Digital Commons Network^™

Using Nonfiction Trade Books As Opposed To Textbook Instruction In A Fourth Grade Plant Science Unit, Susan J. Lorenz

Graduate Research Papers

In teaching elementary students I have observed that many of them show reluctance to explore science concepts. Reading for information in science textbooks, they seem unable to connect new learning with what they may already know. In science activities many do not open up to exploration.

My intent would be to motivate students to use their natural curiosity in our science classroom. A hypothesis could be formulated for the learning problems my students exhibit. There is a relationship between the choice of science reading materials used for instruction and the ability of students to demonstrate knowledge of basic plant science …

The Development And Application Of Computer Aided Design In The Product Development Process, Yine Xue

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to (1) review the development of CAD from a historical perspective, and (2) determine and analyze potential contributions and benefits that CAD technology may provide in the product development process.

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Building Self-Esteem With Bibliotherapy, Jennifer L. Law

Graduate Research Papers

This paper offers an explanation of what bibliotherapy and self-esteem are, and how they can be connected to one another. This paper discusses who uses bibliotherapy and who it can be used with. It also describes two types of bibliotherapy and the steps in using them. The goals of bibliotherapy are explained. Children's needs in order to benefit from bibliotherapy are discussed. Advantages and limitations of bibliotherapy are also included in this paper. Self-esteem will also be defined. Finally this paper will describe how to use bibliotherapy in a school setting.

A Philosophical Explanation Of Education Today : A Reflective Essay, Brant J. Bemus

Graduate Research Papers

"In one sense it is not so much the capacity for education as the necessity of education that differentiates man from the lower animals" (p. 8). This quote by Bagley (1905) summarizes his beliefs on what the foundation of education is built. Despite many changes in education since Bagley's time, the purpose of education remains constant - to provide the best opportunities for students to achieve their highest attainment and become well-rounded individuals in an ever changing society. It is the necessity of education that makes the duty of public and private education so crucial. It is our job, as …

A Simulation Application To Analyze The Utilization Of Computer Laboratories, Mehmet E. Bahadir

Graduate Research Papers

Efficiency is a widely used term in industry, education, economics and science to define the wisely use of input to achieve a certain level of output with minimum waste. In terms of material usage, efficiency is working with the optimum number of resources to provide the required service. Computer labs are one of the main facilities of modem universities. Efficient usage of computer labs in terms of utilization is one of the factors that affects the quality and performance of the education. The problem of this study is to investigate the efficiency of selected computer centers at a Midwestern university.

Iowa Academy Of Science Membership Directory, 2003-2004, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Editorial Board, Journal ... 4
Committees ... 6
Sections ... 14
ISTS Regional Directors ... 19
Awards of Merit ... 21
Excellence in Science Teaching Awards ... 22
Past Presidents ... 23
Membership Roster ... 24
Institutional Members ... 25
Corporate Sponsors ... 25

Review Of Clark Blaise's If I Were Me And George Elliot's Crazy Winter Boys, William Butt

Short Story

No abstract provided.

The No Sweat Café, A. C. Lambeth

Short Story

No abstract provided.

An Iowa Supplement To The Project Wet Curriculum And Activity Guide, Marcene Seavey, Betsy Fitzgerald

K-12 Curriculum Supplements

An Iowa Supplement to the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide is a K-12 curriculum supplement that was written as part of the Iowa Project WET program under the Iowa Academy of Science

Biomes (Biology Instructional Opportunities For Motivating Every Student), Jody Stone, Lyn Countryman

K-12 Curriculum Supplements

The intent of the BIOMES materials is to provide biology teachers with resources and strategies that will generate interest and enthusiasm among students and teachers for the study of biology. So there you have it—Biology Instructional Opportunities for Motivating Every Student (BIOMES). The study of biology should provide individuals with understandings that prepare them to make more intelligent decisions on processing issues. It should provide students with insights that make the interpretation of events in their environment more meaningful.

The format of the teaching strategies employed in the BIOMES program is designed to attract the student's interest in a phenomena, …

Restoration And Monitoring Of The River Otter Population In Iowa, J. A. Pitt, W. R. Clark, R. D. Andrews, K. P. Schlarbaum, D. D. Hoffman, S. W. Pitt

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Northern river otters (Lontra canadensis) were widespread in North America at the time of European settlement. However, river otters were extirpated from most of Iowa in the early 1900s due to habitat degradation and unregulated harvest. In 1985, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources began an effort to restore the river otter population throughout the state, including a pilot study of survival to determine if establishment was feasible. Annual survival was estimated to be 86% during the pilot study. River otters dispersed an average of about 11 km from the point of release and exhibited habitat use typical for the …

Occurrence Of Ovotestes And Plasma Vitellogenin In Feral Male Fathead Minnows From Lagoons Of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities In Central Iowa, Robert B. Bringolf, Robert C. Summerfelt

