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Awards And Recognition, Iowa Academy Of Science, 2000

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Lessons From An Inventory Of The Ames, Iowa, Flora (1859-2000), William R. Norris, Deborah Q. Lewis, Mark P. Widrlechner, Jimmie D. Thompson, Richard O. Pope

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

A botanical survey of the vascular flora of the "planning and zoning jurisdiction" of the city of Ames, Iowa (i.e., the area within a boundary 3.2 km beyond the current city limits) was compiled from 1990 to 2000. During this survey, 916 taxa (71 % native) were encountered within chis boundary. Literature reviews and a survey of Iowa State University's Ada Hayden Herbarium for specimens that had been collected in Ames since 1859 add 204 taxa to the flora. This total of 1,120 taxa exceeds the number of taxa known from any comparable area (including counties) in Iowa. We produced …

Myxomycetes Of Big Bend National Park, Texas, Lois H. Tiffany, George Knaphus

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Seventy species of Myxomycetes have been collected directly in the field or observed later in the laboratory from field materials in moist chambers from Big Bend National Park, Texas. Collections were made over a 10 year period, 1989-1997 and 1999, during intensive seven-day fungus collecting trips to Big Bend in late September each year. McGraw (1968) in an earlier study of Texas Myxomycetes had reported 28 species from Big Bend, some of which were also found in this study. A total of 81 species are reported from the park. A variety of environmental conditions occurred during the 10 years with …

Environmental Health Research And Student Training Project, Transylvania, Romania, Catherine Zeman, Diane Depken

International Journal of Global Health

Nitrate/nitrite impacts human health through a number of mechanisms via involvement in potentially detrimental biochemical processes. In the acute sense, nitrite interacts with the iron components of the hemoglobin molecule, the functional, biochemical unit of the red blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. These iron components are essential for the normal bonding of the hemoglobin molecule with oxygen and when chemically altered, result in a form of hemoglobin known as methemoglobin. When somewhere between 3-15% of the hemoglobin in the blood is reduced to methemoglobin an individual is said to have methemoglobinemia due to the low oxygen …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To Science, Brandee M. Alexander

Graduate Research Papers

Literature can link all areas of the curriculum. Extending a literature-based language arts program to the science area can provide a rich learning environment supported by many different genres of literature and related expressive activities that contribute to the dimensions of learning.

A science unit of study on the five senses, with special emphasis on touch, for kindergarten children, was expanded through literature experiences and related expressive activities. The literature presented offered much content on the senses and models of language to nurture the children's emerging literacy. During the one-week of study, learner enthusiasm and peer interaction for reading and …

Using Lightspan Technology To Build School To Home Connections, Frances J. Birks

Graduate Research Papers

Family involvement in children's emerging literacy is critical to their school success. School personnel can support family literacy by becoming acquainted with families and providing home strategies and materials. Teachers can guide caregivers to the resources of the school and public libraries for books and software. Schools can off er caregivers instruction on computers as a learning tool for children.

The implementation of school computer lab sessions scheduled at night for families is described. This project was designed to 1) discover the ways families interact while using computers, 2) determine if families enjoyed using the lab together, and 3) document …

Implementation Of Writing Portfolios In Grade Two, Jill A. Hans

Graduate Research Papers

The view of language as a process has influenced the use of qualitative assessment techniques that allow the description of children's progress, interests, and instructional needs. One qualitative technique among several is the portfolio. Specifically, in assessing children's writing, the students and the. teacher can collaborate in selecting a collection of writing exhibits for their. portfolios. Such collecting can occur over time giving evidence of emerging literacy.

The purpose of this article is to provide background information about writing portfolios. Then, the implementation of portfolio assessment in a second grade writing program is presented through three students' collection activity.

