Demystifying Misconceptions In Introductory Undergraduate Chemistry Education With 3d Printed Molecular Orbitals,
2025
Pomona College
Demystifying Misconceptions In Introductory Undergraduate Chemistry Education With 3d Printed Molecular Orbitals, Hiwot Endeshaw, Daniel J. O'Leary
Pomona Senior Theses
Spatial abilities are invaluable skills for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. However, women, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnic minorities are more likely to have less developed spatial abilities, which is one of the many contributing factors for the lack of diversity in STEM subjects like chemistry. Teaching spatial skills to undergraduate chemistry students may address this issue and help increase the diversity of students who go on to continue their education in the subject. 3D printing technology in higher education has exploded in recent years, presenting a unique opportunity to teach “hard to grasp” concepts …
T3-Ciders: Train-The-Trainer And Community Building To Increase Cyberinfrastructure Adoption In Cybersecurity Research And Education,
2025
Old Dominion University
T3-Ciders: Train-The-Trainer And Community Building To Increase Cyberinfrastructure Adoption In Cybersecurity Research And Education, Wirawan Purwanto, Mohan Yang, Peng Jiang, Shanan Chappell Moots, Masha Sosonkina, Hongyi Wu
University Administration Publications
T³-CIDERS is a train-the-trainer program to increase the adoption of advanced cyberinfrastructure (CI) and data skills into the fabric of research and education in cybersecurity and cyber-related disciplines. T³-CIDERS trains faculty, researchers, and students as “future trainers” (FTs) with hands-on technical and instructional skills to enable more people to effectively leverage CI in cybersecurity. The program includes a series of technical pre-training modules, a weeklong summer institute, ongoing learning engagements conducted over an academic year; it culminates with the FTs conducting locally tailored CI-infused training events at their respective home institutions. Ultimately, T³-CIDERS aims to build a “CI+cybersecurity” community of …
The Antibiofilm Efficacy Of Copper And Zinc-Enhanced Borate Bioactive Glasses On Polymicrobial Biofilms,
2025
Missouri University of Science and Technology
The Antibiofilm Efficacy Of Copper And Zinc-Enhanced Borate Bioactive Glasses On Polymicrobial Biofilms, Sarah Fakher, David J. Westenberg
Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works
Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant global challenge driven by biofilm-forming pathogens. Polymicrobial biofilms, involving interactions between multiple microbial species, exacerbate treatment difficulties due to their enhanced resistance to antimicrobial therapies. Borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) are an emerging class of biomaterials that have attracted significant interest in infection control. The incorporation of copper and zinc into the BBG matrix can effectively disrupt biofilm formation and bacterial colonization. This study investigates the antibiofilm efficacy of copper and zinc-doped BBGs against polymicrobial biofilms formed by S. epidermidis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa. Using static and dynamic biofilm models, BBGs were applied through …
Incorporation Of Citizen Science In Classrooms To Enrich Learning,
2025
The University of Akron
Incorporation Of Citizen Science In Classrooms To Enrich Learning, Ryan Moellendick
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
This paper explores the use of citizen science experiences as a method of enriching content in middle school and high school science classrooms. This article explores my own experiences working with the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative and the application of available citizen science experiences in the classroom in alignment with Ohio's Learning Standard's for Science.
Embrace The Journey: Exploring Induction Experiences Of Teachers In Ohio Independent Stem Schools,
2025
Bio-Med Science Academy STEM School
Embrace The Journey: Exploring Induction Experiences Of Teachers In Ohio Independent Stem Schools, Laura Sass
Indiana STEM Education Conference
The beginning years of a new teacher are a critical period. This study investigated perceptions of induction activities of new teachers in Ohio Independent STEM schools. STEM-based pedagogies such as problem-based learning and inquiry are core strategies in STEM schools but can be new for beginning teachers. Through a Q-sort, thirteen participants from three Independent STEM Schools ranked statements on a +5 to -5 scale of agreement. This along with a post-sort survey resulted in themes. Positive school culture and colleague collaboration and the impact of the mentoring were found to be the most impactful. This research aligns with literature …
Indiana Stem Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Shift From In-Person To Virtual Training During The Covid-19 Pandemic,
2025
Purdue University
Indiana Stem Teachers’ Perceptions Of The Shift From In-Person To Virtual Training During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Steve Heinold
Indiana STEM Education Conference
The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to Indiana teachers in 2020. School closings caused disruptions to teachers’ classroom settings, ongoing training, and social and mental well-being (Pozo-Rico et al., 2020). Indiana GEAR UP’s commitment to teacher professional development for STEM educators led to a shift from their in-person summer teacher training sessions to virtual, just months after the school shutdowns in spring 2020. Participant evaluations showed that teachers appreciated the virtual training options and were able to learn new strategies to apply to their new virtual learning spaces. The online training sessions also had drawbacks. This research brief describes recommendations to …
Spatio-Visual Reasoning And Teamwork Through Hands-On Stem Construction Activities,
2025
Purdue University
Spatio-Visual Reasoning And Teamwork Through Hands-On Stem Construction Activities, Comfort Temitope Aje, Maria Eloisa C. Nuguid, Melihan Ünlü, Humphrey Chinenye Ochulor
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This study examined a STEM activity in which students in grades K-6 designed and built a model of Snoopy’s doghouse with considerations for constraints, teamwork, and iterative design. By combining spatial reasoning with imagination and visualization, students collaborated to create 3-D structures from 2-D plans, demonstrating enhanced spatial visualization and the ability to connect geometry to a tangible engineering task. The findings highlight the value of spatio-visual design activities in promoting skills like spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Supporting Black Math Educators: A Call To Action,
2025
University of Delaware
Supporting Black Math Educators: A Call To Action, Jonathan Dinkins
Indiana STEM Education Conference
Supporting Black math educators is crucial for fostering a more equitable and inclusive educational environment. Some research has shown that ongoing support from administration, various types of professional development (PD) opportunities, and mentoring equip Black math educators with the tools they need to be successful and grow with their educational pursuits (Frank et al., 2021; Moseley, 2018; Sun, 2018). This research brief will define the meaning of support for Black math educators, identify ways in which these supports can be effective, and suggest additional research necessary to continue to push the needle towards a more inclusive educational environment.