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Since the early 1990s, endocrine disrupting compounds have been recognized as an important environmental threat. Male fish exposed to effluent from large, metropolitan municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) have developed reproductive abnormalities including ovotestes and elevated levels of plasma vitellogenin (Vtg), a plasma protein typically produced by egg-laying females. In the summer of 2000, gonads and plasma Vtg concentrations were examined in feral male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) collected from lagoons of 11 small, rural municipal WWTFs and a reference site (a national wildlife refuge) in Iowa. Fathead minnows were captured in traps from five of the 33 lagoons (three …

A Key To The Eggs And Nests Of Iowa Turtles, James L. Christiansen, Jeffrey R. Parmelee

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Biologists often need to identify destroyed turtle nests where a predator has excavated and eaten the eggs. We present a dichotomous key to the eggs and nests of Iowa's turtles based on egg or nest morphology and known range of the species. Egg and nest morphology clearly separated most nests of the families Chelydridae and Kinosternidae and many of the Emydidae. However, egg morphology must be combined with known range to distinguish wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) from other emydids. These factors will also separate most false map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica) from other species. Similarities among egg morphologies, nest morphologies, and …

Cutting Fluid Management: Small Machining Operations, Iowa Waste Reduction Center

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Book Gallery

This manual has been organized into seven sections. Section 1 introduces the reader to fluid management and potential rewards of a fluid management program. Section 2 provides a brief review of cutting fluid systems, functions of cutting fluids and characteristics a fluid should have in order to perform safely and effectively. Section 3 presents information on cutting fluid selection and types of cutting fluids available. It covers the four types of metalworking fluids used today, their advantages and disadvantages, and factors to consider in selecting a fluid. Section 4 is the main focus of this manual. It discusses the four …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Recent Observations Of The Distribution And Status Of Freckled Madtom And First Record Of Spotted Gar In Iowa, Melvin C. Bowler

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

The distribution and status of Iowa's fishes were last extensively described in Iowa Fish and Fishing (Harlan et al. 1987). Since then, numerous fish collections have been made in Iowa's interior and bordering rivers and streams. In this paper, I describe recent collections of freckled mad tom (Noturus nocturnus) and spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) from the Upper Mississippi. River (UMR). Six specimens of N. nocturnus were collected from Pool 13 of the UMR in 2001. Although the first documented specimens of N. nocturnus in Iowa were collected in the English River in 1984, few collections have been made throughout the …

Iowa Academy Of Science 115th Annual Meeting [2003]: Advance Program, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contains information about the schedule and presentations for the 2003 annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science.

Iowa Academy Of Science 115th Annual Meeting [Program, 2003], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Program Summary --- 2
General Session Speakers --- 4
Symposia Programs --- 7
Special Panel --- 9
Awards --- 10
Section Programs/Special Sessions/Abstracts --- 11
Agricultural Science (poster) --- 12
Anthropology --- 13
Botany --- 16
Cellular, Molecular & Microbiology and Physiology --- 20
Chemistry: Inorganic, Analytical & Physical --- 23
Chemistry: Organic & Biological --- 23
Conservation --- 25
Engineering --- 29
Environmental Science and Health --- 35
Geology --- 37
Physics --- 41
Physiology (posters) --- 44
Zoology --- 46
Mussel Symposia --- 52
Energy Symposia --- 56
IAS Officers & Directors --- 59
IAS Annual Meeting …

Serpents Of The Ark-La-Tex, Jennifer L. Hollis

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Slides and notes from a presentation focusing on the snakes of western Arkansas, northeastern Texas, and the Edwards Plateau of central Texas.

Poetry For Teaching Elementary Mathematics Topics, Audrey C. Rule, J. Kagan

Open Educational Resources

Sixty poems focusing on elementary mathematics topics such as matching, classification, sequencing, counting, addition, subtraction, place value, decimals, multiplication, division, fractions, estimation, probability, patterns, shapes, symmetry, triangles, circles, polygons, angles, Venn diagrams, bar graphs, money, time, and measurement, are presented in this document. Poems display a variety of formats including acrostic, haiku, limerick, and rhyming verse. Each contains mathematical facts about the topic. Preservice teachers enrolled in .a mathematics education course wrote the majority of poems. Poems may be used in a enrich elementary student learning and as models for other preservice teachers who may use poetry writing to review, …

Environmental Print Activities For Teaching Mathematics And Content Areas, Audrey C. Rule, S. Mcintyre, M. J. Ranous

