Digital Commons Network^™

Free Online Resources Not To Miss For Teaching Middle School Mathematics, Clayton M. Edwards

Curriculum & Instruction Faculty Publications

Do you need an infusion of richer tasks into your middle level mathematics classroom? Ask yourself the following questions:

-- Have you been using the same text for your mathematics curriculum for multiple years?

-- Has the promise of your text being “Iowa Core compatible” failed to come to fruition? • Are you a new middle school mathematics instructor and feel stuck with the materials present when you first got your job?

-- Are your middle school students generally lacking excitement towards any curricular choices you make or materials you use?

-- Do you wish your students would show and …

Upper Elementary Students Creatively Learn Scientific Features Of Animal Skulls By Making Movable Books, Juile L. Klein, Phyllis Gray, Ksenia S. Zhbanova, Audrey C. Rule

Curriculum & Instruction Faculty Publications

Arts integration in science has benefits of increasing student engagement and understanding. Lessons focusing on form and function of animal skulls provide an effective example of how handicrafts integrated with science instruction motivate students and support learning. The study involved students ages 9-12 during a week-long summer day camp. Students applied animal skull concepts of eye positions of predators and prey, relative eye sizes of nocturnal animals compared to tunnel-dwellers, shapes and functions of different types of teeth, and terminology and functions of different bones, openings, and structures of animal skulls in making moveable book pages. These pages featured pop-up …

Prairie Power Project: Determining Maximum Sustainable Production Of Biomass With A Mixture Of Prairie Species, Cynthia Cambardella, Kenneth Elgersma, Eric Giddens, Mark Myers, Mark Sherrard, Daryl Smith

Tallgrass Prairie Publications and Reports

Native prairie species mixtures appear to have great promise as bioenergy feedstocks. These perennial plants store carbon and produce greater net energy than row crops because: (1) after initial establishment they require little or no energy input such as cultivation, fertilizer, pesticides and irrigation; (2) they sequester excess CO2; and (3) all above ground biomass is used rather than just the seed. Furthermore, prairie grows well on non-prime, nutrient-poor, agricultural soils and will not displace food crops from higher quality agricultural land.

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Technical Manual [2015], Josh Brandt, Kirk Henderson, Jim Uthe, Maria Urice

Faculty Book Gallery

The objective of this publication is to provide basic technical support for new and existing Iowa county roadside programs. The manual is also intended to provide guidance to policymakers and engineers interested in adopting or expanding integrated vegetation management in county right-of-way.

University Of Northern Iowa Fact Book, 2015-2016, University Of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa Fact Book

Contents:

Quick Reference ... Inside Front Cover
Mission Statement ... 1
UNI Organizational Chart ... 2
UNI Administration ... 3
Definition of Terms Used ... 4
Calendar ... 6
New Students ... 7
Enrollment ... 13
Alumni ... 31
Faculty and Staff ... 39
Budget and Finance ... 44
Library ... 51
General Information ... 53
Peer Institutions ... 66

A Comparison Of The Effects Of Burning, Haying And Mowing On Plants And Small Mammals In A Tallgrass Prairie Reconstruction, Ryan Allan Neuhaus

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Fire is an effective management tool for reconstructed prairies. However, due to safety concerns, road departments and other prairie managers are sometimes reluctant to use fire. Therefore, alternative techniques to manage reconstructed prairie, such as mowing or haying, need to be considered. The goal of this study is to determine if mowing and/or haying can be used to manage vegetation in lieu of fire for prairie reconstructions. This study examines the effects of four management techniques on plant and small mammal species in a tallgrass prairie reconstruction. No management, mowing, haying, and burning were replicated six times using a split …

2015 Biennial Faculty Activities Report, University Of Northern Iowa, University Of Iowa, Iowa State University

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Report of faculty activity broken down by rank and compared to the other Regents institutions

2014-15 Uni Strategic Plan Accomplishments, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

A report detailing the progress on the strategic goals within the University of Northern Iowa's strategic plan.

