Digital Commons Network^™

An Examination Of The Role Of The Stay-At-Home Dad, Jason E. Heitland

Graduate Research Papers

The intent of this paper is to 1) explore the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a full-time child caregiver, and 2) discover why this new trend is becoming increasingly popular with fathers, not only in the United States, but around the world as well. By doing this, we hope to gain insight into the growing appeal of becoming a SAHD.

A Survey To Determine Attitudes Of Elementary Students And Teachers Toward The Polar Active Activity Monitoring System, Daniel P. Gawrisch

Graduate Research Papers

The CDC and NASPE currently recommend that children get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day; however, too many children fall short of this goal. Physical education programs need to take an active role in promoting physical activity for children. Physical educators can benefit from a reliable and valid method to monitor the physical activity patterns of students. Polar Electro developed a new accelerometer called the Polar Active designed to help students and teachers track daily activity time. The purpose of this survey was to determine the attitudes of a teacher and his males and females 2nd, …

Where Are Women Acquiring Their Awareness, Knowledge And Understanding Of Heart Disease And How Does It Impact Their Personal Health Concern?, Michelle Cook

Graduate Research Papers

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States (CDC, 2005) . The purpose of this study was to analyze past and current heart disease awareness and education methods with actual awareness of the population under study (women ages 18 - 70). Specifically, the objective of the study was to determine if the population under study is aware of their own personal risk factors, their comfort in discussing heart disease with their physician(s), the methods they use to attain information regarding heart disease, and the effectiveness of health educator methods (including physicians, health educators, and awareness …

Factors That Contribute To A Successful Youth Services Director, Ann Elizabeth Scoles

Graduate Research Papers

The youth of today face challenges and opportunities that are very different from earlier generations. When working as a youth services director the emphasis is on supporting the healthy growth and development of youth and providing experiences which enable them to mature and live a meaningful life. Youth services directors are challenged to find and coordinate youth programs that provide a safe and enriching environment for youth.

This paper discusses the important factors that are common characteristics of successful youth services directors. This paper explores the history of youth services and the important role Jane Addams played in developing youth …

An Examination Of The Pertinent Literature Of The Relationship Between Adolescence, Alcohol Use And Leisure, Jennifer Swofford

Graduate Research Papers

Adolescent alcohol use is a significant health and safety concern in the United States (National Institutes of Health, 2006). Alcohol use among adolescents has a number of negative consequences including academic failure, health problems, motor vehicle accidents and personal violence (Bruner and Fishman, 1998). Many researchers contend that the decision to use alcohol is made during childhood and early adolescence (Johnson, O'Malley and Bachman (1984).

This research project examined the relationship between adolescent alcohol use and leisure involvement. Many of the self-reported reasons that adolescents drink alcohol are similar to those benefits they derive from participation in more wholesome leisure …

School Size And Academic Performance, Jennifer J. Schlomer

Graduate Research Papers

The population of students housed in each school building, otherwise referred to as "school size," has increased tremendously over the last 50 years in the United States (Robertson, 2001). The purpose of this literature review was to look at school size and the effect that it has on students' academic performance to help K-12 advocates determine whether small schools or large schools are better for students academically. The literature examined for this study includes research done within the last 25 years pertaining to school size and academic performance. This literature review defines small schools and large schools and provides recommendations …

Beyond Just Reading The Words: Interacting With Text Using Literature Response Journals, Lisa L. La Rue Sage

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a ten-session professional development project on the effective use of literature response journals intended for teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade students. Beginning with an in-depth literature review on reader response theory and research on the practical application of reader response theory in the classroom, the project provides a rationale for the importance of the use of literature response journals to increase students' reading comprehension. The project sessions are designed to guide teachers through reader response theory into effective implementation of literature response journals in the classroom over time.

