Digital Commons Network^™

Misconceptions In Science Education, Angela Francis

Graduate Research Papers

Like many science teachers today, I am a constructivist. I believe that students need to be active constructors of their own knowledge. I also understand that, prior to entering my classroom, students have had innumerable experiences that have led them to develop their own unique understanding of the natural world. This reality has certain advantages and disadvantages. One critical disadvantage is that students' prior knowledge and common-sense understandings about science can be at odds with the nature of science that is generally accepted within the scientific community. In order to be an effective teacher, I must identify and understand the …

Forensic Science: An Applied Chemistry Single Semester Course, Theresa A. Theis

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Exploring New Roles Of Classroom Teachers In Iowa Communities Experiencing Rapid Ethnic Diversification, Cindy R. Lewis

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Non-English speakers are currently the fastest growing population group in Iowa schools. Immigrant and refugee families are choosing in record numbers to make Iowa their home. Across the state, newcomers are added daily to classroom rosters, and teachers are challenged to meet the unique social, emotional, and educational needs of students.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how selected teachers in classrooms across Iowa have responded personally and professionally to an evolving socio-political climate. The study examined how professional roles have been redefined and how teachers have responded to the changes. Three research questions guided this qualitative …

Positive Portrayal Of Family In Children's Books With Homosexual Characters, Amanda Skellenger

Graduate Research Papers

In today's highly diverse society, it is important to include information in children's education reflecting the diversity they will encounter in their lives. Family is an important aspect in the lives of all children as well as being a diverse aspect of society; it is important that all family structures have adequate representation in a school curriculum (Chapman, 1999). The first article in the American Library Association's (ALA) Library Bill of Rights (1996) states "books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not …

Program Design Considerations For A 8-Week After-School Program Focused On Social And Personal Development And Physical Fitness, Lawrence Daniel

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research paper is to describe the Carver Stars After- School Program and review factors considered in the design of an eight week long after-school program to enhance physical activity and increase academic performance in youth. This paper will present the goals and outcomes of the program, details of program design, and components of a successful after- school program. In addition, theories for behavior change will be reviewed. Finally, the process for evaluation will be presented. The information in this paper is to be shared with recreational programmers and fellow program directors with similar interest in program …

The Relationship Between Absolute Strength, Relative Strength And Body Mass On Depth Jump Performance In Females, Erin Lynn Brocka

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of body mass and absolute leg strength on depth jump performance in college-aged females at a drop height of 45 cm.

Early Avian Colonization In A Prairie Biofuel Project, James T. Mason

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The steady decline of grassland bird populations has been attributed to agricultural intensification. The establishment of native prairie vegetation for biomass fuel has potential to reverse this decline. The Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa is investigating the potential of perennial native vegetation as a biofuel feedstock. In the spring of 2009, research plots located in seven previously row cropped fields in Black Hawk County, Iowa, were seeded with one of four treatments of native vegetation: 1) switchgrass monoculture, 2) five native warm-season grasses, 3) 16 native species, and 4) 32 native species. Treatments were replicated four …

Key Elements Of Poverty Influencing Language Development And Academic Achievement, Joanna L. Eggert

Honors Program Theses

This paper investigates central issues surrounding poverty and how it influences a child's language development and academic achievement. It examines the differences in amounts of language input in the home environments of children from varying socioeconomic statuses and how this shapes their language acquisition. The research also explores the exposure to prenatal teratogens in addition to environmental toxins associated with poverty that may play a role in disparities in development, such as lead exposure. Furthermore, the issue of unequal healthcare and educational access between individuals of differing income levels is addressed. Ultimately, the purpose of this research is to call …

Using Ecological Niche Modeling To Resolve Cryptic Taxa Within The Greenside Darter Species Complex, Jack Alphonse Kosmicki

Honors Program Theses

A major challenge for systematists is clearly identifying species early after a speciation event (Frost and Kluge, 1994; Wiens and Servedio, 2000; Coyne and Orr, 2004). Traditionally species delimitation is made based on morphological characteristics, behavioral differences, and/or genetic data. However, for cryptic species lineages, these approaches do not work as well because the lineages have subtle overlapping morphological and behavioral differences and lineage sorting may not be complete (Raxworthy et al., 2007). A far less common approach is to use ecological niche models (ENMs) to help identify new species. This approach holds strong potential for cryptic species in which …

Pulling Back The Veil On Stem Cell Research: The Generation Of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells As An Alternative To Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Sara Ternes

