Digital Commons Network^™

Data Ethics And The Dilemma Created By Turing's Learning Machines, Jacob Kuhn

Honors Program Theses

The main purpose of this research is to shed light on the good and bad that has come about from the interaction of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in society. Transparency with the public is paramount for the future of Artificial Intelligence. Without awareness, the public is blind to the parts of the Data Revolution that could help them or hinder them. The key question is what AI advancements are being made and what ethical problems do they pose to the general population? To help answer this question, it is best to examine the founding of Artificial Intelligence and the …

Investigation Of Unexpected Purple Substance Extracted From Newsprint Paper, Raquel Wilhelm

Honors Program Theses

In an attempt to extract a green dye from newsprint advertisements, it was serendipitously discovered that a purple substance can be extracted from newsprint paper using methanol or acetic acid.1 Further investigations involving blank newsprint paper showed that the purple substance was a part of the paper itself rather than a component of the ink in the advertisements. Soxhlet extraction was used on the blank newspaper print to obtain the compound. Using different analytical instruments, characteristics of the compound were determined such as potential structures, functional groups, and percent composition. The ultimate goal was to determine the compound and its …

Admittance Processes In Gifted Education And Their Influence On Equity, Rachel Wohlgemuth

Honors Program Theses

A gifted education program is present in most public schools throughout the country. The goal of these programs is to challenge academically advanced students more than they would be in a general education course. However, there are disparities within all types of gifted education; these disparities span race, socioeconomic status, gender. In this study, the focus was on the inequity present in gifted education and look at the admission processes that are used to identify and therefore serve gifted youth. I will look into policies in place in 15 states to find similarities and differences. The purpose of this study …

Diffusion Of Carbon Nanoparticles Intercalated Into Layered Materials, Madelyn Johnson

Honors Program Theses

Using electron beam radiation, as found in a scanning electron microscope, it is possible to induce the local intercalation of carbon nanoparticles into two dimensional layered materials. This technique can be used to form insulating and optically active nanostructures in samples ranging from graphite to BSSCO. In this study, the evolution of these features with time is explored to determine the stability of such nanoparticles in layered materials.

Over the course of days and weeks, the nanostructures created this way broaden and change height. In general, it appears that material buried deep within the layers diffuses upwards to increase the …

A Next Generation Science Standards (Ngss) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit, Jennifer Hageman

Graduate Research Papers

This unit is the culmination of work on taking the NGSS for weather and climate and creating an inclusive unit for third grade students. At the time this unit was started, many teachers were taking the NGSS and creating units for the classrooms. This unit integrates math, literacy, and social studies standards to help explore the NGSS for weather and climate.

After completion of this unit it was given to two reviewers in the field of teaching. They read the unit and provided feedback for improvement. After review of the feedback it was noted that adaptations for students need to …

Communiqué: College Of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine, Volume 11, Winter 2023-2024, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts, And Sciences.

Communiqué: College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences Alumni Magazine

Contents:

EVERY ISSUE
Message from the Dean --- 4
Donor Feature --- 5
CHAS Briefs --- 38
Class Notes --- 44

FEATURES
Cave Research --- 6
From Student to CEO --- 10
Alum Opens Math Museum --- 14
New Class ExploresVideo Game Music --- 18
Wise Broadway Tour --- 24
Public Art Incubator --- 28
Alum Finds Success as Celebrity Videographer --- 34

STORIES
Science Trip to Iceland --- 22
Clinical Ethicist Alumnus --- 32
Computer Education Grant --- 33
ESL Program Grant --- 40
Floral Macrophotography --- 42

Exploring The Role Of Environmental Features On Student Experience In The University Classroom With The Community Of Inquiry Framework, Heather R. Kennedy, Gloria E. Stafford

Faculty Publications

An active learning classroom design recognizes the importance of students becoming engaged in their own learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study compared student-reported data (n = 219) and used the community of inquiry framework to evaluate the impact of environmental features on students’ experience. Students occupied traditional or active-learning classrooms, but the same course content was delivered by the same instructor. Findings indicate a preference for seating at tables versus fixed desks, appropriate personal space and sightlines to the teacher and projector screens, and gratification for forming social connections (i.e., social presence).

Art Teaching And American Society: An Exploration Of How Art Makes Us Think And Why America Needs It Right Now, Julie Marie Hammerand

Honors Program Theses

The motivation for this thesis comes from my own experience as a learner, an artist, and as a teacher. When I was young, I was always fascinated with the idea of the unknown. Each new piece of knowledge I acquired was a part of the greater puzzle I had yet to understand. As I got older, I understood the value of new perspectives and how each person creates a personal relationship with the world around them. I saw how teaching was the art of bringing a person into and through a new realm of knowledge and thought. Each new realm …

Research Portfolio, Juandaniel Lopez

Graduate Research Papers

Rolling Stones Software has entered into a contract with a regional bank to develop a customized online platform, the "Loan Platform," designed for handling mortgage loan applications. This platform streamlines the mortgage application process, enabling customers to submit applications online and providing real-time access to relevant information and documents for both the bank and applicants. To fulfill this contract, Rolling Stones Software is committed to performing various software development tasks, including interviews, testing, integration, modifications, and design customization to align with the bank's specific requirements.