Leveraging Undergraduate Expertise For Effective Stem Instruction: Insights From A Forensic Science Teaching Partnership,
2025
Purdue University
Leveraging Undergraduate Expertise For Effective Stem Instruction: Insights From A Forensic Science Teaching Partnership, Swagata Sarkar, Hui-Hui Wang, Austin R. Jenkins, Mariah K. Stollar
Indiana STEM Education Conference
Although integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instruction has been cited as a viable instructional approach to increasing the number of students interested and prepared to enter the STEM workforce, teacher content knowledge can be a limiting factor to effective implementation (Ejiwale, 2013). To address this limitation, college STEM majors can use their content expertise to support the development and implementation of integrated STEM experiences for K-12 students (Ferrara et al., 2018). This research brief reports on a university-high school partnership where undergraduate students in a university forensic science club created and implemented integrated STEM lessons in a local …
A Comparison Of Professional Development For Teachers Of Mathematics In Belize And The United States,
2025
Purdue University Northwest
A Comparison Of Professional Development For Teachers Of Mathematics In Belize And The United States, David Feikes
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This paper provides a limited comparison of professional development (PD) workshops conducted in Belize and in the United States (US). Three workshops were conducted in Belize; 2019, 2022, and 2024. Multiple workshops were conducted in the US between 2021 and 2023. All workshops in Belize and the US were one week in duration and covered similar topics. Although the working conditions in the schools and workshops were different in each country, data analysis found similar teacher satisfaction and growth results.
Supporting The Self-Confidence Of A Student With Mathematics Learning Disabilities Through The Engineering Design Process,
2025
Erciyes University
Supporting The Self-Confidence Of A Student With Mathematics Learning Disabilities Through The Engineering Design Process, Esra Yilmaz Bilir, Cetin Kursat Bilir, Danyal Soybas
Indiana STEM Education Conference
Although STEM education has been widely studied, research on its application for students with Mathematics Learning Disabilities (MLDs) remains limited. One promising approach is using an engineering design process (EDP) (Yilmaz Bilir, 2021), which promotes hands-on problem-solving and fosters cognitive and emotional growth. This study explores the self-confidence of an MLD student during the preparation stage of an EDP. The results indicate that the student’s self-confidence in STEM subjects and social communication skills improved even at the preparation stage. These findings emphasize the value of the preparation stage of an EDP and offer insights for designing effective STEM learning modules.
Stem Education In Indiana: Analyzing The Availability Of Stem-Certified Schools For Underrepresented Communities,
2025
Purdue University
Stem Education In Indiana: Analyzing The Availability Of Stem-Certified Schools For Underrepresented Communities, Bryan J. Duarte
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This study examines the equity of access to STEM-certified schools in Indiana, focusing on differences in student demographics between STEM-certified and non-STEM-certified schools. The results show no statistically significant differences in the percentage of female, non-White, or lower socio-economic students between the two groups. However, significant differences were found in the percentages of Latiné/a/o/x, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Asian students, with these groups being underrepresented in STEM-certified schools compared to non-STEM-certified schools.
