Digital Commons Network^™

Professional Development : The Missing Component In Education, Brett C. Ernst

Graduate Research Papers

Professional development addresses student needs and is based on researched teaching strategies that are proven to assist both the teacher and the student in meeting high achievement standards. Other indicators of effective professional development, as described by NCLB, include: ongoing support; data-driven decision making; and effective evaluation of the professional development. It has the potential to improve educators' attitudes, behaviors, knowledge and skills, so it benefits student learning. High quality professional development, when explicit about the results it is seeking to achieve, can assist both teachers and students to meet or exceed the desired outcomes they are being asked to …

Measuring The Success Of Classworks Computer Instruction, Susan J. Boatwright

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to test the effectiveness of the computer program, ClassWorks Gold (CW) in improving student reading and writing scores. ClassWorks Gold is a computer program that merges parts of 150 commercially available language arts program with a built-in assessment and internal e-mail system.

Garfield Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received a grant from the Iowa Department of Education for the purchase and implementation of CW as a supplement to regular language arts classroom instruction. The grant required action research for an assessment. This paper focuses on the effectiveness of CW with two third grade …

The Transformation Of A Middle School Industrial Shop To A Modular Industrial Technology Lab And Communicating This Transformation To The Local Community, Lynn Figg

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this graduate project was to describe the transformation of a middle school industrial arts shop to a modular industrial technology lab and the subsequent public relations effort to communicate this transformation to the local community. This project facilitated a better understanding of what a modular industrial technology lab is, what it looks like, and how it meets the needs of the industrial technology curriculum.

A PowerPoint presentation was created to explain to the diverse audiences how the change from a traditional industrial arts "shop" class to a modular industrial technology lab at an intermediate school took place, …

Integrating Technology To Facilitate Math Instruction In The Elementary Classroom, Terri Schmidt

Graduate Research Papers

Integrating technology throughout the elementary curriculum is a topic that concerns educators. This paper informs educators as to why they should explore the implementation of technology into the math curriculum in the elementary classroom. This paper discusses brain-based learning, how to use brain-based learning techniques as well as the computer to integrate math and the benefits of using the computer in the math classroom throughout the day in the elementary classroom.

Writing As A New Component Of English As A Second Language Programs For Young Russian Children, Elena Voronina

Graduate Research Papers

This project is based on the fundamental idea that oral and written languages develop simultaneously and mutually support development of each other. Reading and writing are two language processes which are impossible to separate from each other, whether learning one's native language or a foreign language. However, in Russian English Foreign Language (EFL) programs this is not the case. The main focus for five and six year olds in these programs is oral communication, the ability to speak with your partner and comprehend what is being spoken. For young learners writing may facilitate language development. The language becomes not just …

Content Analysis Of The Changing Roles Of Female Protagonists In Girls Series Novels Written After The Women's Movement, Tina Kathryn Ristau

Graduate Research Papers

While series novels have been popular for many years, the actual roles of females have changed through time. Series novels written in recent years may not reflect the changes women's roles have undergone. Nancy Drew acted as one of the first female protagonists in girls' series novels and provided an intelligent, independent role model for young girls. Series novels written after the Women's Movement in the 1980s and 1990s may not reflect the changing role of women in society.

While researching this problem a content analysis form was used to evaluate five series novels each, from five different girls series. …

Application Of Case Study Methodology In The Context Of Undergraduate Critical Care Nursing Education, James A. Hauschildt

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study represented an initial effort to investigate how a case study methodology could be used in the context of critical care nursing education. The study hoped to improve students' content specific knowledge of critical care nursing and facilitate critical thinking processes vital to clinical decision making. The study describes the transformation of a critical care-nursing course from a traditional lecture-based approach to a case study approach.

The traditional approach addressed the content through abundant teacher centered lecture, but did not require students to actively engage in discourse or apply critical thinking skills to real nursing problems. The case study …

Use Of Herbal Medications By Patients In A Conventional Health Care Setting: A Health Education Challenge, Jill Delaubenfels

Graduate Research Papers

The use of herbal medication is growing rapidly in the United States, but use of herbal medication is not without risk. This is a veritable mine field of health care risks. The federal regulation of herbal medicine as a dietary supplement raises safety and efficacy concerns. The American public lacks knowledge of herbal medicines, often believing that "natural" means "safe". Patients who combine the use of herbal medicine with conventional medicine pose challenges for health care providers. Is the health care provider aware of their patient's use of herbal medication? Is the health care provider adequately educated on the safe …

Music That Teaches, Susan L. Carroll

Graduate Research Papers

Not many materials for librarians are available in a participatory form. Most materials are available for presentation. But research has shown that affective learning, which allows students to participate, has had a positive effect on young children learning their basic skills. This research project will be used for participation. The research project used the standards, benchmarks, and objectives found in library curricula for kindergarten through third graders. These standards were the basis of the lyrics to the songs. Music was composed to complement the lyrics and a songbook was designed which included these songs, illustrations, and suggestions for activities to …