Extending The Dimensions Of Science Through Poetry, Tracey L. Jones

Graduate Research Papers

The primary function of poetry is to bring enjoyment, but poetry can also foster concept development in an instructional program that extends literature across the curriculum. Because of its intense emotional quality and sharp images, it can assist in connecting children's prior knowledge with new concepts.

One of the goals of an integrated program for fifth grade was to integrate literature-based language arts with science. The connection of the language arts and science areas offered children opportunities to engage in the language processes within the functions of language offered in the science area. Through reading and writing poetry and conducting …

Literature-Based Language Arts Extended To The Science Area : A Unit On Spring, Kelly Jones

Graduate Research Papers

A literature-based program emphasizes creating meaning through the language processes, thus leading to growth in thinking and language abilities. A print-rich learning environment supported by the different genres encourages involvement in the language process and contributes to the dimensions of a unit of study. When literature-based language arts are extended to the science area, such a program can extend children's knowledge of the world around them and nurture their curiosity.

A science unit on spring, extended through quality literature and many options for expressive activity, was presented to first grade children. This literature-based unit is shared.

The Major Developmental Skills Necessary For Emergent Reading : A Review Of Literature, Stacy B. Longley

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine important factors that influence early literacy development. Findings indicate, reading aloud to children helps them develop in four areas that are important to formal reading instruction: oral language, cognitive skills, concepts of print, and phonemic awareness. Development of these skills provides a strong foundation to support literacy development during the early school years.

Early behaviors such as "reading" from picture books and "writing" with scribbles are examples of emergent literacy and are an important part of children's literacy development. Finally, a rich literacy environment for children with developmentally appropriate literacy instruction will …

Effective Strategies For The Teaching Of Science To Secondary Students With Behavior Disorders, Jennifer Crane

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to provide suggestions for specific curricular and instructional modifications in science in order to meet the special needs of secondary students with behavior disorders. The study was divided into two parts. The first portion of the study included an extensive literature review that focused on the teaching methods that are most appropriate for students with behavior disorders, achievement and retention under those teaching methods, and adaptations that are the most effective when teaching science to students with behavior disorders. The second portion of the study evaluated a secondary biology curriculum including a textbook and …

Whales, Meg Gammon Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

Children develop thinking-language abilities through involvement in the language processes. A print-rich environment representing the many genres of literature extended across the curriculum offers meaningful experiences with the language functions. Such literature experiences and related expressive activities can provide in-depth study in the content areas, expanding the understanding of units' concepts and related vocabulary.

A science unit on whales for kindergarten was enriched through literature experiences. The activities were presented through teacher-directed sessions and student-initiated activities available in the learning centers. The result of this extensive print-rich environment was in-depth study and enthusiastic responses on the part of the students.

Alternate Curriculum In Reading For Grade Four, Julie A. Schmit

Graduate Research Papers

Julie A. Schmit, a fourth grade teacher, specifically designed the two reading alternate units. These units were designed to provide challenging reading and learning experiences for talented and gifted students in grade four. These units provide challenging, above grade level materials and activities for the students whose reading, vocabulary, and language skills are advanced to such a degree that they would derive greater educational benefit from working with alternate materials.

Fundamental Design Considerations For Creating Web Pages, Damon Staker

Graduate Research Papers

Fundamental Design Considerations for Creating Web Pages is a graduate review paper that was written to increase awareness of the proper use of design principles and web page layout in designing school web sites. This was written in response to the increase of poorly designed web sites that are difficult to read and understand because of the use of improper text and text size, distracting backgrounds, and color combinations that do not match. Information is given as to what design considerations and background information is needed to create a web site. The use of tables and frames is compared along …

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Brian J. Truax

Graduate Research Papers

In this research paper, I will be reflecting on three major components: (a) my personal values, beliefs, and philosophies; (b) the necessary elements to be a better educator and administrator; and ( c) my personal vision for administrative practice. Some of these components will intermingle and others will stand on their own principles. These components will be affected by my previous experiences and the experiences that occur during the courses in the Masters of Arts in Education Program, in Educational Leadership.