A Research Project Contributing To African American Children's Literature Based In The 1950s Time Period In Midwestern Culture, Paula Noelle Bolander

Graduate Research Papers

African American characters have been portrayed in children's literature since the 1800s. There is a lack of information available for children to learn about African Americans from the 1950s time period in the Midwest. Therefore, a nonfiction trade book based on African American culture in Burlington, Iowa will alleviate the gap in children's literature for the United States in the Midwest. The nonfiction trade book was based on Evangeline Ray's life growing up in Burlington, Iowa, in the 1950s. The vignettes portrayed in the book were created on the basis of 15 interviews with the researcher over a period of …

The Portrayal Of Grandparents As Caregivers In Young Adult Fiction, Susan Christine Bunch

Graduate Research Papers

The number of children and young adults being raised primarily by their grandparents continues to increase (Landry-Meyer & Newman, 2004). If either the grandchild or grandparent is suddenly thrust into a different family structure it can create challenges. Some young adults turn to the characters in literature as models for how to cope with life challenges (Hughes-Hassell & Rodge, 2007). It was the purpose of this quantitative study to explore physical health, mental and emotional health, and lifestyle and social challenges faced by grandparents and grandchildren when the grandparents are the primary caregivers, and how those challenges are portrayed in …

Synthesis And Characterization Of A [Ru(Bpy)2(Ncs)2] Derivative For Use As A Dye-Sensitizer In Nanocrystalline Solar Cells, Joel Thomas Kirner

Honors Program Theses

After extensive review of the field of dye-sensitized solar cells, the molecule [Ru(4,4’- dicarboxy-2,2’-bipyridine)(4,4’-di-(2-(2-pyridyl)ethenyl)-2,2’-bipyridine)(NCS)2] has been designed as an original contribution to the field. This dye sensitizer was chosen by derivatizing upon the structure of the standard sensitizer, cis-diisothiocyanatobis(4,4’-dicarboxylic acid-2,2’- bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (N3), by extending the conjugation of one bipyridine ligand. This structural derivatization should enhance light harvesting by red-shifting the dye’s absorbance and increasing the dye’s molar absorptivity, which should result in a dye-sensitized solar cell with higher efficiency. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) molecular orbital calculations of the new dye complex indicate that the HOMO is highly localized …

Formation Of The Neural Tube Epithelium Basement Membrane During Secondary Neurulation In The Chick Embryo, Leslie Ann Mataya

Honors Program Theses

Neurulation, the formation of the neural tube, is an important process in the development of vertebrates. Because this organ ultimately becomes the central nervous system of the organism, the proper development of a fully-functioning neural tube is paramount to its survival. Neural tube defects, like spina bifida and anencephaly, are among the most common congenital malformations present in live human births. The prevalence of these defects is a definite concern to medicine and human health.

Structure Elucidation Of A Glycosylated Benzyl Ester Of Salicylic Acid From The North American Prairie Plant Oligoneuron Rigidum, Sarah Katherine Miesner

Honors Program Theses

The organic extract from Oligoneuron rigidum displayed anti-microbial activity, indicating a potential future use as a natural food preservative. Three novel compounds were isolated from the active extract. The skeletal structure of the three compounds was determined by spectral methods, and the final structural component that remained to be determined was the locations of the acetate groups. Neutral permethylations were performed on the compounds as the first step in determining the locations of the acetate groups; however, the permethylation technique proved to be ineffective, causing cleavage of the native compounds. The structure elucidation will be complete when a non-degradable method …

Evaluation: Writing, Performing, And Producing A Comedy Show To Critically Examine Social Issues, Eva Elizabeth Andersen

Honors Program Theses

Upon completion of my experience in the UNI Honors Program, I wanted to create a thesis project that demonstrated my performance skills gained in communication coursework at UNI, as well as my capability as a writer, director, and producer. For me, a creative project was an obvious choice. I wanted nothing more than to have a tangible, professional piece of work to hand to entertainment industry producers and be able to say, "I created this during my undergraduate career at the University of Northern Iowa."

In order to fulfill these goals, I chose to create a show that was intelligent …

Integrating Art And Literacy In The Elementary Classroom, Megan Kristine Sorensen

Honors Program Theses

This project is about arts integration in elementary classrooms, specifically the integration of visual art and literacy. Its purpose is to examine the benefits of art integration and the ways it is currently being utilized in the classroom, both positively and negatively, in order to provide current and future teachers with a practical model for integrating instruction. As a pre-service teacher, I have spent time in a variety of classrooms observing the learning and instruction that is occurring therein. From these experiences I have discovered that art and content area learning are treated as two separate events. I see this …

Dramatic Literacy Lessons: Meeting The Speaking Standard Of The Iowa Core Curriculum, Ashley Brandt

