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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Helping Students Master Concepts In Mechanics By Graphing With Spreadsheets, G. F. Restrepo Jan 2001

Helping Students Master Concepts In Mechanics By Graphing With Spreadsheets, G. F. Restrepo

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

An example of a curricular activity to help students master concepts in mechanics is presented. Students measure positions and times of movements using calculators, and construct graphs using spreadsheets. Students learn to connect concepts in mechanics and reinforce them following a spiral approach of increasing complexity. Comments from students about the activity are also presented.


Fluoroalcohols As Nucleating Agents In Supersaturated Vapors: Efficient Clustering With Water In The Vapor Phase, V. Abdalsayed, Y. Ibrahim, M. Rusyniak, M. Rabeony, M. S. El-Shall Jan 2001

Fluoroalcohols As Nucleating Agents In Supersaturated Vapors: Efficient Clustering With Water In The Vapor Phase, V. Abdalsayed, Y. Ibrahim, M. Rusyniak, M. Rabeony, M. S. El-Shall

Chemistry Publications

Fluoroalcohols in small concentrations in the vapor phase display striking enhancing effects on homogeneous nucleation of supersaturated aliphatic alcohols, and on the formation of water clusters by supersonic expansion. The enhanced nucleationeffects are attributed to the surfactant properties of fluoroalcohols, which lower the surface tension of the growing droplets, and therefore lower the barrier to nucleation.


Reactivity And Electronic Structure Of Aluminum Clusters: The Aluminum-Nitrogen System, B. D. Leskiw, A. W. Castleman Jr., C. Ashman, S. N. Khanna Jan 2001

Reactivity And Electronic Structure Of Aluminum Clusters: The Aluminum-Nitrogen System, B. D. Leskiw, A. W. Castleman Jr., C. Ashman, S. N. Khanna

Physics Publications

The stability of anionic aluminum–nitrogen clusters has been examined and Al2N−, Al3N−2,Al5N−2, Al6N−3, Al8N−3, and Al9N−2 are found to be particularly stable. Theoreticaldensity functional calculations on neutral and anionic AlnN (n=1–8) clusters were performed and the stability and reaction energetics with oxygen examined. Clusters requiring less than 5.7 eV to remove an electron and an Al atom are shown to be resistant to the reaction with oxygen.


Geometry, Electronic Structure, And Energetics Of Copper-Doped Aluminum Clusters, S. N. Khanna, C. Ashman, B. K. Rao, P. Jena Jan 2001

Geometry, Electronic Structure, And Energetics Of Copper-Doped Aluminum Clusters, S. N. Khanna, C. Ashman, B. K. Rao, P. Jena

Physics Publications

Using density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation for exchange-correlation potential, we have calculated the equilibrium geometries and energetics of neutral and negatively charged AlnCu (n=11,12,13,14) clusters. Unlike the alkali atom-doped aluminum clusters in the same size range, the copper atom resides inside the aluminum cluster cage. Furthermore, the 3d and 4s energy levels of Cu hybridize with the valence electrons of Al causing a redistribution of the molecular orbital energy levels of the Aln clusters. However, this redistribution does not affect the magic numbers of AlnCu clusters that could be derived by assuming that Cu donates one electron to …


Electronic Structure And Chemical Bonding Of 3d-Metal Dimers Scx, X=Sc-Zn, G. L. Gutsev, P. Jena, B. K. Rao, S. N. Khanna Jan 2001

Electronic Structure And Chemical Bonding Of 3d-Metal Dimers Scx, X=Sc-Zn, G. L. Gutsev, P. Jena, B. K. Rao, S. N. Khanna

Physics Publications

The electronic and geometrical structures of the ground and excited states of the homonuclear Sc2, mixed ScTi, ScV, ScCr, ScMn, ScFe, ScCo, ScNi, ScCu, and ScZn 3d-metal dimers and their anions have been calculated using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential. The ground states of the neutral dimers are found to be 5Σ−u (Sc2), 6Σ+ (ScTi), 7Σ+ (ScV), 4Σ+ (ScCr), 3Σ+ (ScMn), 2Δ(ScFe), 1Σ+ (ScCo), 2Σ+ (ScNi), 3Δ(ScCu), and 4Σ+ (ScZn). A natural bond analysis reveals an antiferrimagnetic spin coupling in the ground states of ScCr, ScMn, and ScFe. This is due to the …


Energetics And Electronic Structure Of Carbon Doped Aluminum Clusters, B. K. Rao, P. Jena Jan 2001

Energetics And Electronic Structure Of Carbon Doped Aluminum Clusters, B. K. Rao, P. Jena

Physics Publications

The energetics and the electronic structure of AlnC clusters (n=3, 4, 5; 11, 12, 13) have been studied by a global optimization of their geometry without any symmetry constraint. The total energies of these clusters both in neutral and charged states are calculated using an all-electron basis and the generalized gradient approximation to the density functional theory. While Al4C and Al12C clusters share some characteristic features of closed shell structures, namely enhanced stability and low electron affinity compared to their neighboring sizes, their ionization potentials exhibit different behavior. These decrease steadily from Al3C to Al5C while that of Al12C is …


