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Xavier University's Discovering Life Science Program Evaluation Final Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

This document is the final report of the external evaluation of the project entitled: Implementing Inquiry and Technology in a Biology Lab for Pre–service Teachers and Non-majors embodied in Xavier University’s laboratory course Biol-125: Discovering Life Science and funded under the National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (HER.) award no. DUE#99-50373. The period of NSF funding for this two-year project of the NSF/HER/DUE Course, Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement Program was June 1, 1999 through May 31, 2001. There are several accomplishments that the University and the principal investigators can …

The Role Of Environmental Analogs In Identifying Potentially Invasive Woody Plants In Iowa, Mark P. Widrlechner

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Americans cultivate a large and diverse range of introduced woody plants as important sources of food and forest products, as well as for urban horticulture, amenity and wildlife plantings, and windbreaks. A small number of these species have become serious pests, disrupting well-established native plant communities or functioning as range and agricultural weeds. More of these species are not serious pests today, but have escaped cultivation and serve as potential sources of future outbreaks. Two other sources of potentially invasive woody plants are found among species that are not or are only rarely cultivated, about which we often know little …

Changing Mathematical Discourse: A Case Study Of A Secondary Mathematics Teacher, Mary Lynn Breyfogle

Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Invasive Species In Iowa: An Introduction, James J. Dinsmore, Neil P. Bernstein

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Concern over the increasing spread of invasive species and the potential impacts of those species on native communities has been the subject of several books and hundreds of research papers in recent years. President Clinton's Executive Order on invasive species in February1999 raised national attention to this issue. Natural resource agencies have been plagued by an ever-increasing number of invasive species and now consider this issue the second most important problem (after habitat loss) in their fight to maintain some semblance of natural communities on this planet. One group of experts estimated that in the United States alone, invasives cost …

War On Weeds: Winning It For Natural Areas, Jerry E. Asher

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

I am delighted to be here with you today to discuss the rapidly accelerating damage that invasive exotic plants are inflicting on natural areas in this country. This problem may seem overwhelming, but you need not despair because there are economical, realistic, and effective strategies available to meet this challenge.

There are two purposes to this presentation: to give you information you can use to convince others that invasive exotic plants are seriously harmful, and to suggest that we can win this war on invasive exotic plants if we engage enough of the right people.

An Overview And Management Plan Of Iowa's Non-Native, Invasive, Terrestrial Forbs, Deborah Q. Lewis, Richard O. Pope

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Non-native, invasive forb species have been a problem in Iowa since the earliest decades of Iowa's European settlement. The history of studies of Iowa's invasive plants began with L. H. Pammel, and these studies continue to present. Three tables cite the occurrence of many of these species in the state, with Table 1 listing 93 non-native forbs reported by Pammel, Table 2 citing ten invasive forbs of natural areas, and Table 3 adding 38 observed or potential aggressive species of Iowa's anthropogenic and natural areas.

There has been a divergence of interest and research in the management of invasive species …

Iowa's Non-Native Graminoids, Thomas R. Rosburg

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Iowa's non-native graminoids include 60 species of grasses and one species of bulrush. The exotic grass species comprise a large proportion (about 31%) of the total species richness of grasses in Iowa, which are second only to the Asteraceae in terms of total species. About half of the non-native graminoids (52%) occur sporadically and form sparse, non-invasive populations, while eighteen species (about 30%) are commonly encountered in large populations throughout the state. About 60% are annuals and a large majority (89%) has been introduced from either Europe or Asia. The C3 photosynthetic pathway is prevalent, occurring in approximately two-thirds of …

Eurasian Watermilfoil: Status And Management In Iowa, Gary S. Phillips

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

In 1993, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) was discovered in Crystal Lake, Hancock County, Iowa. During the next three years, new infestations were discovered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) fisheries personnel in four Iowa lakes. In July 1996, a program was established by the IDNR to address the threat posed by Eurasian watermilfoil to Iowa's aquatic ecosystems. As part of the Eurasian Watermilfoil Program, statewide aquatic vegetation monitoring was begun to identify those lakes currently infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. Monitoring activities were conducted by IDNR field technicians during the summers of 1996 through 2000. During this time …

