Digital Commons Network^™

Iowa's State Parks: A Various Language, Rebecca Conard

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Iowa's state park system is distinctive because academically based natural scientists were instrumental in drafting the 1917 State Park Law, in shaping the initial policies, and in establishing the first parks. The mandate of the 1917 law was broad, but its original intent was to preserve and conserve natural resources; providing recreational enjoyment was secondary. Between 1920 and mid-century the founding vision was recast time and again by compromises that sprang from economic necessity, competing interests, and changing societal values. The ideal of resource protection has remained a guiding principle, however, in large part because strong personalities provided continuity of …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

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.

Walking Thoughts, Hunter R. Rawlings Iii

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

I've borrowed my title from a poem by Marvin Bell, a member of our Writers' Workshop, because I cannot think of state parks without thinking of my love for their hiking trails and the expansion of spirit they have brought me. State parks are more than nature preserves, more than recreational areas, though these functions are very important. They are also cultural and even spiritual resources, centers of emotional and psychic renewal.

Hot-Packaging Reduces Lipid Oxidation And Improves Sensory Characteristics Of Cooked Turkey Meat, Maiko Ishikawa, Dong U. Ahn

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

The effects of two vacuum packaging methods (hot and cold vacuum packaging) on the storage stability and sensory characteristics of cooked meat were compared. Ground turkey breast and leg meat patties were cooked, vacuum packaged appropriately, and stored up to 22 days. Lipid oxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test. In addition, Total aerobic count and sensory evaluation (flavor, juiciness, tenderness, overall acceptability) were conducted. There was no significant difference in aerobic plate count by packaging methods; however, panelist rating revealed that hot-packaged turkey leg meat had higher juiciness and overall acceptability scores than cold-packaged ones. Although TBARS …

Helminth Ova Recovered From Raptors Admitted For Rehabilitation, Shawn Hawks, Rick Klann

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Fecal samples from 34 raptors admitted for rehabilitation were examined for helminth ova. All 34 birds, representing 13 different species, passed helminth ova in their feces. Six different types of helminth ova were identified, including strigeid trematode, cestode, Capillaria, Porrocaecum, Ascaridia and spiurid nematode. From this study, it appears that helminths, particularly tapeworms, are common parasites of raptors.

1997 Old Gold, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Yearbooks

The student yearbook of the University of Northern Iowa.

Helping Children Cope With Grief And Death, Kim Noon

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Children need their parents, family, friends, teachers, doctors, and clergy to help them move through a death experience positively. Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross (1983) says that family members who have been able to talk together and share their experiences with other family members, hospital staff, or with a compassionate clergy or friend , usually do much better than those who hold all of their feelings inside, pretending that life goes on as usual. Grief and fear, when allowed to be expressed and shared in childhood, can prevent much future heartache. It is so important for all of us to again learn …

Incorporating The Ti-92 Into A High School Classroom, Heather Golliher

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Calculators have been a part of mathematics for years. More recently, the graphing calculator has been widely accepted as a mathematical tool. The Tl-92 has the capability to take this technology integration a step further. It has been described as having "the power of a computer with the independence of a graphing calculator." With the geometry package and the symbolic manipulation unique to the Tl-92, the question becomes, how should this technology be coordinated with the existing curricula in high school classrooms to make the learning and teaching of mathematics as exciting and relevant as possible?

Game Theory And Its Practical Applications, Angela M. Koos

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Game theory identifies players' optimal strategies in the face of interdependence and uncertainty . Games can be divided into two-person and n-person games, zero-sum and nonzero-sum games, and cooperative and non-cooperative games. Although this paper does not touch upon all of these aspects of game theory, it does offer a nice introduction of game theory and its applications for those who are not mathematical specialists.

The Unit Letter : A Strategy For Reconciling Explicit Instruction And Whole Language, Lucy Butin Ashby

Graduate Research Papers

Though differences between whole language and explicit instruction theories and research may seem irreconcilable, a growing body of research advocates an integration of the two. Combining the meaning-filled and student-empowering environment of whole language with needs-based explicit instruction is the solution most highly recommended. The unit letter activity is a teaching strategy for elementary-aged students which blends explicit instruction and whole language approaches. The activity involves student interaction with a thematic-related letter. The activity's purposes are two-fold : to convey information related to a theme chosen by the students, and to provide an authentic context for learning and practicing reading …

Why It Is Important To Keep Recess In Schools, Mary Lou Mcgee Cushing

Graduate Research Papers

Recess is a common part of most elementary school schedules yet its benefits are often not clearly articulated. As a result recess may be thought to be expendable from school curricula as school districts adjust already full schedules in an attempt to accommodate every necessary component.

This research review explores the relationship of recess to school schedules, time allotments, activities commonly observed at recess, and developmental (social, cognitive, and psychomotor) aspects of recess in schools. Also addressed are common criticisms of recess in schools.