Understanding Student Perceptions Of Supplemental Instruction: Student Perceptions Of Supplemental Instruction Implemented In Order To Overcome Perceived Skill Deficits, Andrew Miehe

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Supplemental instruction has become so prevalent that it is simply a thing educators do to students without the students’ input or their understanding of its purpose. This prevalence combined with a lack of understanding on the part of the students could create problems around programmatic success and student motivation in addition to the potential of limiting access to coursework. Due to the fact that there is not an abundance of research focused on the student perceptions of supplemental instruction there is consensus that this perspective is often absent despite its critical role (Yazzie-Mintz & McCormick, 2012).

The proliferation of supplemental …

Non-Traditional Learning In Stem: How Students Autonomy And The Impact Of Teacher Delivery Develops Deeper Conceptual Understanding At The Middle School Level, Sarah Kelly

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Non-traditional forms of curriculum development and delivery have shown particular promise in supporting the autonomy of students particularly in relation to science. Programs such as OPENSCIED are inquiry based- learning that promotes problem solving skills and cross curricular development supported by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This mixed method research study sought to illuminate how these types of curricular programs influence student autonomy and learning, especially with the implementation of OpenSciEd within Des Moines Public Schools. The study utilizes student state testing (ISASP)data alongside teacher surveys, interviews and observations to investigate the strengths or potential deficits of inquiry based …

The Critical Role Of Happiness In Education: Resilience, Retention, And What Happy Teachers Do Differently, Jill Marie Hayes White

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Teachers are unhappy, stressed, and leaving the field at an alarming rate. This paper analyzes how teacher happiness is related to resilience and retention. It also looks for patterns that identify what happy teachers do differently at work. To complete this investigation, current K-12 public school teachers throughout Iowa completed electronic surveys that assessed their happiness, resilience, and work life. These surveys included the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999), the Brief Resilience Scale (Smith, et al., 2008), and 14 additional survey questions created by the researcher. Correlational, comparative, and descriptive analyses were completed to examine potential relationships and …

A Graduate Recital In Piano, Heather Gillis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Heather Gillis presented a full graduate piano recital on Friday, March 10, 2023. The recital was performed at 8:00 p.m. in Davis Hall in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa. This recital was given in partial fulfillment of the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. The program consisted of works by Sergei Prokofiev, Robert Schumann, and Joseph Haydn. This abstract contains further discussion of performed works.

Mapping For Impact: Actionable Spatial Literacy Through Counter-Mapping, Rachel Hansen

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Counter-mapping is a technique that young people can use to take informed action on community issues through the mapping process. This mixed-methods study examined how ninth-graders in a large urban district in Iowa developed spatial thinking skills while engaging in counter-mapping in their community and the extent to which they used those maps to take informed action. A nine-week learning progression for counter-mapping scaffolded progress variables across three different spatial thinking standards and one inquiry standard. Findings indicated that students improved throughout the learning progression, but some needed teacher support to conduct spatial inquiries. Chances of reaching the upper anchor …

Commencement [Program], December 17, 2022, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Commencement Programs

The program of the commencement ceremonies, including a list of institutional leadership, a list of the departments by college, awards given at the ceremonies, and a list of undergraduate and graduate degree candidates. This commencement program is not an official graduate list.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, December 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Best Wishes for the New Year
--- The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the Energy Industry - Webinar Recording
--- Air Permit Applications & Emissions Inventory Reporting - Electronic Reporting Submittal Requirements begin Jan. 1, 2023
--- January 31, 2023 Reporting Deadlines - Grain Facility PM10 PTE
--- January 31, 2023 Reporting Deadlines - 6X Certification and Compliance Report
--- Goodbye Megan and Devon
--- Free Energy Assessments
--- Industry News
--- Connect with Us

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, November 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Thank You
--- Iowa Strategic Goals Workshop
--- Your guide to Small Business Assistance: Air Permit Applications & Emissions Reporting
--- Welcome Paige and Nikayla!
--- Free Energy Assessments
--- Industry News

Presentation 3 Copyright Day: Academic Ethics/Plagiarism, Helen Harton

Open Access Week Events

Come to this session to hear from a campus expert about what is academic ethics and why you should know the basics about plagiarism.

University Of Northern Iowa Fall Faculty Meeting Program, October 3, 2022, University Of Northern Iowa

University Faculty Documents

The program of the annual Fall Faculty Meeting at the University of Northern Iowa held on October 3, 2022.

Uni Schedule Of Classes: Policies And Procedures, Fall 2022, University Of Northern Iowa

UNI Schedule of Classes

A listing and schedule of the courses being taught as well as policies and procedures concerning attending classes at the University of Northern Iowa.