Non-Native Amphibians And Reptiles In Iowa, James L. Christiansen

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Only a few species appear as introductions into Iowa in the last 30 years. The bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, was systematically introduced along with fish stocked from hatcheries in the 1930s and this species continues to spread in northern Iowa where it poses a hazard to smaller frogs. Turtles sold as pets, primarily map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica and G. geographica) and red-eared turtles (Trachemys scripta) continue to be found in scattered ponds, usually rural, throughout the state. The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolma) has been reported in or on the edge of most major Iowa cities even though no breeding population …

Index For The Journal Of The Iowa Academy Of Science Volume 108 And Erratum

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Introduced Fungi: Some Cause Significant Plant Disease Problems, Lois H. Tiffany

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Species of the three groups of fungi characterized here on the basis of their energy source acquisition have differing potentials for becoming problem organisms following introduction as alien fungi new to Iowa. The decomposer group of fungi that obtain an energy supply by action of extracellular enzyme activity on dead plant tissues typically have perennial mycelium, are cosmopolitan in distribution, and are unlikely to become problems even if established. The second group, the mycorrhizal/lichen group are highly specific in their relationships. The mycorrhizal fungus group have a potential for being introduced as mycorrhiza already established with the roots of particular …

More Than A Century Of Change In The Ames, Iowa Flora (1859-2000), William R. Norris, Mark P. Widrlechner, Deborah Q. Lewis, Jimmie D. Thompson, Richard O. Pope

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We compared two floras compiled in Ames, Iowa: (1) an "historic" flora based on two published floras (1871, 1890) and on 1450 herbarium voucher specimens of plants collected in Ames between 1859 and 1899, and (2) a "current" flora compiled by us during recent fieldwork (1990-2000). Our goals were to determine 1) long-term changes in composition (i.e., the proportion of native species) over time, 2) long-term changes in the abundance of individual plant species over time, and 3) the extent of gains and losses of native and non-native plant species. We found that the proportion of native species declined over …

Exotic And Invasive Woody Plant Species In Iowa, Donald R. Farrar

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Seventy species and hybrids of exotic woody trees, shrubs, and vines have naturalized in Iowa. Nearly half of these species (31) have become invasive pests in parts of the state or have potential do so. Most of the seriously invasive species are spread by bird ingestion of whole fruits. Widespread dispersal by birds hinders eradication efforts and should be considered a trait indicative of potential invasiveness. The economic and ecological values of Iowa forests are seriously compromised by exotic invasive woody species, especially where forests recovering from cropland and pasture are dominated by exotic species. Thus, a simple measure of …

Forest Invasives In Iowa: Current Problems And Future Issues, John Walkowiak, John Haanstad

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Iowa's forest resources of primarily deciduous trees covers over 0.8 million hectares (2 million acres) of upland and floodplain sites too steep or too wet for traditional row crop agriculture. These limited natural forests along with urban trees and shelterbelts plantings of trees are critical for environmental and economic enhancement in the state. Although not yet established in the state, exotic insects, such as gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and pine shoot beetle, threaten native tree vitality. Established exotic diseases such as oak wilt and Dutch elm disease continue to plague the survival of Iowa's oak and elm resources, respectively. …

Back Cover

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Cover - Table Of Contents

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Purple Loosestrife: History, Management, And Biological Control In Iowa, Amy P. Wiebe, John J. Obrycki

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive plant species infesting wetlands in North America. Biodiversity and wetland habitat quality are reduced following purple loosestrife establishment. Several management tactics, including cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, have had limited success in reducing the spread of purple loosestrife. Beginning in the 1990s, a biological control program has introduced several species of natural enemies from Europe that feed on purple loosestrife. Since 1994, Iowa State University has reared and released two species of beetles that feed on purple loosestrife, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla. Biological control is one component of an integrated purple loosestrife …

History And Development Of The Eurasian Watermilfoil Program In Iowa, Gary S. Phillips

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Following a concerted effort by citizens of the Iowa Great Lakes area to address the threat posed by Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) to waterbodies in Iowa, the Iowa Eurasian Watermilfoil Law was passed in 1996 by the Iowa legislature. Passage of this law led to the establishment of the Eurasian Watermilfoil Program in July 1996 to address the requirements specified by this legislation. Since establishment of the Eurasian Watermilfoil Program, numerous activities have been carried out to address the threat posed to aquatic ecosystems by Eurasian watermilfoil. These include public awareness and education, boat access monitoring, aquatic vegetation monitoring, …

