Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 31 - 50 of 50
Full-Text Articles in Education
The Impacts Of An Experiential-Based Learning Opportunity, Allison Ronglien
The Impacts Of An Experiential-Based Learning Opportunity, Allison Ronglien
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The question addressed by this research study was, “What are the impacts of an experiential-based learning opportunity?” Participants of the study were high school students enrolled in an elective summer field-experience course. Students completed a survey prior to the nine-day canoe trip in Lake of the Woods, Minnesota. This survey provided background information on the participants’ general interest in the environment, self-confidence, and ability to communicate effectively. Following the field-experience, students completed a similar survey. The data collected was analyzed using methods for a qualitative research study. The results indicated that after participating in a field-experience course students reported a …
High School Water Quality Curriculum For Rural And Urban Areas, James David Mesik
High School Water Quality Curriculum For Rural And Urban Areas, James David Mesik
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this curriculum development Capstone was to create a unit of lessons to address the topic of water quality for high school students in an agricultural class focusing on natural resources. The curriculum contains lessons that tackle issues related to both farmland and nonfarm related water quality issues. Methods of teaching include hands-on lessons, a field trip and a guest speaker. Specific issues are confronted and potential solutions to water quality problems are presented. The overall goal is to create curriculum that would foster a sense of water quality stewardship in students. Included with this curriculum are copies …
The Impacts Of Classroom Stem¬-Themed Environmental Investigations On Middle School Environmental Literacy, Megan Alece Heitkamp
The Impacts Of Classroom Stem¬-Themed Environmental Investigations On Middle School Environmental Literacy, Megan Alece Heitkamp
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research study was to answer the research question: How does integrating STEMthemed environmental investigations in the middle school classroom impact environmental literacy? In order to understand the various aspects of this research question, a literature review was conducted for the topics of middle school learners, STEM learning and environmental literacy. The study utilized a mixed methods approach and 131, 7th grade students participated in the study; students took the Middle School Environmental Literacy Survey (MSELS) as a pretest and posttest. Between these surveys, students participated in four learning investigations that applied STEM learning, environmental problems, inquirybased …
Environmental Education In A Dual Immersion Classroom, Annaka Marie Larson
Environmental Education In A Dual Immersion Classroom, Annaka Marie Larson
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project was, how can environmental education curricula be implemented in dual immersion classrooms? It describes how the author used a unit planning framework designed for dual immersion to adapt lessons from the environmental education curriculum Project WILD for her first grade Spanish immersion class. Both curriculum design and action research were incorporated into the project. She details the process of modifying the lessons, what happened when she implemented the lessons in her classroom, and how the lessons improved students’ content knowledge, language abilities, and appreciation for the environment. She concludes that environmental education can …
The Impact Of Environmental Education On Environmental Literacy And Motivation In Urban Communities, Amber Huston
The Impact Of Environmental Education On Environmental Literacy And Motivation In Urban Communities, Amber Huston
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is does environmental education increase environmental literacy and motivation in urban communities in the United States? The motivating factor for this capstone was from evidence that environmental education can not only improve motivation and literacy, but also help improve academic achievement. This capstone details both historical and current data to support full integration of structured environmental education programs into urban academics. The author documents the results of a survey based on observations made by various academic instructors of both their personal experiences, as well as their view of their students’ experiences, both inside and outside the …
Increased Connection To Nature And Development Of Ecological Identity In The Illinois Master Naturalist Program, Laura Sjoquist
Increased Connection To Nature And Development Of Ecological Identity In The Illinois Master Naturalist Program, Laura Sjoquist
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to examine the ways in which the Illinois Master Naturalist program affected adult learners’ connection to local natural areas and the development of an ecological identity. Participants in the Illinois Master Naturalist Program were interviewed to determine their experience in the program. During the interview they were asked to describe their connections to nature and their ecological identity prior to and after participation in the program. While more research is needed, it was concluded from the data that the Master Naturalist program did enable adult learners to develop a greater connection to …
The Relationship Between Agriculture And The Environment, Elise Nicole Volz
The Relationship Between Agriculture And The Environment, Elise Nicole Volz
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Southern Minnesota is an agricultural hub, and there is a deeply rooted methodology when it comes to the techniques used to plant, grow, and harvest grain crops. These techniques have come under scrutiny as they are being accused of causing harm to the environment. As an alternative to these conventional agricultural techniques, sustainable agriculture provides an agricultural methodology that aims to grow crops in such a way that the environment is harmed a little as possible. This project was designed to determine awareness of sustainable agriculture among a group of students and develop a curriculum that allows students to explore …