Honors Program Theses

Stem cell research has captured the imagination of many in society, and although it holds hope for repairing the human body, curing disease, and alleviating human suffering, the effects of this pioneering technology present profound ethical and legal implications. While a general consensus exists that the use of adult stem cells is ethically and morally just, embryonic stem (ES) cell research has generated significant debate in both the scientific and legal communities. Decades of legislation and policymaking have led to the creation of a set of human subject research principles that are now well recognized and rooted in the inherent …

An Evaluation Of The Species Status Of Physaria Intermedia (Brassicaceae), Katie Arp

Honors Program Theses

The taxonomy of the genus Physaria (Brassicaceae) has been continually under revision as many species groups have proved difficult to resolve. Physaria intermedia (S. Watson) O'Kane Al-Shehbaz, has been a species whose circumscription has more recently been questioned and in need of clarification. The uncertainty surrounding the species stemmed from a combination of its geographical distribution, inhabiting two disjunct locations, as well as some minor differences in morphology that warranted a closer look. The species had been described as occupying southern Utah, northern and eastern (in northern 2/3) Arizona and southwest New Mexico with the remaining specimens inhabiting an isolated …

Determining The Virulence Of Corn Pathogen Fusarium Verticillioides Utilizing Deletion Mutants Lacking Genes Fv_00027 Or Fv_Nps6, Abigail Zieman

Honors Program Theses

Fusarium verticillioides is an important fungal pathogen of com. Many pathogens have virulent genes which are genes that increase infectivity of the pathogen. After a bioinformatics study, it was determined that genes Fv _ 00027 and Fv _ NPS6 are potential virulent genes in F. verticillioides. To determine if either gene ·contributes to the virulence of the fungus, deletion mutants of F. verticillioides were created lacking either Fv _ 00027 or Fv _ NPS6 genes. These deletion mutants were utilized in an optimized com assay to determine the effect of infectivity on com. To test these deletion mutants, com seeds …

Butterfly Community Dynamics In A Restored Prairie Used For Biofuel Production, Nicholas E. Tebockhorst, Jarrett D. Pfrimmer, Mark C. Myers

Undergraduate Student Work

The conversion of native Midwestern tallgrass prairie to monoculture production of corn (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycene max) for food and fuel has resulted in a significant decrease in habitat for insect pollinators, including butterflies. Compared to conventional biofuels such as corn ethanol, prairie biomass produces greater energy yields while providing high quality wildlife habitat and protecting soil and water resources. My research took place at Cedar River Natural Resource Area in Black Hawk County Iowa, USA. In spring 2009, the University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center seeded 48 research plots in conventional fields to …

Morphological Variation Among Populations Of Uca Rapax In The Gulf Of Mexico And Northern Caribbean, Amanda L. Brase

Honors Program Theses

This study explores the relationship between phenotypic variation in the carapace morphology and the geographic distribution of Uca rapax population in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Northern Caribbean Sea. Carapace or body shape in 37 populations is analyzed quantitatively and correlated with two habitat variables: salinity and location. Although there is morphological overlap among populations grouped by habitat, they are significantly different when sorted by geographic region. Populations from the northern and western Gulf of Mexico diverge from those in Florida, the Yucatan and the northern Caribbean implying restricted larval dispersal and/or differential habitat selection.

Bird Use Of Heterogeneous Prairie Biofuel Production Plots In Black Hawk County, Iowa, Jarrett Pfrimmer, Mark C. Myers, Benjamin Hoksch, Drew Miller

Undergraduate Student Work

Agricultural intensification has driven the loss of >90% of native grassland habitats in the Midwest. Consequently, grassland birds have declined more drastically than any other North American guild. Current biofuel production systems rely on high input monoculture crops that provide little habitat value to most grassland birds. The University of Northern Iowa’s Tallgrass Prairie Center is exploring the feasibility of growing and harvesting diverse mixes of native prairie vegetation for use as a sustainable biofuel in a manner that also provides high quality bird habitat. In 2009, we seeded 48 research plots on three soil types with one of four …

Predicting Reflective Reactions To Rejection Using The Multimodal Model Of Rejection, Abigail Leigh Harris

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Following rejection, people experience both reflexive and reflective reactions. According to the multimodal model of rejection (Smart Richman & Leary, 2009), relational construals surrounding the rejection impact the subsequent reflective behavior. The purpose of this study is to predict the behavior following rejection based on the theoretical model. It is hypothesized that when partner "relationship value" is high, rejection will result in more pro-social behaviors, compared to when partner "relationship value" is low, in which rejection will result in more anti-social behaviors. Though belonging is a fundamental motivation, not all humans exhibit the same level of sensitivity as others. Therefore …

Fall Commencement [Program], December 17, 2011, 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.