Potential Technology Application In English Instruction In The People's Republic Of China, Ping Gao

Graduate Research Papers

The primary purpose of this paper is to present a vision of potential technology application as an effective teaching aid for English instruction in the People's Republic of China (hereafter referred to as China). In order to provide a clear picture of why technology should be applied in English teaching situations in China, major factors influencing the current English teaching methodologies – grammar translation and audiolingual method – have been analyzed. A theoretical analysis of modern Western teaching pedagogy, the communicative approach, has been explored to offer an in-depth understanding of foreign language learning and teaching processes. The close relationship …

Invitations To Sing : A Home-School Literacy Partnership, Connie J. Gordon

Graduate Research Papers

This paper focuses on fostering parent involvement in their children's school life, particularly the writing process. While acquiring literacy, children model behaviors of those around them, both at home and school. Schools need to build genuine partnerships that honor the voices of teachers, parents, and children.

Integrating The Research Process In The Early Primary Curriculum, Laurie Jean Hazel

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to design a developmentally appropriate curriculum that provides primary teachers with the rationale, planning, procedures, and guidance needed to incorporate research projects into their primary grade curriculum. This program is not limited to talented and gifted students; it is recommended for all students.

The literature review consists of profiling the work of teachers and authors in the field of education who incorporate research techniques into their teaching practice. The literature builds a foundation for the importance and benefits of research skills and projects for students of all ages and ability levels.

When primary students …

Virtual Classrooms : A Look At Educational Uses Of The Internet, Beth Voss Kuehl

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper will look at how the Internet, specifically email and the Web, has been utilized within the educational system. This paper will answer the question "How is the Internet being used in various K-12 classrooms in the United States?" Each educational use of the Internet will be defined and a brief description will be given of each. In addition, the Internet tools necessary to access these uses will be discussed. Special attention will also be given to certain elements and outcomes to particular educational uses of the Internet. The advantages and disadvantages of each educational use will also …

Multimedia Effectiveness In The Learning Environment : A Review Of Literature, Bruce G. Mckee

Graduate Research Papers

Multimedia Effectiveness in the Learning Environment: A Review of Literature examines some of the research and academic literature related to the use of computer-assisted instruction, hypertext, hypermedia and multimedia in the learning environment. Contemporary views of media psychology and learning styles are also discussed, as well as the impact of multimedia on teachers, students and learning. The author concludes by suggesting that the progressive teacher knows the importance of quality instructional design and will look for every opportunity to integrate appropriate multimedia into the learning environment.

Backpacking To Reading Success : Parents And Teachers Working Together To Promote Literacy Development, Anita M. Ott

Graduate Research Papers

Literature has stressed the importance of reading at home to guide achievement in reading (Paul, 1996, Nichols, 1991, Anderson, Wilson & Fielding, 1988, Henderson, 1988, and Hewison and Tizard, 1980). However the pace of society in the United States today has made it difficult for families to make time for reading at home. In addition some families do not know the importance of reading at home, or have not made reading a priority.

This project provides a suggested home reading program to foster literacy development in elementary-aged students. Four major components are addressed: a) identifying a continuum of literacy development, …

Family Storybook Reading, Judith L. Ray

Graduate Research Papers

The value of storybook reading in fostering emergent literacy is well documented. I am confident through this project that the amount and quality of storybook reading conducted in the homes will be increased and that it will have a positive effect on the students ' academic growth at school and their love of books and reading. I am also looking forward to the partnership between home and school this project will encourage. By working together as a team, we will be able to maximize the benefits in our efforts to meet the needs of each child in my class. My …

A Communication Plan For The National Program For Playground Safety, Cynthia A. Cechota

Graduate Research Papers

The National Program for Playground Safety is a nonprofit organization looking to enhance its communication with its publics. To accomplish this task, a documented communication plan was needed. The purpose of this paper was to develop a comprehensive communication plan for the National Program for Playground Safety to effectively communicate information about playground safety to its publics. The general findings from the literature indicated that a social marketing campaign attempting to change behavior would more likely be successful if the organization's target audience understood the problem and cared about it. The literature also suggested that a social marketing campaign would …

Math Problem Solving In The Classroom, Mary Jane Conrad

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the important aspects for teaching problem solving in mathematics. Problem solving was used to introduce the concepts as well as to practice them. This research paper discusses mathematical concepts and skills in a student-centered environment of a multi-aged first and second grade classroom in a parochial school and investigates the effects of the approach on students, teacher, and curriculum.