Open Educational Resources

Twenty-three mathematics activities that use environmental print materials are presented, along with two activities that focus on music education, one that highlights history concepts, and five science activities. The environmental print materials are words and images cut from food or other product packaging and mounted on mat board cards. Instructions for teachers regarding material preparation are given, along with directions for students to engage in each activity. Example layouts and labels for materials boxes are given for each activity. Mathematical topics include: more and less; numeration; addition and subtraction; time words; forming patterns; writing equations; story problems; chart coordinates; percents; …

Activities For Differentiated Instruction Addressing All Levels Of Bloom's Taxonomy And Eight Multiple Intelligences, Audrey C. Rule, L. H. Lord

Open Educational Resources

This manuscript contains 13 curriculum units designed to enhance differentiated instruction for learners with special needs from grades 1-12, including gifted students. It integrates Benjamin S. Bloom's levels of cognitive understanding with Howard Gardner's eight domains of intelligence to provide a framework for individualized instruction. Each unit has activities for the eight multiple intelligences (logical-mathematical intelligence, linguistic intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, spatial intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and naturalistic intelligence) at each of Bloom's taxonomic levels: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The manuscript begins by explaining Bloom's and Gardner's contributions to educational research in the area of …

An Analysis Of Physical Activity And Two Forms Of Self Defense Training And Their Impact On Women’S Sense Of Self-Efficacy, Elizabeth Susan Guernsey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Since the mid-l 970s, incidences of rape in the United States have steadily increased. American females aged 16-24 are at the greatest risk to experience rape. This indicates that college-aged women have a high probability of experiencing a sexual assault during their college years. Women are at particularly high risk of being raped by an acquaintance or a date. This may be due to traditional social gender roles in American society. Rape Aggression Defense Systems is the largest self defense program for women that has become particularly popular on college campuses. Ozer and Bandura (1990) sought to study possible increases …

A Review Of Separation Anxiety Disorder With A Focus On Research Based Intervention Strategies, Lauryn C. Kittleson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss what Separation Anxiety Disorder is, what causes SAD symptoms in some children, successful assessment methods, and finally treatment and intervention options available and the efficacy of each one. The focus of this paper is on research based interventions with the intention of finding the most successful and empirically based intervention available. The most widely used and empirically based intervention available at this time is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Alternative methods of treatment include psycho-education for mild cases and CBT plus medication for severe cases.

Many areas need further research and future studies …

The Introduction Of Interactive Multimedia Dvd To The Electronic Media Studies, Randal L. Lau

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to show how technology is able to improve student achievement and increase student productivity. Finding new and exciting ways to integrate technology into today's classrooms is a challenge. The use of an interactive DVD will be introduced to the students in the Electronic Media Studies classes in the fall of 2003. The project was based upon the research reviewed and documented within this literature review. Students will no longer be listening to the instructor lecturing in front of the classroom, they will be actively involved in an interactive multimedia presentation, where they are free …

Universal Design For Learning, Cindy Mudroch

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review identifies the Universal Design for Learning or UDL method, which consists of educators representing information in multiple formats while providing numerous pathways for students' expression and several ways to engage students' interest and motivation. UDL is one way to address the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) act with a solution that will not only benefit the special needs children, but all children.

With UDL, student curriculum focuses on every child during the design phase. Graphic organizers are a part of every textbook and aide to understand the main topics. Assistive technology devices are available to all children, …

Enhancing Student Achievement In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom Using Computer-Based Instruction, Anne Nedved

Graduate Research Papers

Computer-based instruction (CBI) is one tool that has enhanced curriculum to meet individual learning needs and enable students to succeed in the mathematics classroom. CBI creates an environment centered on individualized, flexible learning where students can be more self-directed and independent.

The importance of this review is to cite specific research and studies to determine the effectiveness of such computer-based applications in the mathematics classroom in relation to student achievement and professional development. The most productive and positive integration of CBI in terms of student achievement and motivation in the classroom was due to the professional development and training of …

Implications Of Face-To-Face And Web-Based Asynchronous Staff Development Approaches, John D. Solis

Graduate Research Papers

As more institutions of higher education invest in technology, an increased number of educators have to keep up with those technologies. Technology opens new opportunities to teach and to learn. However, if technology is to be used to support learning, educators must first be comfortable using technology. In order for educators to become comfortable and to effectively use technology in their own teaching, staff development opportunities must be set in place. Staff development programs need to be relevant to the specific needs of educators of higher education. Because technology is rapidly changing, it is impossible for educators to know all …

Teacher Discourse In A Culturally Diverse Classroom, Madalina Tanase

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the process of language acquisition, the interaction between home and school languages, and also offers strategies teachers should follow to acknowledge the diversity represented in the classrooms. The paper further discusses some behaviors teachers should display in order to enhance discussion among students. The purpose of this paper is to investigate cultural differences as well as language differences in the classroom and the ways teachers address these differences, by allowing diverse children to have a voice and thus to express their culture. Students come to school already having an informational background acquired at home and teachers try …