Honors Program Theses

The Iowa Core Curriculum is a relatively new concept in Iowa, having just been approved May 21, 2009, and is designed to align with the subjects math and language arts with the National Common Core State Standard Initiative. There are currently very few resources available for teachers to gain the knowledge, expertise, and Iowa Core Curriculum specific lesson plans they may need to teach "essential concepts and skills". The focus of this thesis is to create a unit of lessons that are directly linked to the new ideas presented in the Iowa Core Curriculum for the Speaking skill sets of …

Playing Like A Girl: An Analysis Of The Role Of Gender In Trumpet Performance, Leslie Ellen Aboud

Honors Program Theses

The area of classical trumpet performance has been primarily regarded as a masculine profession and many are surprised to be informed of or stumble upon some of the great female trumpeters of our time. Since the gender of trumpet players is seemingly one-sided, it is important to note to what degree, if any, gender impacts this profession. The goal of this research is to use experiences and opinions of prominent female trumpet players to identify the role of gender in classical trumpet performance from the standpoint of musical expression and approaches to performance. In order to carry out these goals, …

The Perception And Production Of Spanish Pure Vowels By Native English Speakers, Lauren Erickson

Honors Program Theses

Quantitatively measuring a person’s fluency in a second language (L2) is difficult, but analysis of formant movements during vowel production may provide a more accurate way of measuring the accuracy of acquiring a native-like production of the L2. This study examined the accuracy with which two groups of native English speakers perceived and produced the Spanish vowel /e/ and diphthong /ei/, and compared their results with the results from a group of native Spanish speakers. For the perception portion of the study, participants were asked to correctly identify matching sounds, and the number and percentage of correct responses were compared …

Designing A Library Program To Increase The Number Of Fourth Grade Reading Goals, Jodonna Carlson

Graduate Research Papers

The problem identified by this research was at School C, 37% of the fourth grade students were not meeting their reading goal. The library at School C may not have been designed to meet the needs of these students. Action research using both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data was used in this study. Parental permission was given for four fourth grade students to participate in this study. Two fourth grade teachers also agreed to participate in this study. Field notes were used to gather data during observations of book checkout for each class. Open-ended questions were asked each …

Educating A School Community Implementing A One-To-One Laptop Learning Initiative, Shannon Mcclintock Miller

Graduate Research Papers

As a major technological change is implemented into a school community, such as a one-to-one laptop learning initiative, it is essential to educate everyone involved in order for it to be successful. In this research project, the Van Meter 1:1 Laptop Learning Initiative Google Site was developed to provide the resources and continued support needed for the change. The digital tools created to be used through the Google site brought knowledge, collaboration, creativity, and connections to the students, teachers, parents, and community at Van Meter. The tools also served as a way for Van Meter to connect to the world …

Sheldon Community History Traveling Trunk Project, Jan M. Kinderknecht

Graduate Research Papers

National, state, and local standards guide education in what is taught in the classrooms today. A lack of resources is often a problem in teaching these standards, especially at the local level. The Sheldon third grade teachers needed resources to fulfill the teaching expectations about their local community. The purpose of this project was to develop a traveling trunk filled with primary and secondary resources to be used in the teaching of a social studies unit on the community of Sheldon. Deciding what people, places, and events to include in these resources is often a concern. Another concern was what …

Talking About Death, Laura Dostal Reicks

Graduate Research Papers

Grief counseling for students in school is a need that comes unexpected, and thus demands prior preparation for the School Counselor. School is where we teach and help youth explore how to live a life. Death is a part of life. School Counselors can play an important role in helping students to identify what is normal when experiencing loss. The death marks the beginning of a transition period. Failure to communicate the needs of a student who is grieving can result in problems later in life. Grief is a unique journey that cannot be predicted or duplicated. Discussing and sharing …

Impact Of Time Reduction In Physical Education Class, Ada Potratz

Graduate Research Papers

Time is a precious commodity for school personnel, especially teachers. Teachers are talking about needing more time to teach and less time to consume administering standardized tests. The No Child Left Behind legislation has put pressure on teachers, schools, and districts to perform in Math and Reading. As a result, students are tested daily, weekly and monthly so data can be collected. This data is not used to put school and/or districts on the No Child Left Behind list of making progress or in need of assistance. Instead, it is used in districts to plot progress. To comply with the …

A Need For Picture Books Showing Girls Playing Organized Team Sports, Lisa A. Heiden

