Digital Commons Network^™

Monitoring Spatial And Temporal Water Quality Changes In Iowa Lakes Using Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery, Nathan Robert Green

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has identified more than 20,000 water bodies across America as polluted mainly due to agricultural non-point source pollution. Current techniques for monitoring and assessing the quality of waters in streams, reservoirs, lakes, and estuaries involve on site measurements and/or the collection of water samples for subsequent laboratory analyses. While this approach yields accurate measurements for a point in time and space, it is expensive, laborious, and cannot provide a temporal or spatial overview of water-quality trends. To overcome this liability, state and local agencies are seeking alternative and more cost effective methods. A …

Sticks, Stones, & Stigmas: A Social-Cognitive Account Of Stereotype Threat Mechanisms, Michael C. Philipp

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Stereotype threat effects have been a popular domain of much psychological inquiry over the past decade. A number of psychological dispositions (e.g., high levels of stigma consciousness, high levels of social dominance orientation, and high levels of domain identification), situational factors (e.g., out-group presence and task difficulty), and physiological characteristics ( e.g., levels of circulating testosterone) have been identified as factors that determine one's susceptibility to the performance debilitating effects of negative stereotype activation. Although each of these variables has been found to be important in eliciting underperformance under threat, no attempts have yet investigated the relationships between these variables. …

Using Office Referral Data To Help Understand School-Wide Discipline, Sarah Remakel-Henkels

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Some schools looking to create and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment implement Positive Behavior Supports (PBS). Maintaining a safe and supportive school requires a solid sense of the current school climate and a continuous improvement process for measuring progress and making appropriate corrections. Schools need to be keeping track of whether a safe, supportive learning community is being provided to all students all of the time through key indicator data.

Due to the increased amount of accountability being placed upon schools and states through NCLB, there is also an increased amount of academic data collection required. One school …

Agricultural Pollution Of Ground Water Near Gilbertville, Iowa, Paula Frost Even

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The transport of nutrients and contaminants from farm fields to the aquifer surrounding Gilbertville, Iowa, was monitored over a six-month period. The Gilbertville city water supply is obtained from the Silurian-Devonian aquifer, which has been determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because of the hydraulic characteristics of the aquifer and the overlying materials that allow contaminants to move to the aquifer fairly quickly. Monthly water samples were collected from April through September of 2004 from 26 private wells and 8 surface water sites within the source water protection area of the town's three wells. Each sample was tested for …

Repeating Decimals And Cyclotomic Polynomials, David H. Chapman

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This thesis makes a contribution to the study of repeating decimals. The primary focus of earlier investigations of repeating decimals have been in base 10. The purpose of this thesis is to determine when solutions exist for the following problem: given integers n ≥1 and b ≥ 2, what is the smallest prime p such that 1/p repeats exactly n digits in base b. In addition, when a solution p exists, it is shown that the cycles in base b of the form x/p correspond to the cosets of a subgroup of the multiplicative group on non-zero congruence classes modulo …

Achievement Goal Theory: A Preliminary Study Examining Educators' Motivational Beliefs And Practices, Marc Groen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Achievement goal theory has become one of the most promising motivational theories examining both student motivation and achievement. The purpose of this study was to expand the current body of research on achievement goal theory by exploring educators' motivational beliefs and instructional practices. Data was collected from two Eastern Iowa school districts using an online survey. Results from this preliminary study provide important information about the practical nature of motivational problems from the perspective of elementary and middle school educators. The author explores the implications of the findings for educators, school psychologists, and future research.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Case-Control Study: Past Chemical Exposures And The Measurement Of The Red Blood Cell Acetylcholinesterase Reactivity In Vitro When Challenged At Various Dosages By Chlorpyrifos-Oxon, Naomi J. Bienfang

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to analyze the red blood cell acetylcholinesterase (RBC AChE) reactivity levels among persons with amyothropic lateral sclerosis (PALS) (cases) and their controls when challenged with the oxon form of the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos. The ultimate objective was to determine if a correlation exists between the RBC AChE reactivity level and the participants' disease status and/or exposure to toxins through occupations and hobbies.