Marijuana Dependence And The Efficacy Of Various Theoretical Treatment Approaches, Leah J. Weber

Graduate Research Papers

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in this country (Meyers, 1996), with 40% of the adult population having tried it at least once. Senay (1998) indicated that 9.1 percent of individuals who have ever tried marijuana become dependent. Those who use more than a few times weekly are estimated to be at a considerably higher risk of developing dependence, possibly as much as 20 to 30 percent higher (Denning, 2000).

Curriculum Differentiation In Practice, Twyla D. Wisecup

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to create two curriculum differentiated reading units designed to meet the needs of fifth grade, high-ability language arts students. The units were written to compliment existing whole class units already in use, and to coincide with major district goals encouraging students to take control of their own learning by making decisions about their writing, selecting their reading materials, and assessing their progress. This paper gives a broad definition of curriculum differentiation and reviews the literature in regard to differentiation of curriculum in the field of gifted education, and provides a focus on possible strategies …

Dino Hayz At The Putnam Museum Of History And Natural Science: Introducing Creative Drama, Theatre For Youth And Participation Theatre As Educational Tools In The Museum Setting, Tess Marlene Lassen

Graduate Research Papers

The intent of this study is to show how the principle of teaching in role through Theatre for Youth, Participation Theatre and Creative Drama were used by Dino Hayz to teach young people about exhibits at the Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science in Davenport, Iowa from 1990 to 2001. When it began, the Heritage Theatre at the Putnum Museum offered short plays or monologues performed in and relating to the museum exhibits. These pieces were performed for the general public, adults and youth. The Theatre Coordinator was Margo Stites. Under the direction of Dino Hayz the role of …

The State Of Worksite Health Promotion Programs In The Quad Cities, Heather Lyn Moore

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to describe the state of worksite health promotion programs in the Quad Cities. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect the data. The study was delimited to the twenty-five largest companies/employers in the Quad Cities. The results of this study were based on responses received from 23 (92%) of the organizations. Percentages and frequencies were calculated for the responses to each item on the questionnaire.

Telephone contact was made to the organizations to determine whether or not their organization currently offered a worksite health promotion program for employees. Of the 65.2 % of the …

A Review Of The Research Literature Pertaining To The Effects Of Student Nutrition Upon Cognitive And Behavioral Performance In The Classroom In Support Of Nutritious Snack Interventions During The School Day, Patricia Annette Winblade

Graduate Research Papers

Many educators know from anecdotal experience that when students are hungry or undernourished, they tend to be irritable, apathetic, and lethargic. They often have little energy and have difficulty concentrating. All of these factors can interfere with learning as well as initiate inappropriate classroom behavior. This study reviews the available body of published research pertaining to the effects of nutrition upon cognitive and behavioral performance in the classroom. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe the effects of proper and improper nutrition of students on cognitive and behavioral performance in the context of examining the need for and …

The Merits Of Kindergarten Readers' Workshop, Janet K. Hurley

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy is at the very core of our being, and as such a vital component of personal identity, creating an environment conducive to literacy development is an essential element of education. Knowing that attitudes are molded early in life, establishing a strong, meaningful literacy program in early childhood can affect children for a lifetime.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the merits and power of Readers ' Workshop at the kindergarten level. First I will define and discuss components of the workshop format. I then will share what I see as the greatest benefits of the workshop approach …

Non-Technical Issues Involved In Moving A College Course From The Traditional Classroom To Cyberspace, Dixie L. Mercer

Graduate Research Papers

Advances in communication technologies have rapidly led to interest in the development of online learning programs. The value of these programs is beginning to be accepted as a way of providing an alternative delivery system to students in higher education whose work schedules, family issues, or geographical location make it impractical to attend regularly scheduled classes on a college campus.

