Education Commons^™

Soil Health Class-2: Soil Ph, Jiyul Chang, Becki Ritter, Dean Feller, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

This lesson on soil pH explores the crucial role of soil acidity or alkalinity in plant health and productivity. Soil pH, or potential of Hydrogen ions in soil, is a measure of how acidic or basic soil is. Appropriate soil pH condition is important to grow plants. If soil pH is not appropriate, plants cannot absorb nutrients from soil well, then plants cannot grow well and cannot produce vegetables. This class will show what an appropriate soil pH condition is and how to measure soil pH of garden using simple test kit. Covering the pH scale from acidic to alkaline, …

Introduction To Soil Health For High School Students, Jiyul Chang, Becki Ritter, Dean Feller, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Growing food from soil is a basic and important work to continue supporting the growing human population. Producing more foods and producing healthy food are challenging tasks, because producing foods use soil nutrients but can deplete the soil. This can adversely affect the natural balance. If the soil is healthy, we will not only increase production but also grow healthy food. This class is a starting point for learning about Soil Health – where students will learn about how the soil functions and how it directly influences the food we grow. In summary, it is all about striking the right …

Intentional Learning Theory: Validating Its Measurement, Sarah Mollman, Timothy J. Muckle, Margaret Martinez

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the psychometric properties of the Learning Orientation Questionnaire (LOQ), which have not been previously published. Psychometric validation involves the accumulation of proper empirical evidence to confirm measurement of the intended construct, and to justify the intended uses of the scales. LOQ is based upon the intentional learning theory, which is a comprehensive, holistic learning theory. Through the expertise of the LOQ’s developer, educational researcher, and psychometrician, this article presents evidence of LOQ’s reliability and validity according to published best practices for scale development and validation. LOQ is a reliable and …

Lakota Ethnobotany For South Dakota Middle School Students, Mikayla .Janis, Michael. A. Little Eagle, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this engaging lesson, students use mobile apps to identify local plant species in their school yards, along nature trails, or in any designated areas on the reservation. They will document the common names and morphological characteristics of the identified plants, explore native names, and uses, as well as the roles of plants in biogeochemical cycles. This immersive experience not only deepens students’ interest in science but also allows them to understand the bigger role of plants in the natural balance, enhancing their appreciation of the deeper connections between the Lakota culture and plant species.

Lakota Ethnobotany For The First Graders, Mikayla A. .Janis, Michael. A. Little Eagle, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students explore the Ethnobotany of the Lakota people, learning about the deep connection between the Lakota culture and native plants. Through a Schoolyard Walk or a Nature Walk, they observe and learn the Lakota names of three plants, their uses and importance to the Lakota people. Students engage in discussions and storytelling, understanding how these plants are like friends to the Lakota, serving various purposes such as in ceremonies or as food sources. The hands-on craft activity allows them to express what they learn by coloring plant parts and conceptualizing the life cycle of a plant. Overall, …

Exploring Bacterial Diversity Through Hand-Printing & Bacterial Art, Sudeshna Roy, Mark Abrahamson, Madhav Nepal, Nicholas Butzin

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Bacteria are present in a wide variety of environments, ranging from deep ocean floor to volcanoes. Based on their niche, bacteria can differ in their physiologies. This lesson is designed to make the students aware of the presence of bacteria in their surroundings. This lesson also aims to demonstrate the diversity in bacterial species using colorful bacteria. The bacteria used in this lesson require specific temperatures to grow and develop their color. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to visualize the different colored bacteria on the plate.

Toward Genetic Engineering: Teaching Transformation Using The Pglo Plasmid In High School Classrooms, Isaac Kovash, Tahmina Hossain, Sudeshna Roy, Michael Mitchell, Madhav P. Nepal, Nicholas Butzin

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson plan, students will learn about genetic engineering and perform the same transformation protocol used by scientists on a daily basis around the world. Genetic engineering is a technique used for direct manipulation, alteration, or modification of genes or genomes of an organism to manipulate the phenotypes. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has emerged everywhere as a mainstay from agriculture to pharmaceuticals. Through this lesson, students will transform Escherichia coli with pGLO plasmid, which give a brilliant fluorescent green glow under UV light. Students will also learn the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA à RNA …