Annual Report Of The Registrar 2014/2015, University Of Northern Iowa

Institutional Effectiveness & Planning Documents

Contents:

--- Definitions
--- Some Comparisons
--- Summary of Attendance
--- Attendance by Session
--- Full-Time Equivalency Enrollment
--- Degrees Granted
--- Degree Summary
--- Program Certificates
--- Miscellaneous Enrollment Information
--- Degrees Granted by College, Degree and Racial/Ethnic Classification

Perceived Effects Of Family Status Changes On Male Collegiate Outdoor Recreation Coordinators, Andrew K. Martin

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A career as a collegiate outdoor recreation professional is both a challenging and rewarding occupation. It is a position that consists of inconsistent hours as well as extended periods away from home. This qualitative study identified how changes in family status affect an individual’s perception of the position as a collegiate outdoor recreation coordinator. More specifically, the perceived benefits or challenges that occur throughout the family status changes, and what effect, if any, these perceptions had on the individual’s work performance, job satisfaction and career longevity.

Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals who were employed …

Instruction And Standards-Referenced Grading In A 9th Grade Conceptual Physics Classroom, John C. Chai

Graduate Research Papers

In recent years, a radical method of assessing students has been gaining popularity. An increasing number of school systems in Iowa and nationwide are implementing standards-referenced grading (Stegmeir, 2014). In standards-referenced grading, grades are determined only by academic factors. This makes grades more accurate, fair, and useful for students and parents. While standards-referenced grading can offer many benefits, stakeholders can often resist making the change (Stegmeir, 2014). The goal of this project is to provide an example of exemplary physics instruction that is assessed using standards-referenced grading in a 9th grade conceptual physics classroom.

Active Landing Velocity: "Pawing Motion", Erin Dean Blind

Graduate Research Papers

The significance of this study is to newly examine a factor of sprint performance. Previous studies have examined the limiting factor of vertical force of contact during a sprint. Studies have yet to look at the horizontal velocity of the foot with respect to the center of mass prior to contact in a sprint. This study will look at this horizontal velocity to examine if that is also a limiting factor during the sprint. Past studies have shown that vertical forces of sprinters are as big two to three times the body weight during a sprint then when trying to …

Sustainable Microfinancing: Improving Microenterprise's Traditional Measures Of Success, Stephen R. Watson

Graduate Research Papers

Microfinance has over three decades of experience serving the needs of the poor on earth. Unfortunately, academia and the secular world are divided on its effectiveness to lift the impoverished from the bottom of the economic pyramid. India is the focus of this paper, but measures of microfinace success are essentially universal. This paper examines the metrics used to evaluate programs and their benefit to India's poor. Current estimates find 2.8 billion people survive on less than $2 per day. Subsistence living impacts nutrition, shelter, sanitation, transportation and access to healthcare and education. India's caste system creates discrimination and overpopulation …

Understanding By Design Unit Lesson Plans For The Next Generation Science Standards: Life Science, Arie Schiller

Graduate Research Papers

The project that I focused on for my Creative Component is the creation of Understanding by Design (UbD) unit lesson plans that address the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the topic of Evolution. When the final framework was released of the NGSS in 2011, the need for teachers to revisit and align their curriculum became a necessary step to ensure appropriate content was taught. In the fall of 2013, Keokuk Community School District decided science teachers would begin implementing the new NGSS, anticipating that the state of Iowa will adopt the standards.

This creative component includes lesson plans correlated …

The Inclusion Of Engineering Design Into The High School Biology Curriculum, Cody D. Lakose

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to develop engineering-based lessons for a life science course,i.e. biology, in order to meet the NGSS standards as well as increase student interest in engineering by incorporating the principles of engineering design into the traditional science classroom.