The Sounds Of Silence : Music Education And Academic Achievement, Donny Brazile

Graduate Research Papers

This research began with the author's firsthand experience with regard to the value of music education. Very few deny the benefits of music education and its connection to academic achievement. In a recent poll administered by the Gallup Organization, 95 percent of Americans believe music to be a cornerstone of a quality education, and over 75 percent of those polled suggested that music education should be mandated by the schools. However, far too many music education programs are being cut, or are in grave danger of being cut, from the curriculum nationwide. Research clearly shows the importance of music education: …

Building A Comprehensive Energy Model For Off-Highway Vehicles With Emphasis On Vehicle Thermal Control Systems, Ayhan Zora

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Utilizing machine and thermal system simulations (vehicle energy models) can be very helpful for vehicle manufacturing companies to develop a machine with acceptable component temperatures, less heat loads to the vehicle cooling systems, and reduced emissions that will also reduce overall product development cycle.

Energy models of vehicles were developed mostly in the automotive industry, and most of these studies were based on partial energy models.

The aim of this research study was to create a comprehensive energy model for agricultural machinery, which will be a basis for future work on similar products. A tractor model from a Midwest off-road …

Modeling And Measuring The Dispersion Of Odors From Hog Confinements, François Béra

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A comparison was made between predicted and measured odor concentration downwind of two hog finishing confinements. Two Gaussian dispersion models, STINKBAK and AERMOD, were used. The experimental cases examined odor emanating from a mechanically-ventilated facility and a curtain-sided facility during summer 2003. A field olfactometer was used to measure odor concentration. The odor concentrations served as input to STINKBAK, which then estimated the odor emission rate from the confinement. AERMOD used this emission rate and other meteorological data to predict the peak concentration of odor around the confinement over the sampling hour.

The calculated odor emission rates are slightly higher …

Assessing The Applicability Of Traditional Urban Transportation Planning Methods For The University Campus: A Case Study Of The University Of Northern Iowa, Jess Douglas Elder

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The development of methods that estimate travel demand and predict travel behavior is among the most significant advances in urban planning. The traditional transportation model has four steps: trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice, and trip assignment. This four-step model (FSM) encompasses an evolving methodology that determines the origin and destination, method of travel, and chosen route of each traveler. The focus of this project is to apply this methodology to analyze travel patterns associated with a university, specifically the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). A survey of faculty, staff, and students was conducted to generate data on UNI travel …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Flow Cytometry Used To Assess Genetic Damage In Frogs From Farm Ponds, Bartholomew L. Bly, Melinda G. Knutson, Mark B. Sandheinrich, Brian R. Gray, Dean A. Jobe

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Flow cytometry (FC) is a laboratory method used to detect genetic damage induced by environmental contaminants and other stressors in animals, including amphibians. We tested FC methods on three species of ranid frogs collected from farm ponds and natural wetlands in southeastern Minnesota. We compared FC metrics for Rana clamitans between ponds with direct exposure to agricultural contaminants and reference (unexposed) ponds. Concentrations of atrazine in water from our farm ponds ranged from 0.04 to 0.55 ppb. We found that R. clamitans from exposed ponds had DNA content similar to frogs from unexposed ponds. Pond-averaged C-values (a measure of DNA …

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2003/2004, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Annual Report Data
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted
--- Degree Summary
--- Program Certificates
--- Pupils in Price Laboratory School
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree Objective, and Racial/Ethnic Classification

Theoretical Considerations For Geosynchronous, Earth-Based Gravity Wave Interferometer, William Griffin

Honors Program Theses

We investigated theoretical considerations in the design of an Earth-based laser interferometer for detecting gravitational waves. Our design envisages a ground-based tracking station in communication with two geosynchronous satellites. We assumed linearized gravitational waves in a Schwarzschild spacetime geometry outside the Earth. Our initial calculations show that such a design is sufficiently sensitive to successfully detect gravitational waves near Earth.