Countering Master Narratives With Narratives Of : A Liberation Perspective In Career Counseling, Hande Sensoy-Briddick, William C. Briddick

Counseling and Human Development Faculty Publications

As of 2019, the global youth population between the ages of 15 and 24 was 1.2 billion and growing (UNDESA, 2019). A sizable number of youth face discrimination and marginalization daily, often based on their social identities and related interlocking systems of power and oppression (Brewster & Molina, 2021). Minoritized youth, particularly, find themselves trapped in culturally manufactured master narratives that serve to reproduce the very systems of privilege that exist in their country (Liu, 2017). Considering these master narratives can be a significant step in our work with marginalized youth. Building on the contributions of leading scholars in career …

Teaching Dna Extractions From Fruits (Strawberry, Banana, Kiwi, And Watermelon), Amadea Pourier, Dillon Nelson, Wiyaka Pomarleau, Kay Cutler, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will use a simple DNA extraction solution and isopropyl alcohol to extract DNA from strawberries, banana, kiwi, and watermelon. The extraction solution consists of dish detergent, water, and table salt. Grinding or crushing the soft fruit tissue will separate the cells. The dish detergent breaks down the membranes, exposing the DNA to the solution. The salt helps the DNA molecule to stick together from the proteins. The cold alcohol dissolves everything but the DNA, which forms an insoluble layer of the DNA allowing it to be visible.

Teaching Medicinal Plants Used By Native Americans, Amadea Pourier, Dillon Nelson, Wiyaka Pomarleau, Kay Cutler, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will also be able to identify four medicinal plants, describe their characteristics and discuss medicinal uses. Students will use their senses to experience the uses of these medicinal plants. The plants highlighted in this lesson are Chokecherry Tree, Prairie Sage, Lead Plant, and Purple Cornflower. The senses used may consist of smelling the aroma of sage, burning the root of the purple coneflower, or tasting the infusion of the Lead Plant.

Teaching Medicinal Plants Used By Native Americans, Amadea Pourier, Dillon Nelson, Kay Cutler, Madhav Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will also be able to identify four medicinal plants, describe their characteristics and discuss medicinal uses. Students will use their senses to experience the uses of these medicinal plants. The plants highlighted in this lesson are Chokecherry Tree, Prairie Sage, Lead Plant, and Purple Cornflower. The senses used may consist of smelling the aroma of sage, burning the root of the purple coneflower, or tasting the infusion of the Lead Plant.

The Enhanced Effect Of A Twitter Intervention On Pell Grant Recipients 6-Year Stem Graduation Rates, Greg Heiberger, Ray Junco, Sumadhuri Pamarthi

Biology and Microbiology Faculty Publications and Datasets

This study evaluates the long-term impact of a randomized controlled study which utilized Twitter as an educational intervention to extend the course beyond the physical and time constraints of face-to-face instruction. Participants included 125 undergraduates from a mid-sized midwestern doctoral granting university in the United States. Outcomes previously published include increased engagement and grades for the intervention group (Twitter) compared to the control group. In the longitudinal study presented here, interaction effects were analyzed between GPA, ACT, gender, and socio-economic status with first-to second year retention rates, 6-year graduation rates and 6-year graduation rates in STEM fields.
A statistically significant …

Going For The Goal: Identifying Relationships Among Sdsu Student Leaders’ Goals And Successes, Madison Dulas

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

Because today’s collegiate student leaders will be the leaders of the future, it is important to measure and ensure they have the tools needed to accomplish set goals. This study examines the relationship between South Dakota State University student leaders’ traits, time management abilities, ability to say “no,” and their impact on goal attainment. Surveys were distributed to students in the LeadState program, a co-curricular leadership development program, and a control group. Quantitative analyses, including independent samples t-tests and bivariate correlations, were conducted. Analyses revealed weak, positive relationships between leadership traits (i.e., integrity, self-confidence, synergy, and morality), time management abilities, …

Small Gas Engines Interactive Notebook, P. Troy White

STEM & Agricultural Education Curriculum Resources

A Small Gas Engines interactive notebook to help prepare students for the Briggs & Stratton Master Service Technician Exam 1.