How Does Composting At School Change The Way Middle School Students Perceive Their Ability To Positively Impact The Earth?, Katie Lynn Pangborn
How Does Composting At School Change The Way Middle School Students Perceive Their Ability To Positively Impact The Earth?, Katie Lynn Pangborn
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this project is: how does composting at school change the way middle school students perceive their ability to positively impact the earth? The motivating factor for this capstone was the lack of awareness middle school students seem to have in regards to the waste they create and how to handle their waste. This capstone delves into the impacts of service learning combined with environmentalism. Since service learning is most impactful when it is student-led, students brainstormed ideas around waste management at their school and concluded that composting should be part of the plan. Students designed, …
Nature Experiences And Ecoliteracy: The Effect Of PlaceBased Education Experiences, Adventure And Outdoor Education Experiences And Undirected Nature Experiences On EcoLiteracy, Beth Anne Moonstone
Nature Experiences And Ecoliteracy: The Effect Of PlaceBased Education Experiences, Adventure And Outdoor Education Experiences And Undirected Nature Experiences On EcoLiteracy, Beth Anne Moonstone
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The question addressed in this project was: How do placebased education experiences, adventure and outdoor education experiences, and undirected time in nature impact ecoliteracy? The first part of this study used the Connected to Nature Scale (CNS) developed by Frantz and Mayer (2004) to determine whether a participant self reported as ecoliterate. The CNS is one of the most widely used tools for measuring a connection to nature in relation to ecoliterate behavior. The second step of the study used quantitative survey questions to evaluate participants on placebased education, adventure and outdoor education and undirected time in nature. The third …
Benefits Provided To American Indian Youth Through Gidaakiimanaaniwigamig Stem Camps, Kyra Jo Paitrick
Benefits Provided To American Indian Youth Through Gidaakiimanaaniwigamig Stem Camps, Kyra Jo Paitrick
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
American Indian youth face many adversities. Suicide rates are among the highest in the country. High school graduation rates are the lowest in the country. Many American Indian youth grow up in foster care and some find themselves in juvenile detention centers or gangs. Furthermore, tribal communities are experiencing a shortage of American Indians in the workforce who are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to fill essential positions that sustain the natural resources that are important to the tribe. There are many efforts in Indian Country to be proactive with American Indian youth, providing them with supports …
A Nature Adventure Chapter Book For Early Readers And How It Can Influence Children's Interest In And Desire To Explore The Natural World, Keith Marshall
A Nature Adventure Chapter Book For Early Readers And How It Can Influence Children's Interest In And Desire To Explore The Natural World, Keith Marshall
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
With the increase in screen-time, children are spending less and less time outside in nature. Many studies are finding significant negative impacts upon their mental, physical and emotional well-being. The author attempted to develop an age-appropriate fictional story based upon accurate and appropriate nature and science lessons. The book, The Adventurers…Journey to the Crooked Forest was created to test if children would be more interested in going outside in nature as well as if the book could increase children’s knowledge of nature and science topics through storytelling. The effectiveness of the book was tested on fifty 1st -3 rd grade …
Professionals Reflect On The Under Representation Of Visitors Of Color In Wilderness Areas, Jessica Iris Ostrov
Professionals Reflect On The Under Representation Of Visitors Of Color In Wilderness Areas, Jessica Iris Ostrov
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to capture the perspectives of five wilderness area staff as they reflect on the scarcity of visitors of color to their places of employment. Qualitative interviews were conducted to learn the viewpoints of the participants. Findings suggest that the racialized history of the United States and the framework of inequity in the formation of park systems encouraged the subsequent development of urban identities that have resulted in cultural traits separating many people of color from all peoples' roots in nature. In addition, contemporary barriers due to the opportunity gap for communities of color create …
How Can The Relationship Between Climate Change And The Coast Redwood Forest Be Incorporated Into Fifth And Sixth Grade Environmental Education Programs?, Dorea Eve Martin
How Can The Relationship Between Climate Change And The Coast Redwood Forest Be Incorporated Into Fifth And Sixth Grade Environmental Education Programs?, Dorea Eve Martin
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The question for this research is: how can the relationship between climate change and the coast redwood forest be incorporated into fifth and sixth grade environmental education programs? Climate change is a real, global problem, and this capstone is intended as a resource for environmental educators to incorporate climate change into their programs. It includes a literature review of scientific research on climate change impacts on coast redwood forests and presents a lesson plan for teaching climate change in the redwood setting. The lesson plan covers basic climate science, dendrochronology, and carbon footprints, and was conducted at Westminster Woods, a …
Successful Characteristics And Motivations For Farmers To Participate In A Small Farmers’ Market: A Case Study Of A Small Minnesota Farmers Market., Josephine Marie Wood
