graduates.

Student Attitude Toward Mathematics At The Middle And High School Level, Anna Berglund

WWU Honors College Senior Projects

The question of attitude toward mathematics is one of great importance and one that is associated with large implications for students. Studies on student attitude focus on determining the relationship of attitude to the perceived relevance of mathematics to future academic and career choices. Student attitude toward math in middle and high school can affect student enthusiasm for taking advanced math courses in high school and college and can largely determine future career choices. For these reasons generating positive attitudes toward mathematics among middle and high school students is an important goal of mathematics education.

Listening To Children: Perceptions Of Nature, Donald J. Burgess, Jolie Mayer-Smith

Secondary Education

This exploratory study investigates children’s perceptions and experiences of nature during a residential outdoor environmental education program and contributes to an understanding of how nature experiences arouse biophilia, a love of life and all living things. Using interviews, naturalistic observation, and artifact collection, we studied children’s responses to nature during and following their participation in a residential environmental education program known as Mountain School. We explored how an examination of biophilic sensibilities can help researchers and educators focus on the vital intersection between the individual, environment, and action. Our study suggests that children’s perceptions of nature are varied and dependent …

The Heart Of Sustainability: Big Ideas From The Field Of Environmental Education And Their Relationship To Sustainability Education Or What's Love Got To Do With It?, Donald J. Burgess, Tracie Johannessen

Secondary Education

A common raven suddenly begins to call from Cornwall Park. I rush to the front porch trying to see what the commotion is all about. Two adult ravens are flapping high over the green canopy, croaking vigorously. Like vigilant Block Watch captains protecting the integrity of a neighborhood, ravens exhibit exceptional observational prowess coupled with intense fidelity to family and place. I scan the forest with binoculars and notice three raven fledglings perched in a scraggly birch tree at the edge of the forest. Scanning higher, I finally detect a distant bald eagle circling over the urban park where the …

Concept Maps As Tools For Assessing Students' Epistemologies Of Science, Emily J. Borda, Donald J. Burgess, Charlotte J. Plog, Natalia C. Dekalb, Morgan M. Luce

Secondary Education

The use of concept maps as instruments for assessing preservice teachers’ epistemologies of science (their ideas of the nature of scientific knowledge) was evaluated in this study. Twenty-three preservice elementary teachers’ responses to the Views of the Nature Of Science (VNOS) questionnaire were compared to concept maps created in response to the general probe, “What is science?” While VNOS responses allowed a richer analysis of the content and quality of the participants’ epistemologies, the concept maps provided information about structural changes of participants’ epistemologies as well as how those epistemologies relate to their overall conceptions of science as a field …

Bridging Biblical Faith And Ecology For Adults An Experiential Environmental Education Program, Linda Houck

WWU Graduate School Collection

Understanding the implications of an ecological view of nature for a Christian has recently become a growing interest to the Evangelical community. Until recently resources for exploring how ecological understanding might be incorporated into Christian thought and action have been scarce and difficult to find. Books and internet resources are now emerging, but these represent only a fraction of potential resources and approaches to environmental education for Christians who desire to connect their faith with ecological understanding. This project aims to move beyond the passive and theoretical perspectives of print and media discussions to practical encounters with the natural world. …

The Effects Of The Go For The Green Challenge On Electricity Use, Behaviors, And Attitudes Of Western Washington University Residents., Kimbrough Leverton Mauney

WWU Graduate School Collection

This thesis investigates the effect of the Go for the Green Challenge (GGC), a multi-faceted, educational awareness and behavior change campaign originating in the Office of Sustainability, on residents of Western Washington University. Per capita residence hall electricity use figures in participating and control halls were evaluated. Surveys of residents gauged energy use behaviors, and a questionnaire assessed how hall leaders implemented GGC. Participating halls had significantly less electricity use than control halls. Correlation was significant between electricity reductions and certain components of GGC. The halls most affected by GGC had designs conducive to social diffusion and leaders that mobilized …