Electronic Structure Of Chromium Oxides, Cron- And Cron (N=1-5) From Photoelectron Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Calculations, G. L. Gutsev, P. Jena, Hua-Jin Zhai, Lai-Sheng Wang Jan 2001

Electronic Structure Of Chromium Oxides, Cron- And Cron (N=1-5) From Photoelectron Spectroscopy And Density Functional Theory Calculations, G. L. Gutsev, P. Jena, Hua-Jin Zhai, Lai-Sheng Wang

Physics Publications

The electronic structure of CrO−n and CrOn (n=1–5) was investigated using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory. Photoelectron spectra of CrO−n were obtained at several photon energies and yielded electron affinities, vibrational and electronic structure information about the neutral CrOn species. Density functional theory calculations were carried out for both the neutrals and anions and were used to interpret the experimental spectra. Several low-lying electronic states of CrO were observed and assigned from photodetachment of the CrO− ground state(6∑+) and an excited state (4∏), which is only 0.1 eV higher. The main spectral features of CrO−2 were interpreted based …


Investigation Of Inversion Domains In Gan By Electric-Force Microscopy, K. M. Jones, P. Visconti, F. Yun, A. A. Baski, Hadis Morkoç Jan 2001

Investigation Of Inversion Domains In Gan By Electric-Force Microscopy, K. M. Jones, P. Visconti, F. Yun, A. A. Baski, Hadis Morkoç

Physics Publications

Inversion domains in III-nitride semiconductors degrade the performance of devicesfabricated in them. Consequently, it is imperative that we understand their electrostatic manifestation, the growth conditions under which such domains form, and an effective means of their identification. In what is nominally referred to as Ga-polarity samples, N-polarity domains have a polarization that is reversed with respect to the remainder of the surface, and therefore, have a different potential under strain. We have used surface-potential electric-force microscopy (SP-EFM) to image the electrostaticsurface potential of GaNgrown on sapphire, which is strained due to the thermal mismatch between the substrate and GaN. Employing …


Contents Jan 2001

Contents

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Concept Building Through Active Learning Experiences With The Calculator Based Laboratory (Cbl), N. Motta Jan 2001

Concept Building Through Active Learning Experiences With The Calculator Based Laboratory (Cbl), N. Motta

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


The Puerto Rico Collaborative For Excellence In Teacher Preparation (Pr-Cetp): Development Of A Knowledge Building Community Of Practice, J. Arce, S. Macksoud Jan 2001

The Puerto Rico Collaborative For Excellence In Teacher Preparation (Pr-Cetp): Development Of A Knowledge Building Community Of Practice, J. Arce, S. Macksoud

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Title Page Jan 2001

Title Page

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Using Manipulatives In Undergraduate Mathematics Courses, D. Moore Jan 2001

Using Manipulatives In Undergraduate Mathematics Courses, D. Moore

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Students in undergraduate mathematics classes not only benefit from the use of manipulatives in the classroom, but also enjoy them. This paper specifically outlines one successful activity that used manipulatives in a large section of a precalculus course and then explores possibilities in other courses. It also addresses the use of mathematics manipulatives as a platform to introduce both active and cooperative learning in a large lecture setting.


The Transition To College Process In Pr-Cetp Scholars, E. Rivera, M. Rosa, A. Santiago, N. Torres, M. Bravo Jan 2001

The Transition To College Process In Pr-Cetp Scholars, E. Rivera, M. Rosa, A. Santiago, N. Torres, M. Bravo

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This article describes a study about the experiences of a group of students during the transition from high school to college. The students are future teachers who evidenced a high level of academic achievement in high school and received merit scholarships from the Puerto Rico Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation (PR-CETP). Two groups of students were compared: those who sustained a high GPA during their freshman year, and those who did not and, therefore, no longer qualified for the scholarship. The study was carried out through focused interviews with eight students, from three universities, four of whom maintained the …


An Innovative University Course For Cooperating Teachers, M. Aguirre Ortiz, L. Gaspar Jan 2001

An Innovative University Course For Cooperating Teachers, M. Aguirre Ortiz, L. Gaspar

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The transformation of a course for certifying cooperating teachers in Puerto Rico is described. The course was transformed to strengthen the teaching of science and mathematics and to make the course more congruent with the educational principles of constructivism promoted by the CETP projects at the national level, including Puerto Rico. The 45-hour requirement was distributed over nine days. The Open Space strategy was modified to include multiple active teaching-learning and assessment techniques, which promoted a learning environment based on trust, dedication, and the commitment of all participants to learn and help each other learn. Even more relevant was the …


Application Of Biotechnology To Solve Relevant Biological Problems Promotes Understanding Of Underlying Concepts, P. A. Burrowes, G. M. Nazario Jan 2001