Influx Of Child Immigrants To The United States: Policy & Practice Implications, Megan Vogt

Graduate Research Papers

Beginning in 2012, an influx of immigrant children from the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras arrived in the United States from their home countries searching for safety and security. As the federal government stepped in to help place the children throughout the states, the governor of Iowa made a stance refusing to provide funding to these children leaving non-profits and faith-based organizations to provide the necessary resources. This study examines the options, services, and resources the children have accessed or are capable of accessing after arriving in the United States. Through interviews with agencies, groups, and organizations in …

Lifeguard Fitness Readiness: Certification Vs. Qualification, Jacob Rasmussen

Graduate Research Papers

To become a certified lifeguard, generally there are three test. These eligibility tests required for lifeguarding enrollment into lifeguarding courses include: (a) a swimming assessment where the participant must continuously swim a certain distance, (b) a timed treading water, and (c) an object retrieval from a specified depth of the pool. The instructor of the lifeguarding class then determines if the participant adequately demonstrated the skills to continue in the class. Once participants successfully demonstrate each skill, they are then tested on their in and out of water skill competencies. Finally, lifeguard certification includes written knowledge tests at the end …

The 1930s: The Great Depression And Beyond ; An Annotated Bibliography, Tydra Corbin

Graduate Research Papers

The amount of material a social studies teacher is expected to cover in a year can be overwhelming. Yet, when a search for picture books to support a unit on the 1930s in America was conducted, no comprehensive list was found. Therefore, the purpose of this research project was to create an annotated bibliography of high quality picture books aligned to the National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies that would improve the teaching of a unit on the decade. After examining the picture books, gaps in the topics covered were identified, and vetted websites were selected to supplement coverage of …

An Annotated Bibliography Of Materials Recommended For Middle School Classrooms Regarding The Multiple Perspectives On The Causes Of The American Civil War, Emma Folland

Graduate Research Papers

The Civil War is a topic that is taught at the middle school level. However, teachers are not necessarily teaching from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. They are also not always looking at the causes of the Civil War beyond slavery. The purpose of this project was to create a selective annotated bibliography of recommended resources for middle school teachers to use when teaching about the causes of the Civil War from both the Northern and Southern perspectives. The researcher considered what resources were available for teaching middle school students about the different causes of the Civil War from …

Examining Variations In Technology Use For K-12 Students Of Different Gender And Socioeconomic Status, Nikki Lyons

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature currently published on how members of different genders and socioeconomic classes use technology to suit their needs in and out of the classroom learning environment. It will focus on the use of digital technologies by students in elementary, middle, and high schools. This was done by examining 30 research-based, peer-reviewed journal articles, books, published papers, documents, and observational analyses. The research indicates there are clear differences in how members of different subpopulations such as gender and socioeconomic groups choose to use technology to suit their communication, collaboration, instructional, and entertainment …

Coaching Stances : Changing Practice Through Self-Reflection, Patricia D. Foster

Graduate Research Papers

Literacy coaches must understand the sometimes subtle nuances in the language used to guide teachers in order to build their instructional capacity and ultimately increase student achievement. This article examines the coaching stances of "coaching, teaching and telling" that move along a continuum of support provided through a coaching framework for a literacy coach and her elementary teachers. Analysis of coaching practice was accomplished through a process of self-study and reflection that examined language over a three month period of coaching cycles. Rodgers and Rodgers outline three characteristics of effective coaching conversations that provide the catalyst of action to move …

Osteoporosis In Older Saudi Women: A Perspective Study, Zahra Saeed Alfaraj

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to first discuss and discover reasons behind this increasing outburst of osteoporosis cases in older Saudi women and then to develop certain prevention strategies based on Social Cognitive Theory and this research and its reasoning, in an attempt to check the rapid increase of this disease in menopausal Saudi women. All of these targets can be achieved by an in-depth study of osteoporosis, and then applying this knowledge toward prevention of the disease.