Boosting Computational Thinking In Integrated Stem Education With Cad,
2025
Purdue University
Boosting Computational Thinking In Integrated Stem Education With Cad, Hyeong Kyun Park, Jung Han, Yunjin Lim
Indiana STEM Education Conference
Integrated STEM education offers a powerful approach to enhancing students’ learning. By integrating science inquiry, technological literacy, engineering design, and mathematical thinking, integrated STEM fosters students’ 21st-century competencies, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and computational thinking. Drawing from a national integrated STEM project, this research uses a classroom case study to investigate the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing into a STEM learning activity. It examines the use of mathematical computation to determine the best solution for a prototype that meet functional criteria. This research highlights how introducing CAD instruction enhances computational thinking within a conceptual framework …
The Power Of Our Words: Imperatives And Personal Pronouns In Written And Enacted Mathematics Curriculum,
2025
Purdue University
The Power Of Our Words: Imperatives And Personal Pronouns In Written And Enacted Mathematics Curriculum, Amanda Huffman Hayes
Indiana STEM Education Conference
As teachers, our use of imperatives (e.g., find, explain) and personal pronouns (e.g., you, we, I) contribute to our students’ learning and the roles they take in class. Using an ethnographic case study design, I explored the language of the written and enacted curriculum in a fundamental algebra course. My analysis revealed the power of language in the relationship between the authors and readers and the teacher and students. Providing students with a share in authority can increase their engagement.
Integrating Turtle Graphics And Engineering Design: Enhancing Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking Through Digital And Physical Prototyping,
2025
Purdue University
Integrating Turtle Graphics And Engineering Design: Enhancing Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking Through Digital And Physical Prototyping, Abigail Erskine
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This research brief is a review of literature on integrating Turtle Graphics and engineering design to enhance students' problem-solving and critical thinking through prototyping. Integrating Turtle Graphics with digital and physical prototyping engages students in the engineering design process, helping them bridge abstract mathematical concepts with real-world applications. By combining programming and engineering design, Turtle Graphics supports complex tasks like visualization and design modeling, which improves students’ critical thinking, design thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through iterative testing and refinement, students gain practical insights into engineering concepts such as modeling and creating prototypes.
Proceedings Of The Tenth Annual Indiana Stem Education Conference: Generational Advances Through Stem Education,
2025
Purdue University
Proceedings Of The Tenth Annual Indiana Stem Education Conference: Generational Advances Through Stem Education, William S. Walker Iii, Lynn A. Bryan, S Selcen Guzey
Indiana STEM Education Conference
The Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference are edited by the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST, https://www.education.purdue.edu/catalyst/) at Purdue University. The theme for the 2025 conference is Generational Advances through STEM Education. This year’s conference provides opportunities to learn about effective STEM education strategies, curriculum, and resources to engage students by considering the advances and impact of STEM.
Ginger: The Effect Of Illustrated Storybooks On Children’S Response And Teachers’ Facilitation In Stem Education,
2025
Istanbul Medipol University
Ginger: The Effect Of Illustrated Storybooks On Children’S Response And Teachers’ Facilitation In Stem Education, Defne Yabas, Tugba Abanoz, M. Sencer Corlu
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This study aims to explore children’s and teachers’ responses to the integration of illustrated storybook content into STEM activities in early childhood. The correlation between STEM content and illustrations in children's storybooks conveying scientific information is a crucial aspect that can impact children's learning of STEM. Studies have reported the utilization of storybooks in STEM education for young children (Abanoz & Yabaş, 2022; Pantoya et al., 2015), yet an absence of research has been noted regarding the impact of illustrated storybooks on children's engagement in STEM education. There is substantial research evidence that early childhood teachers have low self-efficacy beliefs …
Informal Education Experiences: Why Stem Camps Matter,
2025
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Informal Education Experiences: Why Stem Camps Matter, Jeffrey A. Nowak, Dale Ruppert
Indiana STEM Education Conference
This research brief details some of the positive impacts of student participation in after-school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camps provided by universities and informal education centers as described in published literature. In addition, the authors reviewed 2,841 anonymous participant surveys of 1st-12th grade students involved in nineteen STEM camps held at Purdue University Fort Wayne from 2019-2024 for related findings. Findings indicate that providing an enjoyable and enriching learning environment for STEM camps can foster a mindset of curiosity and a love for learning. Students who attend STEM camps likewise often experience a range of …
Mathematical Modeling For Interdisciplinary Stem Problem-Solving,
2025
Purdue University
Mathematical Modeling For Interdisciplinary Stem Problem-Solving, Dayat Hidayat, Signe Kastberg
Indiana STEM Education Conference
STEM education supports students’ real-world problem solving by utilizing connections between STEM disciplines. Yet teachers have questions about how to provide such support. Mathematical modeling involves the use of mathematics content and processes to solve problems in integrated STEM contexts. In this research brief we illustrate how mathematical modeling can support students’ integrated STEM problem solving.
Ripples Of Change: Middle School Students Navigating The Future Of Our Watershed Through Eco-Stem,
2025
Purdue University
Ripples Of Change: Middle School Students Navigating The Future Of Our Watershed Through Eco-Stem, Elizabeth Andrew Thiel
Indiana STEM Education Conference
Ripples of Change is an eco-STEM unit designed to address Indiana’s environmental education goals by fostering environmental literacy and informed decision-making among middle school students. By engaging students in community-based learning activities that empower students to address watershed issues, this eco-STEM unit promotes culturally sustaining integrated STEM education. Preliminary findings indicate increased student awareness and responsibility for their impact on local ecosystems using evidence-based reasoning, highlighting the potential for Ripples of Change to inspire global citizenship in students and scalable eco-STEM approaches.