Gateway To Outdoors: Partnership And Programming Of Outdoor Education Centers In Urban Areas, Piage O'Farrell, Hung-Ling (Stella) Liu

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study is to understand the challenges and opportunities of urban outdoor education centers in partnership and programming. The context for this study involves efforts by all-season outdoor education centers, Outdoor Campus (OC), in two urban areas in South Dakota (SD). Outdoor education scope and social-ecological framework were applied to guide this qualitative study. Semi-structured interview questions were used to interview eight outdoor educators in 2019, including four individuals from each service location composed of three males and five female educators. Qualitative content analysis was applied to identify common themes and essential quotations that emerged from the …

The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption, Academic Success, And Athletic Identity In Collegiate Student-Athletes, Zoe Arnold, Hung-Ling (Stella) Liu

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Upon entering college, students around the United States are exposed to alcohol and the potentially dangerous experiences and ef­fects that come with consuming alcohol. Whether the individual is a general col­lege student or a college student-athlete, the issues are prevalent. According to the 2014 United States Census, there are ap­proximately 23 million students attending U.S. colleges. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), there are 460,000 student-athletes across the United States (NCAA, 2017). When National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) student-athletes are in­cluded, the overall number then surpasses 500,000. A student-athlete (SA) can be defined as an individual who …

Teaching Natural And Artificial Selection In Production Agriculture, Madhav P. Nepal, Clayton W. Scott

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will learn how natural selection and artificial selection impact both production agriculture and biological sciences. A natural selection is a mechanism that favors heritable traits that increase species survival and reproduction. Artificial selection is a selective breeding, where humans select for desirable traits in agricultural products.

Systemic Review Of Personal Finance Articles In Family And Consumer Sciences Journals, Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head

Consumer Sciences Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to report the results of a systematic review of personal finance articles published from 2009 to 2019 in seven family and consumer sciences journals. Articles included in the review addressed personal finance topics. The qualitative analysis examined categorizations and themes. Published most often were articles on the topics of financial education, financial literacy, and investing/saving. Research articles were predominately on the topic of financial literacy, programs were most often on the topic of financial education. A limited number of articles reported on research results or program impact for minority groups.

Using Ripple Effects Maps To Identify Story Threads: A Framework To Link Private To Public Value, Jane E. Haskell, Barbara A. Baker, Melissa D. Olfert, Sarah E. Colby, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Adrienne A. White

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Extension professionals must demonstrate organizational value to garner public awareness and support. Measuring and communicating outcomes that have public value can be challenging. In this study, Ripple Effects Mapping incorporating the Community Capitals Framework was used to evaluate a childhood obesity prevention study, iCook 4-H, of youth-adult pairs in Maine. The objective was to describe the process of generating impact statements through story threads about program benefits to the participants and the potential benefits to nonparticipants, such as family members, friends, and other community members. Extension professionals can use storylines, or story threads, as a qualitative research technique to generate …

Recycling Aluminum, Steffani Burwitz, Kristin M. Roe, Matthew L. Miller, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students will investigate and compare the energy cost to produce aluminum products from aluminum ore and recycled aluminum. Students will perform an electrolysis activity to reinforce the idea that recycling metal requires less energy than mining and refining metals from their original source in the earth.

Sustainable Agriculture Lesson For Middle School Classrooms, Sara Colombe, Madhav P. Nepal, Jennifer Mclaughlin, Matthew L. Miller, Larry B. Browning, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this lesson, students will learn about sustainability, where farmers/agriculturists can meet the needs of food, fiber, and fuel for the growing population. Students learn about growing population, its growth rate, major food source, sustainability barrel, potential ripple effects of positive impacts as well as the food waste and its effects.

Using Drones For Precision Agriculture, Jiyul Chang, Madhav P. Nepal

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this teaching module, students will learn what Precision Agriculture is and how to apply drone into Precision Agriculture practices. To use data (images) taken by drone, students will learn the basic theory of Remote Sensing. Using images, students learn how to make NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) maps and how to apply drone (remote sensing technique) in agriculture.

Using Publicly Available Genbank Data To Teach Plant Phylogeny In High School Classrooms, Madhav P. Nepal, Ethan J. Andersen

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this teaching module, students will learn about NCBI GenBank, search for DNA/protein sequences from multiple plant species of a gene that encodes Rubisco enzyme, construct and interpret a phylogenetic tree, and discuss traits that allowed plants to adapt their life on land.