Application Of Biotechnology To Solve Relevant Biological Problems Promotes Understanding Of Underlying Concepts, P. A. Burrowes, G. M. Nazario

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Although some efforts have been made to modify the curriculum of the Introductory Biology laboratories from a passive to a more experimental form, the use of modern biotechnology had not been implemented at our institution. The need to understand the applications of modern technology to real-life situations seems imperative at the turn of the century [1,2]. Because several studies have shown that the study of biotechnology by itself does not increase conceptual understanding, the objective of this research was to determine if the use of biotechnology to solve relevant biological problems increased conceptual understanding among our students. We designed two …


The Learning Of Mathematical Concepts And Principles Through The Integration Of Technology In Laboratory Activities, E. Morera Gonzalez Jan 2001

The Learning Of Mathematical Concepts And Principles Through The Integration Of Technology In Laboratory Activities, E. Morera Gonzalez

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Understanding Of The Mole Concept Achieved By Students In A Constructivist General Chemistry Course, C. Utria-Echevarria, M. Bravo Jan 2001

Understanding Of The Mole Concept Achieved By Students In A Constructivist General Chemistry Course, C. Utria-Echevarria, M. Bravo

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

The purpose of this research project was to study the conceptual understanding achieved in a general chemistry course based on a constructivist approach. A group of 28 students participated in repeated measures obtained by means of conceptual maps about the mole concept prepared three times during the course: at the beginning the course, immediately after the concept was studied, and after studying other related concepts. In addition, eight students selected from the group of 28 were interviewed. The interviews were carried out focusing on their conceptual maps. The analysis of the repeated measures indicated significant differences among the three times, …


The Design, Implementation, And Assessment Of A New Capstone Course Aimed At Science Education Majors, R. Betancourt, J. Arce Jan 2001

The Design, Implementation, And Assessment Of A New Capstone Course Aimed At Science Education Majors, R. Betancourt, J. Arce

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper rationalizes the selection of the concept of energy as the central theme of a new capstone course aimed at science education majors. It describes the goals of the course and the activities that preceded the course design and led to the selection of the topics, of the educational materials, and of the teaching methodologies. It presents a sequential description of the manner in which the conceptual knowledge of energy was to be developed. The specific experiments, interactive demonstrations and other educational materials utilized for the conceptual development of the concept of energy in context are described and referenced. …


Program Evaluation In The Context Of Debates In The Field: The Evaluation Of Pr-Cetp, M. Bravo Jan 2001

Program Evaluation In The Context Of Debates In The Field: The Evaluation Of Pr-Cetp, M. Bravo

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper rationalizes the selection of the concept of energy as the central theme of a new capstone course aimed at science education majors. It describes the goals of the course and the activities that preceded the course design and led to the selection of the topics, of the educational materials, and of the teaching methodologies. It presents a sequential description of the manner in which the conceptual knowledge of energy was to be developed. The specific experiments, interactive demonstrations and other educational materials utilized for the conceptual development of the concept of energy in context are described and referenced. …


Journal Of Mathematics And Science: Collaborative Explorations Jan 2001

Journal Of Mathematics And Science: Collaborative Explorations

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Bridges To The Baccalaureate Program At J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College And Virginia Commonwealth University, D. Neely-Fisher Jan 2001

Bridges To The Baccalaureate Program At J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College And Virginia Commonwealth University, D. Neely-Fisher

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

This paper describes a research apprenticeship to encourage and to inspire minority students to major in disciplines that lead to careers in biomedical research.


Saturday Morning Parent And Child Education (Pace), D. J. Bagby, P. A. Priestas Jan 2001

Saturday Morning Parent And Child Education (Pace), D. J. Bagby, P. A. Priestas

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Educational Research Abstracts, G. Bass Jr. Jan 2001

Educational Research Abstracts, G. Bass Jr.

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

Editors' Note: As noted in previous issues of the Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations, the purpose of this Educational Research Abstract section is to present current research on issues relevant to math and science teaching at both the K-12 and college levels. Because educational research studies are published in so many different academic journals and presented as so many different professional conferences, it is a rare public school teacher or college professor who is familiar with the range of recent reposts on a particular instructional technique or curricular advancement. Indeed, the uniqueness of various pedagogical strategies has been …


Aims & Scope Jan 2001

Aims & Scope

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Creativity Vs. Structure: A Challenge In Discovery Chemistry, R. S. Lamba Jan 2001

Creativity Vs. Structure: A Challenge In Discovery Chemistry, R. S. Lamba

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Project Matrix: Identifying The Mathematically Talented And Meeting The Mathematical Needs Of All, M. K. Murray Jan 2001

Project Matrix: Identifying The Mathematically Talented And Meeting The Mathematical Needs Of All, M. K. Murray

Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations

No abstract provided.


Advanced Searchers???, Jimmy Ghaphery Jan 2001

Advanced Searchers???, Jimmy Ghaphery

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

Log analysis from 2001 focused on use and popularity of advanced search features of an online library catalog (OPAC).