In many primary classrooms mathematics is taught in ways that fail to connect with young children's prior knowledge and ways of learning. The cumulative effect is such that students tend to do math procedures, rather than apply math …

An Analysis Of Student Reaction To The Use Of Interactive Video And Hypermedia To Enhance Post-Secondary Biological Science Education, Paulette A. Church

Graduate Research Papers

The perceived effect on student learning provided by interactive technology in the biological sciences has been studied on a small, private, two-year college campus. The first portion of the study was the perceived effectiveness of interactive video when used for class presentations for biological science majors. The second portion of the study evaluated five campus-produced interactive laserdisc tutorials designed for individual and group use for students taking a general introductory biology lab course.

Information Literacy: Its Implications For Education, Lisabeth Underhill

Graduate Research Papers

This paper explores the concept of information literacy and its implications for education. Discussion begins with a look at the shift in America's economy toward information services. The skills necessary to function productively in this Information Age are examined to demonstrate the critical nature of information literacy. In the context of information literacy, educational reform such as resource-based learning and a process approach to information skills instruction are discussed. This discussion leads to recommendations for best preparing students for the 21st century.

An Effective Writing Program That Meets The Needs Of Lower Elementary Students, Marita R. Schroeder

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to examine current research on the writing process, to identify major elements of an effective writing program, and then implement a writing program for young children which encompasses the major elements. The elements of the writing program implemented within the classroom were: modeling (by the teacher, children and authors), daily writing, conferencing (mini-lessons), publishing, and special projects. It was found that a carefully structured writing program enhances the writing of students in the classroom. The process approach to writing values the students as well as the writing process. This approach is an ideal way …

Photographs To Enhance The Exhibits In Writing Portfolios, Carol R. Winterboer

Graduate Research Papers

Writing portfolios in a third grade classroom were used to more closely relate assessment to students' instructional needs. Photographs of students' involvement in experiences across the curriculum were offered for students to use with their writing. The photographs served to enhance the students' pieces of writing or were used in place of an artifact that was impractical to include in a portfolio. Writing samples related to two thematic units, one in science and the other in social studies, are discussed. Descriptions of the children's writing experiences, photographs that accompany student selected pieces, and students' self-reflections are presented. This portfolio experience …

Strategies For Sprinkling Spice On An Elementary Physical Education Program: Thematic Instruction Comes To The Gym!, Kristine Lee Whitcher

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to identify curriculum design strategies that would assist elementary physical education teachers in producing thematic units for elementary physical education classes. Strategies for integrating curriculum were identified in the literature then used to create and implement a thematic physical education project. Specific strategies were explained in detail through examples associated with the project. The strategies demonstrate that thematic instruction can successfully meet the needs of many children, invite new learning, and will assist teachers in coordinating themes with elementary physical education classes. A school-wide Olympic Fest was the culminating event of this project. There …

Children's Literature As Parallel Readings In The Secondary Language Arts Curriculum: An Annotated Teaching Guide, Kelly Diller

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to match works of children's literature with works typically taught in secondary language arts curricula so that the matched sets may be taught as parallel readings. Selected works have parallels in character, mood or tone, plot, point of view, setting, subject, symbolism, and theme, and are presented as an annotated teaching guide. The matched sets selected were found to have significant parallel literary elements.

A Descriptive Analysis Of The Search Features Of General Electronic Encyclopedias, Barb Ehlers

Graduate Research Papers

This research study is a descriptive analysis of the search features of general electronic encyclopedias in the CD-ROM format. This study describes the browse, analytical and hierarchical search features commonly found in seven electronic encyclopedias. The study found that browse search features are a linear index of titles or subjects, analytical search features offer simple and complex options while the software searches full text, and hierarchical search features offer subject breakdown from broad categories to specific articles. Common trends and variations are described through the use of text, screen shots and tables.

A Preferred Vision For Administering Elementary Schools : A Reflective Essay, Richard E. Wulf-Mcgrath

Graduate Research Papers

I embrace change. I think back to when I lived in Massachusetts with my parents during high school. I looked into colleges that I might want to attend. inquired into business colleges. ln the northeast region of the country there were plenty of them. But for some reason I applied to one school out west; The University of Denver. I did not know any friends in Denver. l did not have any relatives close-by. I wanted an adventure. I was accepted and I decided to attend. This decision changed my life.

Classroom 'Role-Playing': Performance Approaches To Characterization, Gerald Lee Ratliff

Iowa Journal of Communication

Successful classroom role-playing that promotes imaginative performance approaches to characterization initially depend upon a student performer's ability to analyze literature to determine what the author has suggested about character actions and events; and a student performer's ability to cultivate critical skills of analysis and interpretation that ultimately give voice and body to a representative character portrait in classroom performance. Careful analysis of the selected literature includes reading with a critical eye, isolating mental symbols that clearly define character intention or motivation, and a classroom performance blueprint that encourages creative self-expression and exploration of role-playing strategies and techniques. The creative extent …