Understanding Greenhouse Gases, Julie M. Mueller, Laura Edwards, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, Matthew L. Miller, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

Students will conduct hands-on experiments to see how greenhouse gases interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and how greenhouse gases affect temperature. This lesson introduces National Geographic’s Geo-Inquiry Process, where students will identify a Geo-inquiry question, collect data, and create a project around the answer to their question. Students will then present their findings to their peers and evaluate their Geo-Inquiry process.

Climate Change Within A Biome, Tyone Kruse, Lisa Forcier, Madhav P. Nepal, Larry B. Browning, Matthew L. Miller, P. Troy White

iLEARN Teaching Resources

In this iLEARN lesson, students will investigate impacts of climate change on the native plants and animals, as well as the fisheries, agriculture, and forestry, within a biome of their choosing, and then develop and refine a solution for one of the impacts resulting from the climate change.

What Prompts College Students To Participate In Online Surveys?, Kunsoon Park, Narang Park, Wookjae Heo, Kim Gustafson

Consumer Sciences Faculty Publications

Online surveys are frequently used in higher education to collect students’ opinions. This study investigated the factors associated with students’ willingness to respond to online surveys. Using 540 samples from undergraduate and graduate students in the United States, this study conducted a factor analysis to categorize the reasons that students willingly participate in online surveys. Four factors were identified: Format, Affiliation, Content, and Contact. The regression analysis revealed format was significantly associated with the undergraduate students’ online survey participation, while content was significantly related to the graduate students’ online survey participation. These findings indicate the behavior of responding to online …

Factors Influencing The College Choice Decisions Of Community College Student-Athletes, Nicole Meulemans, Jon Lim, Bryan Romsa, Katelyn Romsa

Counseling and Human Development Faculty Publications

A decision to attend college is based on many academic and athletic factors. Identifying factors most influential in college selection is beneficial to college administrators, recruiters, and coaches, and will ultimately influence recruitment, retention, and short and long-term strategic plans of an institution. This study examined factors influencing the college choice decisions of community college student-athletes in the Midwestern United States. Participants for this study were composed of 107 student-athletes (59 males and 48 females) from 19 community colleges in the Midwest regions of the National Junior College Athletic Conference (NJCAC). This study discovered that the three most significant factors …

Parliamentary Procedure Interactive Notebook, Amie Carter, P. Troy White, Laura Hasselquist, Madhav Nepal

STEM & Agricultural Education Curriculum Resources

These resources were developed as an undergraduate student research experience. During the summer and fall of 2018, the Agricultural Education faculty in the Department of Teaching, Learning & Leadership recruited teachers and students to pilot and suggest revisions to these resources and to report their effectiveness in promoting engagement and learning of Parliamentary Procedure.

This item contains three downloadable files. Student and teacher notebooks are designed to be printed on 8.5"x14" pages in booklet format. The cutouts are on standards letter size paper.

A Community Based Participatory Approach To Training Young Adults To Design And Implement A Social Marketing Framed Lifestyle Intervention On Their College Campus, Melissa D. Olfert, Makenzie L. Barr, Kristin Riggsbee, Kendra K. Kattelmann, Krista Leischner, Anne E. Mathews, Melissa Vilaro, Sarah E. Colby

Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach may increase the likelihood of relevance and acceptability of the designed intervention, especially on a college campus. Furthermore, recruiting and training college students to design a social marketing framed healthy lifestyle intervention for their peers will allow the intervention to be tailored to the needs of the campus. Objectives: To describe the process of online-course training college students to develop a campus-based, social marketing health promotion intervention. Methods: Four universities recruited current college students (18+ y.o.) to develop a social marketing and environmental intervention (SMEI), which was completed during a 16-week, online/in-person …

Introduction To Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems, P. Troy White

STEM & Agricultural Education Curriculum Resources

This presentation is an introductory lesson on integration of crop-livestock systems in the United States. The lesson includes national Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Standards, objectives, and a student project. This lesson is intended to be inquiry-based, and as such only foundational information is presented. Students are expected to take the introductory information and fins specific information needed to sold the problem posed at the beginning of the presentation. It is expected that at a minimum this lesson will take three 50-minute class periods and could take longer based on teacher preferences.