Despite the potential of online learning, online instruction is not simply a traditional class gone digital. The teaching and learning processes of traditional classes needs to be reexamined for online classes, as the technology becomes more widespread. Educators need to …

Integrating "Kindergarten Technology Activities" Into The Kindergarten Classroom, Tania Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This graduate project outlines how technology was integrated into a kindergarten classroom using the activities from" Kindergarten Technology Activities." The activities were tested during the 2000-2001 school year with a kindergarten class of fifteen students. The project gives a brief description of the activities, how effective the activities were, and what modifications may need to be made.

After any revisions, the activities will be shared with the other members of the kindergarten team for the following school year. These activities will improve the use of technology with the kindergarten students. The teachers will gain knowledge of additional technology activities that …

Moving Students Forward In Spelling, Catherine Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This article describes how one teacher integrated additional spelling instructional strategies into her current basal program. The purpose of this article is to give an overview of research about methods of spelling instruction and describe strategies that can be incorporated into an existing program to motivate students toward becoming conventional spellers. The article emphasizes the importance of purposeful writing experiences to give students ample opportunities to practice their growing knowledge of spelling.

Integrating Literature-Based Language Arts And Science : A Unit On Frogs For Kindergarten, Ruth Rysta

Graduate Research Papers

Classrooms providing a literature-base program allow children to engage in the language processes and present opportunities for children to create meaning by surrounding them with high-quality literature representative of different genres. Many of the language arts and science processes are related and can be integrated in themes or units to connect children's learning.

A unit on the life cycle of frogs offered kindergarten children a rich learning environment through quality literature and related expressive activities. The literature-base extended to science developed a sense of community, increased science knowledge and connected reading and writing to the science study.

An Overview Of The Nature Of Science For K-12 Science Teachers, William J. Soesbe Iii

Graduate Research Papers

Recent publicity has emphasized the concern of American citizens over student performance in the sciences. In an effort to evaluate one aspect of kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula that may have contributed to this situation, a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the nature of science was developed into a philosophical paper. The findings are synthesized into an analysis of the nature of science that provides a broad outline of the subject and related issues. The nature of science is a way of knowing that when balanced with scientific content and processes aids in the development of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, …

The Correlation Between Scholastic Reading Counts™ And Middle School Students' Reading Motivation, Lana Pitstick

Graduate Research Papers

Many middle school students have little desire to read independently and struggle with reading achievement. The use of computerized reading programs is being widely used in schools to help improve this problem. The researcher intended to investigate the effect that Scholastic Reading Counts™ has on middle school students' reading motivation during and after participation in the program. The study consisted of two phases in which students kept reading logs of the minutes they read for pleasure during school and outside of school. During the first phase, students participated in the Scholastic Reading Counts™ program as part of their reading classes. …

Celebrators, Not Bargainers: The Role Of The Third Dimension, Courtney C. Dreyer

Iowa Journal of Communication

Within the past two decades a new form of shopping has emerged; shopping by way of the television, otherwise known as electronic home shopping. In the past, communication models have only accounted for a dyadic relationship, but because of the marriage of television and telephone in electronic home shopping, a third dimension emerges. This paper analyzes the call-in customers of the Home Shopping Club, or what is called the third dimension in this study. The third dimension's role is discussed as well as its relationship to the sales representatives and other Home Shopping Club (HSC) viewers. The communication that occurs …

Qualitative Textual Analysis Of The Portrayal Of Mexican Americans In Children’S Picture Books, Victoria Quijas Navarro

Graduate Research Papers

The Latino population is predicted to be the largest minority in the United States by the year 2005. The largest group in the Latino population is Mexican Americans. Children's picture books portraying Mexican Americans can provide Mexican American children a means of connecting with their culture. Picture books are also a way for nonMexican Americans to learn about the culture. This research investigated three questions. What are the characteristics of Mexican American culture? What qualifies children's books as being representative of a culture? How do children's picture books about Mexican Americans reflect their culture? The researcher used qualitative, textual analysis …