Cases in this study were individuals diagnosed by a neurologist with sporadic ALS. Controls were individuals who were not genetically related to the PALS and were neuromuscular disease free. Controls were a …

Extraction Of Transportation Infrastructure From Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data, James Paul Gerjevic

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The goal of this study was to extract transportation infrastructure features from hyper-spectral imagery using data from the high resolution Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). A "Minimum Noise Fraction" (MNF) and a classification and regression tree (CART) were used to reduce the number of spectral dimensions to be analyzed. Then, hyperspectral classifiers such as the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), Mixture-tuned matched filtering (MTMF) and mixture-tuned matched filtering combined with classification and regression tree (MTMF-CART) were used to extract the transportation infrastructures from the image using different image processing software such as ENVI and ERDAS IMAGINE. Finally, WinTopo software was used …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Rhodium And Iridium Complexes With The Bis(Dimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl) Ligand, Gordon J. Hunter

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The synthesis of transition-metal complexes ( n5 -C5H3SiMe2)2[Rh(CO)2]2 and ( n5- -C5H3SiMe2)2[Rh(CO)2]2, both featuring the bis( dimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl) ligand, is reported. Preparation of the rhodium complex yielded a cis:trans ratio of 1 :2, while the iridium analogue generated a 2: 1 ratio. Thermal reaction of cis-( n5- - C5H3SiMe2)2[Rh(CO)2]2 yields cis-( n5 -C5H3SiMe2)2Rh2(CO)3, which features an asymmetrically bridging carbonyl ligand. Reaction of I2with cis-( n5- - C5H3SiMe2)2[Ir(CO)2]2 yields cis-( n5 -C5H3SiMe2)2[Ir(CO)I2]2 Synthesis of ( n5- - C5H3SiMe2)2[Ir(cyclooctadiene)h in a cis:trans ratio of 1 :2.5 is also reported.

Inventory Simulation And Optimization Using System Dynamics, Structural Modeling Equations And Genetic Algorithms In The Drivetrain Division Of An Automotive Manufacturer, Marco Sisfontes-Monge

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Strategic planning and control are among the most critical activities that modern enterprises require to succeed in the global economy. This research is an original study that investigated the combination of tools and methodologies in order to apply them to a midwestern tractor manufacturer. The current study identified the constraints applicable to a polishing line in the Drivetrain Division of a major tractor manufacturer interested in exploring alternative techniques to improve its worldwide manufacturing operations.

The specific questions that this project tried to respond are stated as follows:

1. What were the most important variables that affected inventory levels of an …

Science Instruction And English Language Learners, Dekey P. Lama

Graduate Research Papers

More students with limited English proficiency attending U.S. public schools merits a reassessment of science teaching approaches so such students can succeed in these areas. Federal and state governments have initiated steps which allow school districts to lead in the development of quality science education programs to assist English language learners in science learning. Successful science teachers develop courses employing research-based curricula with relevant content and recognition of students' cultures, and English language learning needs and styles. Students' interaction with content and materials in the classroom, especially those based on related local problems, encourages their success in comprehending the relevance …

Impact Of The Arts On Students' Learning, Sook Ming Kong

Graduate Research Papers

The role of the arts has been undermined for a long time in the school curriculum. Recently, a group of researchers embarked on a number of studies investigating the positive effects which the arts has on students' performance in school. The results provide an insight into the fact that students who have high involvement in the arts perform better on a variety of academic measures such as grades in English, and scores on standardized tests.

The studies also provide evidence that participation in the arts helps to reduce the drop- out rate of at-risk students and those in low SES …

Fourth Grade Student Achievement On Math Standardized Tests In The Absence Of A Math Curriculum, Trista Manternach

Graduate Research Papers

Throughout the last few decades the importance of reading instruction has been the focus for schools and school districts across the nation. At Lincoln Elementary School in Waterloo, Iowa the focus has been no different. However, in the last two years, academic achievement in the area of math has become as important as reading with the advent of No Child Left Behind.

Although teachers were told that math was important, they lacked a required curriculum until a year after math became a focus of student achievement. The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: Did the absence …

Writing In Math And Distributive Learning In Math Problem Solving, Mary Jo Metz

Graduate Research Papers

Many teachers, parents and students have questions about single sex classrooms. Are there gender based strategies that can be used in single sex classrooms and coed classrooms?