Ecological Problems With Iowa's Invasive And Introduced Fishes, Neil P. Bernstein, John R. Olson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Since the time of European settlement, at least 59 non-indigenous fish species have been introduced, reached, or moved within Iowa waters. At least 28 nonnative fish species have been introduced into, or reported from Iowa waters since settlement. Of that number, 10 are established at this time through natural reproduction. In addition, many species of native fishes have been translocated within the state, and we provide documentation for 31 of these species. Two translocated species, gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and yellow bass (Marone mississippiensis), have had adverse impacts on Iowa's aquatic ecosystems. While many introductions are thought to be benign, …

Invasive Birds In Iowa: Status, Problems, And Threats, James J. Dinsmore

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

A total of 18 invasive bird species has been introduced into or have expanded their range to include Iowa. These include ten non-North American species, one North American species that has been displaced and now is established in Iowa, and seven native species that have been released to reestablish Iowa populations. Twelve of those are regularly occurring species in Iowa, and they comprise 3.0% (12 of 404) of the species known from Iowa and 5% (10 of 199) of Iowa's nesting avifauna. These percentages are similar to those found in neighboring states. Several more species are likely to become established …

Helping At-Risk Students Add Up: Motivational Lessons For Students In High School Mathematics, Karen Beckner

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.

Automated, Web-Based, Second-Chance Homework, Randall W. Hall, Leslie G. Butler, Saundra Y. Mcguire, Sean P. Mcglynn, Gary L. Lyon, Ron L. Reese, Patrick A. Limbach

Randall W. Hall

Teaching Analytical Chemistry To The Masses: How We Went From 2 Courses To 7 Courses In 10 Years, Gary Long, Mark Anderson, Brian Tissue, John Morris

Mark R. Anderson

No abstract is currently available.

Interactive Multimedia Over The Internet For Teaching Analytical Chemistry, Mark Anderson

Mark R. Anderson

No abstract is currently available.

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network – Fall 2001

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

"Everything is Connected to Everything Else." by Dave Gosselin, NESEN Director

Right Before Your Eyes -- Introducing Universal Data Visualize by Mark Mesarch

"Awesome Aquifer Adventure" Videos by Lori Davison

Pioneers Park Geology by Roger K. Pabian, CSD Research Geologist

New and Improved NESEN Website by Mark Mesarch

Science Day by Andy Knudsen

Women in Science Conference by Andy Knudsen

The New Learning Web - Explore the World of Natural Science at USGS by Carolyn Bell

NESEN 2001 Summer Workshops by Kylee Anderson

Saltdogs… Where'd They Get That Name? By Edwin F. Harvey, Ph.D., P.G.

Hexapod Herald - Vol. 13, No. 3, October 2001

Hexapod Herald and Other Entomology Department Newsletters

Calendar of events

Welcome

Personnel update

Congratulations

Faculty news

Grants

Graduate student news

Publications

Travel

Entomology fall faculty meeting dates

Ento 905 seminars

A Children's Realm: An Experiment Using Life-Sized Manipulatives To Expand Exploring And Learning Opportunities For Children, Robert E. Drake Iii

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

In this synthesis I describe a "Children's Realm" in which middle school children can safely explore and interact with a variety of physical phenomena typically reserved for the adult world, such as building and driving a car. A Children's Realm is an experiment. It is an attempt to not only design, but engineer a unique environment for middle school students to explore and learn. It is based on providing the complex tools I feel children need to do this kind of learning on their own. These complex tools I call Life-Sized Manipulatives or simply LSM. I highlight the importance of …

On The Preparation Of High School Mathematics Teachers, Edna Maura Zuffi

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

In this paper I discuss some results got in 1997/98 with Brazilian mathematics school teachers. The research was done to investigate their mathematical language as related to the concept of function. A dichotomy was detected between “formal” and “practical” language they used to express their own conceptions of function, as well as to teach their students this subject. Also, I found teachers’ conceptual images “shrinking” as soon as they were far from their colleges or universities programs.