Theoretical Neuroscience: Modeling The Activation Mechanism Of Potassium Channels In Neurons, Kevin Twedt

Presidential Scholars Theses (1990 – 2006)

We have modeled the electrostatic interaction between the S4 segment of the potassium channel molecule and the surrounding water molecules on both the intracellular and extracellular sides of the neural axon cell membrane. Two methods were used to approximate this interaction: (i) a macroscopic evaluation in which the water was treated as a dielectric medium with dielectric constant 80; (ii) a microscopic evaluation considering the effects of each individual water molecule fixed in position within the water pockets surrounding the S4 segment. The potential energy of the S4 due to the water pockets was plotted against the rotation of the …

116th Annual Meeting Of The Iowa Academy Of Science [Program, 2004], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Notes Page --- 3
Friday Program Summary --- 4
Senior Academy Poster Presentation Titles --- 5
General Session Speakers --- 7
Symposia Programs --- 8
Saturday Program Summary --- 9
Section Meeting Programs (Alphabetical by Section) --- 9
2004 Awards --- 14
Abstracts (by Section) --- 15
Author Index --- 42

Golf Course Pollution Prevention Guide, Iowa Waste Reduction Center

Iowa Waste Reduction Center Book Gallery

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollution prevention can be defined as: “The use of materials, processes, or practices that reduces or eliminates the creation of pollutants or wastes at the source.” Pollution prevention represents a shift away from the old school of thought, “pollution control,” in which waste was not dealt with until after it was generated. Through pollution prevention, we look at the processes that generate the waste to see if we can avoid creating a waste in the first place, or at least reduce the hazardous nature of the waste. When this is not possible, the …

A Case Study Of A Child Presenting Reading/Writing And Behavioral Difficulties, John Daniel Warrington

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this case study/case history was to explore one individual thoroughly in order to develop a more specific appreciation and understanding of what has occurred throughout that person's life. This deeper understanding of lvan's life history is likely to enable the researcher to identify both helpful interventions and structures that are currently in place for him and those that should be built upon or redesigned within the current school and/or home settings. Ivan has experienced significant struggles in both academic and behavioral performance for many years now. He is nearing the end of his formalized educational experience as …

A Guide For Standards-Based, Interdisciplinary, Elementary Art Activities For Cultural Institutions, Carolyn L. W. Carpenter

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this research is to provide a guide for educators in cultural institutions to develop interdisciplinary programs that meet the national education standards, using meaningful objects from their collections and hands-on art experiences for grades K-5. A survey by the Iowa Museum Association (heretofore to be referred to as IMA) provides justification for this research. The survey was presented at the IMA/NMA (Nebraska Museum Association) Annual Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, in October 2002. The survey gives a synopsis of the educational programming and staffing in over 140 cultural institutions of Iowa. The results reveal a number of areas …

A Closer Look At Constructivism, The Learning Cycle, Scientific Process Skills And Their Interrelationships Within A High School Chemistry And Physics Classroom, Jennifer M. Gates

Graduate Research Papers

Over the last several decades, science education has been in a state of potential change. In fact from the Committees of Ten to the beginning of Project 2061 and now, it has been a time of constant debate over the best practice in science education. The most recent science education reform movement began in 1989 with an effort towards scientific literacy and relevancy by the American Association for the Advancement of Science report, Science for All Americans (American Association for the Advancement of Science { AAAS}, 1989). This publication has proven to be a landmark in science education reform and …

What I Believe About Educational Leadership: A Reflective Essay, Janet Young

Graduate Research Papers

Education, in my opinion, is one of the most honorable professions a person can experience. Each teacher or principal involved with educating children is someone that makes a difference in the lives of children and influences them as they become adults. It is amazing to think about the profound impact each educator has on others. No other occupation has such a responsibility. I believe that all children can learn, and I have had a passion for making that a reality since my childhood. I know that I can help children reach their potential. Parents must know that we cherish their …

The Learning Garden: A Case Study, Laurie Ann Kellogg Hayzlett

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

How do we best capture the interest of our students? Are there environments that would better serve the needs of our students and the objectives of our schools? Reflection on these questions led to the planning and development of the Leaming Garden. This research was a case study of the use of the Leaming Garden. Proposed and actual uses were identified using teacher questionnaires, student and teacher interviews and researcher field notes. Teachers and students were asked about their use of the Leaming Garden both in conjunction with classes and for activities during off-school hours. This study was conducted in …

School Climate, Culture, And Educators’ Beliefs And Practices In Motivation: An Exploratory Study, Sarah Galloway

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study seeks to examine one aspect of school climate, school culture, through the lens of achievement goal theory in order to link the broad construct of climate and educational practices. Achievement goal theory is a motivational theory that provides a framework for organizing and construing cognitive and affective responses to achievement related situations. An underlying assumption of the current study is that goal structures can positively influence school climate and lead to positive outcomes for students. Goal structures were investigated through educator perceptions of goal structures and educators self-reports of their educational practices. Overall, the 124 educators who responded …

Fall Commencement [Program], December 20, 2003, 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.

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Agenda, November 24, 2003, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting agenda from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa.

University Of Northern Iowa Graduate Council Minutes, November 20, 2003, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate Council.

Documents - Graduate Council

Meeting minutes from the Graduate Council of the University of Northern Iowa.