The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible difference in the perceptions of boys and girls in their math problem solving ability, and to determine if writing in math and distribution of curriculum would be effective strategies in math problem solving. The researcher conducted a classroom study to determine the effects of writing in math and compare the impact on males and females. In addition, another study investigated the distribution of …

How Can Technology Assist In The Effectiveness Of After School Programs?, Imani A. Phillips

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines how technology assists in the effectiveness of learning in after-school programs. There are different types of after school programs available to parents with school-age children. Results describe the use of technology and the influence it has on the learning ability of students who are at risk. Meaningful, engaged learning can be promoted through the use of technology. Experts in the field state that technology facilitates learning by addressing the need of the individual learner. This review's conclusions indicate that a learning community can encourage personalized learning activities, collaboration, and motivation. The integration of effective technology into a …

A Distributed Strategies Approach To Teaching Multiplication And Problem Solving, Holly K. Ritter

Graduate Research Papers

Multiplication and problem solving are two fundamental math topics in third grade. The expectation is that students will enter fourth grade with a strong foundation in multiplication and problem solving, which was established in third grade. This research project implements a variety of multiplication and problem solving strategies, in conjunction with a "distributed" or "spaced" curriculum style. Distributed teaching means multiplication is introduced and practiced on a regular basis. This project addresses the question; . Does a distributed curriculum in multiplication and problem solving improve students' understanding of multiplication and problem solving and improve students' assessment results?

A Comparison Of The Scientific Achievement Of Students Using Ited, Itbs, And District-Developed Performance Assessments, Marcia Ruth Powell

Graduate Research Papers

The West Delaware school district is located in northeast Iowa, halfway between Waterloo and Dubuque along highway 20. The district has approximately 650 students in grades 9-12 and employs 48 teachers. Four of these teachers teach science full-time, and two teachers from other departments pick up extra courses. The 150+ 8th grade students represented in this study were taught by two different science teachers, who also teach 7th grade science. 8th grade science is taught in a 45 minute day for the entire year, while 9th and 10th graders are taught on a 90 minute block schedule, with each class …

An Inquiry Of Plants, Brad D. Wymer

Graduate Research Papers

This project has been completed to improve the quality of instruction of the biology students at Iowa City West High School. A curricular unit covering plants has been designed keeping in mind the National Science Education Standards, the curricular benchmarks established by the Iowa City Community School District and the current research on how people learn. Applicable research that supports the inquiry approach to teaching biology, an outline of the daily events that occur during the course of the curricular unit, and examples of the use of inquiry teaching styles are included throughout this work.

Small Group Math Instruction : Is It Beneficial In A Seventh Grade Classroom?, Joellen A. Schwab

Graduate Research Papers

Is small group math instruction a beneficial practice in a regular seventh grade classroom? Two teachers and approximately 500 students were involved in a study to address that question. The study occurred from the fall of 2002 through the fall of 2004 at Hoover Middle School in Waterloo, Iowa. Before small group math instruction was implemented, students averaged approximately 61 % on chapter tests, while after its implementation students were scoring an average of 76%. Procedures included both pre and post test data analysis.

Small groups were created based on student achievement. There were three main groups: low, middle, and …

Utilizing Geographic Education Research To Increase Learning In A Seventh Grade Geography Course, Eric Uwe Schulz

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the current condition of geography education, to examine current research in geographic education, and to create a plan to improve student learning in my classroom. It outlines the re-emergence of geography education in the secondary setting and considers the quality of the national geography standards. A descriptive narrative of current geographic education research is used to determine best instructional practice and is aligned with Colorado's Model Geography Standards to link the current research with curriculum. The results of the research are then used to evaluate and improve the curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment …

Peer Tutoring And Technology Integration : You Too Can Make It Happen!, Brandy Smith

Graduate Research Papers

Technology is motivating to students and brings with it a sense of empowerment. This article looks at a successful model of technology integration. This model comes in the form of an after-school club called the "Tech Club" built upon a peer tutoring model. A lead teacher trained third grade student leaders, or the "Tech Kids" to facilitate technology "how-to" sessions in their classrooms. After learning technology basics, this core group of Tech Kids visited different third grade classrooms to teach their peers this magic. This article explains how this peer tutoring model greatly empowered these third grade students and allowed …

Implementing Distributed Practice, Christi Sires

Graduate Research Papers

Distributed practice is a daily routine where students are exposed to a math problem, asked to solve it, and then explain how they solved it. The idea of short intervals of instruction over a period of time can have remarkable results. This instructional strategy has been cited in numerous research studies, an indication that it may be successful in helping students better understand how they can solve mathematical problems.