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to create a children's picture storybook depicting female characters participating in competitive team athletics. The book shows a young girl learning about the game of basketball and sharing the experience with her older sister. The researcher has a long history of athletic participation and a deep passion for sports. These experiences allowed the researcher to capture the essence of the sport of basketball and create a picture book for children that engages the reader and possibly encourages participation in athletics for children of various ages. The book gives young, athletic girls an early experience …

Cyber-Communication : Can Virtual Server Technologies Serve As Effective Media Delivery Tools For Human Performance Enhancement?, James E. Dorris

Graduate Research Papers

This project involved exploring whether or not virtual server technologies are viable and effective tools for human performance enhancement. The goal of this project was to conduct a comparative analysis of three specific virtual servers (i.e., YouTube, TeacherTube, and iTunesU) to determine whether or not either of these would serve as effective assets for improving the media development and delivery capabilities of the staff and faculty members at Hawkeye Community College. Four collaborative multimedia development projects were produced, monitored and evaluated to determine the levels of consistency, reliability, and user-friendliness in departmental media delivery processes. The research team of Hawkeye's …

Interaction And Social Learning : Keys In Distance Education, Delmar Hafermann

Graduate Research Papers

While distance learning is now becoming a norm, instructional designers and distance educators alike need to relook at how instruction is occurring in the online environment to ensure interaction is present. This literature review shows how distance learning has evolved through the use of an ever-changing facilitator, namely technology. The review explores interaction and the role it plays in the learning process. Social learning stresses that learners need to interact in order to build their knowledge and since technology-enhanced worlds hinder face-to-face interaction, distance educators and designers can address these shortcomings by designing interactive and collaborative environments. In conclusion, taking …

Designing Effective Multi-User Learning Environments To Enhance Game-Based Learning, Brian C. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examines the properties of specific video games, classified as multi-user learning environments, for commonalties and compares these pieces of software with sound learning theories to determine effective methods of using these types of software for educational applications. This category of software, though not initially developed as an educational learning environment or tool, has gained interest due to the social and entertainment value inherit with this type of game play. This paper reviews relevant published research material that examines the characteristics of both games created for entertainment value and games created for educational purposes to provide insights on …

Virtual Field Trips, Jill R. Stannard

Graduate Research Papers

This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual field trips and the lack of hands-on experience vs. traveling virtually through the World Wide Web. This study concentrates on the use of virtual field trips for students inside the classroom. Several descriptions of advantages and disadvantages are reflected in this review to provide a credible implementation in exploring the world. This can be done without even going outside or spending a lot of money, through virtual field trips which can be materialized inside the classroom without going farther from the school. This paper defines the qualities of an effective …

Hidden Alphabet On The Farm: Can You Find It? : A Research Project, Sandra Greufe

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to introduce young children to agriculture and provide a new and interesting way of looking at the alphabet. Researching the use of alphabet books to introduce children to agriculture shows that presenting the alphabet in a new and exciting way is beneficial to teaching children the alphabet (Norton, 2007). Studies show the movement of people to urban areas corresponds with decreased knowledge of agriculture ( AFBF A, 2006c). Hidden Alphabet on the Farm: Can You Find It? presents the alphabet to young children in a new and exciting way and teaches children about …

Laughter And Tears: A Qualitative Content Analysis, Apra Loomis

Graduate Research Papers

Young adult literature often focuses on different problems associated with adolescence. Humor may provide a strategy for alleviating the tension associated with such problems in realistic fiction. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of humor in current, positively reviewed young adult literature in dark topics such as depression, death and suicide. Themes that emerged included humor as a coping device, self-defeating humor, and affiliative humor. Humor as a coping device was shown to increase with age as a way to deal with stressful situations in a study by Fuhr (2002). In a study by Erickson & …

Strategies For Efficient And Effective Collaborative Practice In The School Library, Ann E. Reynolds

Graduate Research Papers

This action research study involved the school librarian, principal and one classroom teacher in Elementary School A. The researcher asked what strategies, actions, and organizers were necessary to facilitate effective collaborative guided inquiry practices. Data from planning one guided inquiry lesson, interviews, emails, conversations, observations, formative assessments, reflections, lesson plans, a curriculum map, and ongoing field notes showed that brief meetings and communication make collaboration time efficient and meaningful. Additional findings indicate that by developing ongoing, meaningful, professional relationships, working to eliminate unnecessary tasks, and making the most of available time and resources could improve the collaborative climate in Elementary …