Identification Of Nitrates Within Coldwater Cave, Blake Schany, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

Agricultural runoff has the potential to greatly damage the ecosystem of Coldwater Cave. Agricultural runoff includes elements found in herbicides and fertilizers used on crops as well as increased amounts of nitrogen in the water due to runoff from cattle sites. Identification of the presence of water soluble pollutants from cattle feedlot runoff and toxic components found in common herbicides used in maintaining cropland within the cave is needed to address the potential damage that the contaminants can do to the ecosystem of the cave. Identifying contaminants present within the cave systems using UV Vis will allow for more targeted …

An Investigation Of Fluorescent Synthetic Rocks At The Shrine Of The Grotto Of The Redemption, Austin Heidbreder, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

The Grotto of the Shrine of Redemption is a religious site in West Bend, Iowa. The large structure is made of a variety of minerals and rocks, some synthetic, that can be studied. Many of these synthetic rocks are a product of smelting crayons together. It was found that several of these synthetic rocks were fluorescent. Those found in the Grotto of the Shrine of Redemption were studied with fluorescence spectroscopy and cross-referenced with knowledge of pastel dyes in use in the 1930s. It was found that some of the fluorescing rocks were likely made using crayons containing various red …

Determination Of The Elemental Composition Of ‘Druzy’ In Crystalline Quartz Using Uv & X Ray Fluorescence, Margaret Ierien

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

The purpose of this experiment was to identify and detected the elemental composition of ‘druzy’ in quartz and to differentiate its compositions from other crystalline minerals, including other forms of quartz, calcite, and fluorite. The methods of UV fluorescence and X ray fluorescence were used. The composition of druzy quartz was analyzed and found to exhibit multiple elements absent in clear quartz and other crystalline minerals.

Water Quality Mapping Throughout Coldwater Cave, Jade Nuehring, Joshua Sebree, Raquel Wilhelm, Blake Schany

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

Coldwater Cave, located in Decorah, Iowa is surveyed to contain 17.2 miles of passageways. This study is a mapping of how dissolved oxygen levels and water conductivity compare throughout water samples taken at 9 different locations within the cave. In this study we want to know how what is on the surface is impacting the cave water quality as Coldwater Cave sits between two above ground rivers and is covered with land used for agricultural purposes. Water quality studies done on other major rivers have shown that typical conductivity levels are within the 200-1000 micro-Siemen/cm range, and it is important …

Raman Analysis Of Fluorescent Minerals And Rocks At The Shrine Of The Grotto Of The Redemption, Samrin Shahnaz, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a religious tourist attraction in West Bend, IA, which also happens to be the world’s largest grotto. A Catholic priest, Fr. Dobberstein , constructed the grotto using precious stones from all over the US about a hundred years ago, and the caretakers have questions about the chemical compositions of the rocks and minerals, both natural and synthetic. Raman Spectroscopy is a non destructive method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical compounds. In this project, Raman analysis was performed on various fluorescent rocks found at the grotto. This included both natural …

Extraction And Analysis Of Rare Earth Elements From Coal Fly Ash Using Atomic Emission, Owen Lerg, Colleen Lehrer, Joshua Sebree

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

• Coal fly ash is a waste product from burning coal
• Recent research has been focusing on if coal fly ash could be a source of rare earth elements (REE)
• REE are a critical raw material needed for many technologies
• Growing importance for finding alternative sources of REE as demand increases every year
• Most of REE export from China
• Goal of this research is to determine what REE are present in the coal fly ash
• Atomic Emission (AE) is the technique that will be used to determine if REE are present
• AE was chosen due to its low limits of detection …

Composition Of Particle-Size Separated Iowa Fly Ash, Colleen P. Lehrer, Joshua Sebree, Owen Lerg

Fall 2022 - Chemical Analysis Class Projects

• Fly ash is a complex mixture of metallic oxides, unburnt carbon compounds, and other particulate which are a byproduct of the industrial burning of coal or biofuels for power production.
• Environmental contaminants including arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury are known to be found in fly ash, prompting EPA regulation and government action in the event of spills.
• Ash composition and morphology are closely related to the composition and processing of its parent fuel. [1,2] Subsequently, the extent to which environmental contaminants are concentrated in fly ash is know to vary.
• Sieving processes are used in many industries as an …

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, October 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- UNI Climate Survey
--- Women of Afghanistan
--- Iowa DNR and IAEAP Release new Air Quality Self-Audit Guide to help Small Businesses
--- Academic Coaching at CIEP
--- IWRC & IAEE Presents: The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the Energy Industry Webinar
--- Iowa Waste Reduction Center targets Community Gardens and Farmers Markets for food waste reduction training and assistance
--- Come visit us at i-BEST 2022!
--- Air Quality Permits Under Review
--- Free Energy Assessments
--- Industry News

Minutes Of Graduate College Committee On Curricula, September 30, 2022 [Pt.2], University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate College Curriculum Committee.

Minutes - Graduate Curriculum Committee

Minutes of the committee that oversees the development of the curriculum of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate College.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter, September 2022, University Of Northern Iowa. Iowa Waste Reduction Center.

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Newsletter

Contents:

--- Welcome Devon!
--- Iowa Recycling & Solid Wast Management Conference
--- Food Rescue Workshop
--- Free Energy Assessments
--- Industry News