Isso Weekly Newsletter, December 16, 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. International Students And Scholars Office.

ISSO Weekly Newsletter

Inside This Issue:

-- Roommate Wanted
-- Female Roommate Wanted in Rental House
-- Looking Ahead to January
-- ISO Winter Break Office Hours

Student Disability Services Campus Newsletter, December 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. Office Of Student Disability Services.

Student Disability Services Newsletter

Inside this issue:

-- Letter from the Coordinator
-- Getting to Know Accommodations: Separate Location for Tests
-- Helpful Study Strategies for Finals: ASPIRE
-- Universal Design
-- Assistive Technology: Read & Write Gold 10 Feature
-- AID & Disability Awareness Month
-- Learn about a Disability: Asperger’s Syndrome
-- Faculty Resources: Effective Communication & Disability History

Lake Water Quality, Recreation, & Restoration: The Importance Of Stakeholder Involvement, Biran Gedlinske, Wade Kooiman, Katie Olsen

Other Faculty and Staff Publications

Historically, Iowa’s lakes have been plagued with numerous water quality problems including excessive siltation, nutrients, pesticides, and bacterial contamination. Iowa places a heavy reliance on voluntary efforts to address these problems, largely in the form of best management practices (BMPs). Studies have shown that BMPs can improve lake water quality and, in turn, increase recreational activity and visitor spending. In recognition of the potential economic, recreational, and social benefits of improved lake water quality, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) secured significant legislative funding in 2006 to initiate a state-wide lake restoration program (LRP).

LRP case studies are presented …

Analyzing The Construction Of The Medical Professional Identity: How Do Doctors Learn To "Do Doctoring?", Lauren Dougall

Honors Program Theses

This study is a qualitative analysis of how primary care physicians within the first five years of practice after residency construct their medical professional identity. An open-ended interview schedule was used to collect data which revealed the main themes of observational learning, dealing with uncertainty, and the importance of communication and education in patient interaction. Each doctor's professional identity was ultimately a refined version of the image they attributed to doctors as a lay-person.

University Of Northern Iowa Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes, November 14, 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. Faculty Senate.

Documents - Faculty Senate

Meeting minutes from the Faculty Senate of the University of Northern Iowa

University Of Northern Iowa Graduate Council Minutes, November 10, 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. Graduate Council.

Documents - Graduate Council

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

Minutes Of Graduate College Curriculum Committee, November 3, 2011, 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.

Ists, November 2011, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Notes and News

--Thoughts

--Opportunities

The Update, November 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. College Of Humanities, Arts And Sciences.

Update

Inside this issue:

-- Bahamian Artist's Residency at UNI
-- Department News
-- KULT, UNI's Alternative
-- University of Northern Iowa Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
-- Student Spotlight, Department of Industrial Technology: Corey Moen
-- Fall Faculty and Staff Meeting
-- School of Music Events
-- 'Home' Project, Dean's Triangle
-- Physics Teaching Majors Present at 2011 AAPT Summer Meeting in Omaha Nebraska
-- Center For Holocaust and Genocide Update
-- Student Spotlight, School of Music: Rhys Talbot
-- Davis to Speak at National Convention
-- Beth Nybeck: Flight of Ideas: The Journey of a Nybeck Sculpture
-- …

Minutes Of Graduate College Curriculum Committee, October 28, 2011, 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.

Uni Schedule Of Classes, Fall 2011, 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.

Voices Newsletter, V8n1, October 2011, University Of Northern Iowa. Center For Multicultural Education.

Voices Newsletter

Inside this issue:

-- Felipe Luciano "Learn about your history"
-- Dean Dwight Watson
-- Cedar Valley Fall Community Book Club
-- CME Multicultural Student Leadership Retreat
-- The integrity of Social Facts
-- Upcoming Lectures

University Of Northern Iowa Today, V94n3 [V95n2], Fall 2011, University Of Northern Iowa Alumni Association

UNI Today

Inside This Issue:
-- Historic Commencement
-- New combined college officially announced
-- Alumni stories of service
-- Education gets real
-- Panther Athletics
-- College & University
-- Foundation Update
-- UNI Alumni Association News
-- Class Notes
-- Calendar of Events