Successful Characteristics And Motivations For Farmers To Participate In A Small Farmers’ Market: A Case Study Of A Small Minnesota Farmers Market., Josephine Marie Wood
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this capstone is characteristics that make a farmers’ market successful from the perspective of vendors who participate in a case study market. Other information is also obtained to learn more about the vendor’s background, reason for selling at the case study market, as well as disadvantages to the case study market. The methodology to answer the question included both questionnaire surveys and face-to-face interviews. Literature supporting the increase in farmers’ markets across the United States as well as information on how to begin a farmers’ market was included in this study. The study concluded that …
Growing In This Place: A Place-Based Guide To Edible Wild Plants And Wildcrafting In Minnesota, Kelly Shaun Knott
Growing In This Place: A Place-Based Guide To Edible Wild Plants And Wildcrafting In Minnesota, Kelly Shaun Knott
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The main research question explored in this curriculum capstone is what are some simple things that children could know about where they live and what edible wilds grow around them that would enrich their sense of place? A goal of this project is to get children outside with an adult companion exploring natural settings by way of foraging for wild edibles. The purpose of this wild edibles guide is to give novice foragers the basic tools necessary to ensure wildcrafting success. The guide highlights fourteen easy to identify common wild edibles growing in Minnesota and concludes with fourteen simple recipes …
Presenting Evolution In Public Schools; Is It Indisputable?, Paul Andrew Erdman
Presenting Evolution In Public Schools; Is It Indisputable?, Paul Andrew Erdman
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is, how do 10 public school teachers present the theory of evolution? The motivation of this capstone was my experience with teachers presenting evolution (all life having evolved from a simple single celled organism) to students as indisputable, and the seemingly lack of discussion about any problems with the theory or unanswered questions. A key influence was an older sibling, a mechanical engineer, who often provides scientific answers for me and provided many resources that challenge the so-called indisputability and possibilities of evolution. This study interviewed 10 public school teachers to identify how they present the …
Integrating Human Culture, Community, And Sense Of Place Into An Existing High School Environmental Studies Curriculum, Kathy Allen Kline
Integrating Human Culture, Community, And Sense Of Place Into An Existing High School Environmental Studies Curriculum, Kathy Allen Kline
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
This capstone addresses challenges faced by a first year high school teacher on an interdisciplinary team integrating social studies into an environmental studies curriculum. After exploring literature in biodiversity, biocultural diversity, and place-based education, the author determines that the existing curriculum can be enhanced to make stronger connections between people and the places already being studied, including the local community. To that end, this paper presents a sub-unit, developed using the Understanding by Design ® model, that seeks to integrate human culture, community, and sense of place into an environmental studies curriculum. The sub-unit includes six weeks of lessons to …
Using Toolkit Activities To Reduce Household Food Waste, Nancy Lo
Using Toolkit Activities To Reduce Household Food Waste, Nancy Lo
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
Food waste is a significant problem with environmental, economic, social and ethical consequences. Wasting food wastes energy, water, fuel, and land that go into producing, packaging, and transporting food. Additionally, the agriculture-related release of pesticides and greenhouse gases into the air, soil and water makes wasting food an environmental hazard. As much as 40 percent of U.S. food produced for human consumption, which is more than 20 pounds per person per month valued at $165 billion annually, goes uneaten. Worldwide, onethird of food is wasted while the population continues to grow. There are many reasons why Americans throw away food …
Using Technology And Phenology To Increase Students’ Observation Skills, Sondra Tokarczyk
Using Technology And Phenology To Increase Students’ Observation Skills, Sondra Tokarczyk
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed in this study was, will the use of technology and phenology increase students’ observation skills? The catalysts for this capstone were research using observation as an everyday skill fundamental to all scientific disciplines, and the importance of teaching children how to observe and document their observations. The capstone describes the process of integrating phenology, knowledge of the five senses, and iPad technology to teach students the importance of observation and its relevance to their everyday lives. The author concludes that: 1) although the collected data did not show a significant increase in observations, students’ observations became …
Environmental Education In Pre-K Child Care Settings, Kathryn Allison Galloway-Thoele
Environmental Education In Pre-K Child Care Settings, Kathryn Allison Galloway-Thoele
School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations
The research question addressed is, how does environmental education and nature play in child care settings benefit children? A key influence was the author’s interest in providing stimulating environmental education for her young daughter and evaluating the environmental programs of local child care providers and the perceived benefits for children. Six child care centers of differing teaching philosophies were the focus of the study with each completing a 28 question survey about the environmental activities and sustainability programs in place at their facilities and the early childhood development traits observed in the children. Results from the study showed that child …