Funding And Finance Mechanisms For Public Aquatic Facilities In Iowa Towns With Population Under 10,000, Joshua A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The cost of running and financing municipal aquatic facilities has grown in recent years due to increased maintenance, capital expenditures and required facility upgrades. The purpose of this research was to assess the funding and finance mechanisms for public aquatic facilities in the state of Iowa. The results are based on research of twelve municipalities with populations under 10,000 individuals with an operating budget under $500,000. Information was developed from data form off websites and personal interviews with the personnel in charge of financial decisions within the aquatic facility. The researcher reviewed the programming for each municipality including American Red …

The Public Library Experience: Choosing Books To Read From Predetermined Levels And Its Implications, Amy L. Seufert

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to explore the implications resulting from experiences in libraries that parents and children face when they come to the public library with externally identified reading levels that restrict their reading to materials with a particular numerical measure. The volunteer participants included 27 parents and their children who frequent the public library searching for books, particularly leveled books. Participants completed a simple, paper survey which was located at the library desk over a two week period. Based on their in depth answers to survey questions, three parents of first and second grade students were asked …

Poverty's Effect On Students' 21st Century Skills Acquisition And Learning Experiences, Anne Sellers

Graduate Research Papers

Limited access to computing devices and Internet connectivity among low SES students creates a digital divide, as students lose precious time to acquire and practice 21st century skills between the classroom and home. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine teachers' perceptions on how poverty influences students' 21st century skills and learning experiences. Six high school teachers participated in semi-structured interviews about their perceptions of low SES students' JCT skills in comparison to their peers, and how their learning experiences differ within the classroom. The findings and conclusions of this study revealed that teachers perceive low SES students …

Annotated Bibliography Of Thematically Related Historical Fiction Picture Books And Nonfiction Pairs, Katherine Seibel

Graduate Research Papers

The Iowa Common Core requires students to read both fiction and nonfiction texts. Iowa teachers would benefit from a list of books that will allow them to meet school curricular requirements as well as the Iowa Core requirement. The purpose of this project was to create an annotated bibliography of paired sets of picture books and nonfiction books that correspond to one mid-sized Iowa elementary school's literacy curriculum. The researcher selected units from the school's literacy program that could be taught in a historical context, and then prepared an annotated bibliography consisting of pairs of a historical fiction picture book …

How To Build An Effective, Engaged Nonprofit Board Of Directors, Elizabeth D. Heins

Graduate Research Papers

No abstract provided.

Donor Development In Challenging Circumstances: Addressing Economic Troubles And Donor-Held Stereotypes To Increase Nonprofit Giving By Individuals, Jessica A. Ueland

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to determine how a nonprofit organization can effectively increase its funding from individual donors, even when faced with two significant barriers to giving. One examined barrier to gaining individual donors is an economic recession and its potential impact on a donor's ability to give to an organization. The second examined barrier to increasing individual donations is stereotypes held by a potential donor that may prevent him or her from supporting the organization's mission and clients.

Research was done to help better understand the diverse needs of individuals in the Fargo, North Dakota area. The …

Closing The Knowledge Gap Between Virtual Design And Product Manufacturing : Using 3d Printing For The Ninth Grade, Jeremiah D. Cooper

Graduate Research Papers

This action research investigates the impact of using 3D printing for a Technology Education course in a ninth grade classroom in general, and the effectiveness of students' ability to connect virtual design and manufacturing concepts in particular. There is a current gap in 3D printing research involving the link between designing products virtually using CADD software and the manufacturing processes necessary to create real life products. This action research attempts to fill the current research gap between computer-aided design and product manufacturing for ninth grade students.

Within the three weeks of this experimental design research, as a teacher who teaches …

Attention Test Performance And Normal Aging: The Effect On Executive Function, Rachel Carmen

Honors Program Theses

In this pilot study, twenty-nine participants completed the following three executive function tests: the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive System, the Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies, and Auditory Process Training. Participants, aged blank to blank, were divided into two age groups: young adults, which was comprised of 16 participants, and older adults, which was comprised of 13 participants. Performance means of the two groups were established and compared. There were no predictive qualities to the younger adults’ scores, and there were only in two FAVRES subtests for the older adults: accuracy and reasoning. Further research is needed …