This study will try to determine the growth of Jewett Elementary's first grade students as they were exposed to distributed practice over a period of time from first to second quarter …

Using Technology In A Social Studies Classroom, Cari R. Teske

Graduate Research Papers

Technology in education is nothing new. The quality of the type of instruction involving technology is worth analyzing. This review provides insight into implementation strategies and the 'best practices' of the integration of technology. It defines the roles teachers and administrators must play in order to have high-quality instruction. Throughout this review emphasis will be put on the strength that technology can bring to the social studies curriculum. And, how together social studies and technology can bring education to a more balanced approach to instruction. To create a type of instruction that emphasizes the equal support of all areas of …

Elements Of Leadership In Education : A Reflective Essay, James D. Walser

Graduate Research Papers

As I grew up, my interest in various academic subject areas and my enjoyment of school caused me to become interested in education as a career. I felt that I could make a contribution to the lives of my students. My specific interest in mathematics and my personality lent themselves to classroom instruction. Although I have experienced some discouraging days, I still remain confident concerning a career in education.

The Impact Of Parental Involvement On Children's Literacy Development, Annette L. Wohlers

Graduate Research Papers

Reading is a growing concern in the United States. Many students are leaving the educational system not ready to deal with the literary demands of everyday life and/or higher education. Factors that support students' growth in reading were reviewed. One specific factor that has a significant impact on literacy, which was a focus, was involvement of parents. What parents can do to assist their children's literacy development and attainment were also reviewed. A parent pamphlet design on reading at home came about from obtained information from the reviews.

English Language Learners In The Integrated Middle School Science Classroom, Julie A. Fee

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will answer three questions relating to limited English-proficiency students. First, what historical changes have occurred to improve education for the LEP student? Second, what information do teachers with adolescent LEP students, especially students who have recently immigrated, need in order to run a happy and successful class? Last, what strategies and philosophies should be used to help ESL students compete academically with their American born classmates?

Using Web-Based Material To Support Secondary Science Curriculum, Ghadeer Filimban

Graduate Research Papers

Web-based materials have introduced a new way of supporting students' learning and teachers' knowledge of the secondary science curriculum. However it is difficult to know which materials to use and how to use them. This review discussed some of the methods for teaching science, web-based materials that support these methods, how the Internet can add to teachers' knowledge, and some negative effects of using this technology. This review shows how teachers can integrate web-based materials into their teaching strategies, and can help teachers who have integrated them to be aware of the negatives of using the Internet in the classroom. …

Push And Pull: Using Regression Models To Study The Influence Of Economic Variables On Net Migration In Iowa Counties, Andrea White

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

Migration is an intensely personal decision, but mathematical models are useful for quantifying the larger, economic aspects of it. The goal of this research is to use spatial and multiple regression models to study the influence of economic variables on net migration rates in Iowa counties. To achieve this data for many variables was collected from several sources and centered on the year 2000. S-plus software was used to create neighborhood structures, run spatial correlations and regressions, and run multiple regressions and residual diagnostics. The results showed that it is possible to develop a good regression model of migration using …

Vocabulary Instruction Correlation To Reading Comprehension, Kelly M. Vaughn

Graduate Research Papers

There is a direct relationship between word knowledge and comprehension-messages are composed of ideas, and ideas are expressed in words. Decades of research have resulted in significant best practices to support students' vocabulary development, yet very little has actually been implemented in the classroom. Teachers frequently rely on increasing student vocabulary through the incidental word-learning that results from sheer volume of reading. Research in this review will prove that incidental word acquisition is seriously inadequate. Effective vocabulary strategies include: hands-on activities or visuals, capitalizing on background knowledge or prior experiences, repeated exposure in meaningful contexts, and use of graphic organizers. …

The Subjectivity Of Visual Inspection: Variables That Influence Inspector Decisions About Quality At A Cabinet Manufacturing Business, Bradley R. Bechthold

Graduate Research Papers

The following paper is an investigative project on the subjectivity of visual inspection by finished goods inspectors at a custom cabinet manufacturer located in northeast Iowa. The company manufactures custom and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets; with very few of the ~ 1.6 million pieces shipped each year being exactly alike in design, wood species, or color. The company employs over 1200 associates that support a three shift manufacturing operation.

The focus of the study involved the subjectivity of visually inspecting the company's finished product, while exploring elements in the manufacturing arena which affect inspector decisions. Some variables explored include …