Education Commons^™

Clay Modeling Of The Musculoskeletal System: Does Active Learning Increase Retention And Comprehension, Kelly Massey

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The focus of a Structural Kinesiology course is a detailed study into the musculoskeletal system and joint action. The course contains a lot of memorization: skeletal muscle origin, insertions, innervations and muscle/joint actions but there is also an applied component for the content. Group study has been incorporated into the course to increase knowledge retention and comprehension however group interaction has been seen to be minimal. Two studies have looked at group construction of skeletal muscle models using clay during class time in assisting with the active learning of muscle origin, insertion and actions (Cruz-Espaillat et al., 2010 & Waters …

Outgrowths Of Usg Stem Initiatives: Service Learning Courses And A Stem Honors Camp, Tim Howard, Kimberly Shaw, Cindy Ticknor

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

We examine two programs that have developed out of USG STEM Initiative projects. With the first STEM Initiative, Columbus State University initiated an Academy of Future Teachers that has led to an expanded STEM Honors Camp for recruiting university students into high school teaching and heightening high school students’ interests in STEM careers. With STEM Initiative II, Columbus State launched a Project FOCUS replication that contributed to the establishment of the UTeach Columbus program for preparing high school STEM teachers.

Assessing The Effects Of A Teaching Course On Biology Graduate Student Teaching Assistants, Caralyn B. Zehnder

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Research was conducted to measure changes in knowledge and perceptions of teaching and learning by biology graduate students enrolled in a Teaching Techniques course at Georgia College. Results show that graduate students exhibited gains in their knowledge of assessment and active learning pedagogies and saw some changes in how they viewed the role of the teacher in the classroom. This research demonstrates that a semester-long teaching course affects graduate students learning and attitudes toward teaching.

Math 1113 Precalculus Emporium: A Multi-Institutional Online Pre-Calculus Course, Kris Biesinger, Chuck Kutal, Nathan Moon

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

One stumbling block for students considering becoming a STEM major has been introductory math courses. A new, innovative precalculus course being developed and delivered by five USG institutions may provide a solution. MATH 1113e Precalculus Emporium combines lessons learned from the Math Emporium model pioneered at Virginia Tech with elements of MOOC delivery to create a highly interactive and support rich online course model. While the pilot debuted in January 2014 with students and faculty from five institutions, the larger vision is for the course to become available for all USG institutions in the near future.

Real Stem: Scientific Research For Rural Georgia High School Students, Deborah M. Walker, Robert L. Mayes, Raushanah Oglesby, Rich Mccombs

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

This is the story of creating a STEM research experience for students through a partnership between research institutes, University Faculty and high school teachers. The story of Real STEM will include a discussion of how the grant work is structured, barriers to implementation and successes that spur us on to continue to bring STEM experiences to rural, southeast Georgia.

A Discussion Of A Flipped Classroom Model (For Calculus), And Of The Use Of Self-Graded Homework, Frédéric D. Mynard

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The intent is to share my experience with a flipped Calculus course using resources I have developed: instructional videos, e-books, and a comprehensive set of resources for self-graded homework. I have also used this technique successfully for other non-flipped courses, and this may be of interest whether one wants to flip the classroom or not.

Developing A Stem Teacher Recruitment Pipeline, Kimberly Shaw, Cindy Ticknor, Tim Howard

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The Columbus Region Academy of Future Teachers of STEM (CRAFT-STEM), a Phase I Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, combines internships and scholarships, an exciting summer STEM Honors Camp, a new Teaching Connections Seminar, and an impressive array of existing resources to recruit, prepare, and graduate an increasing number of STEM teachers committed to serving high need high schools.

Teaching Undergraduates At The Peer Review Level, Thomas J. Manning

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Undergraduate science students have participated in a host of science activities, including designing, synthesizing and submitting cancer drugs to the National Cancer Institute, writing and submitting a patent, formed a company and won two SBIR grants, launching high altitude balloons and developing a new nomenclature system for nanostructures. This presentation will outline ten projects conducted by students as part of classes that have been published in peer reviewed journals and discuss the logistics surrounding them.

Research Experience Via Active Collaboration With High Schools (Reach), Sharmistha Basu-Dutt, Megumi Fujita, Victoria Geisler, Douglas Stuart

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The nature, activities and outcomes of the REACH program, a symbiotic partnership between UWG and selected high schools in West Georgia, will be presented. REACH provided an enrichment opportunity for high school students and teachers to experience the full spectrum of the scientific enterprise, understand the true nature of how and what scientists do, and explore exciting career opportunities.

Joining & Using Google Plus Communities: Georgia Stem Teaching & Learning Conference Community, Daniel Rivera

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The 2nd Annual Georgia STEM Teaching & Learning Conference has chosen Google Plus Communities as the designated tool for encouraging communication among university faculty, K-12 teachers & administrators, research institutions, and businesses. The purpose of this session is to show participants how to get connected and then how to use Google Plus Communities for collaboration.

Under Graduate Curriculum Integration: Bringing Students Together Through Research, Clay Runck, James Russell, Allison D’Costa

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

At Georgia Gwinnett College we are integrating the undergraduate educational experience for our Bachelor of Science students in the Biology discipline. We are using the opportunities presented by the genetic information revolution to combine biology courses in a longitudinal and integrative research project aimed at cataloguing biological diversity over space and time on the developing Georgia Gwinnett College campus.

Creating A Faculty Learning Community To Support Scholarship Of Teaching And Learning Among Stem University Faculty, Cher C. Hendricks, Myrna Gantner

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

In this session, we describe the creation of a Faculty Learning Community for university faculty in science, mathematics, and computer science. These faculty, recipients of mini-grants funded by the USG STEM Initiative, are studying ways to improve their instruction and increase student learning in STEM courses. Through the FLC, they are able to collaborate and support each others’ work.

Effects Of An Intensive New Faculty Workshop On Teaching, Delena Bell Gatch, Michelle Cawthorn, Joy Darley

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Historically, university faculty receive little training for becoming teachers. Some universities offer short workshops on teaching to their incoming faculty. However, few of these workshops last more than a week. We will report on the efficacy of an intensive month long teaching workshop designed for new faculty members. The goal of the workshop was to guide faculty through the process of course development while equipping participants with an appropriate pedagogical toolbox.

Stem And Branches: Update On The Columbus State University Stem-Ii Initiative, Cindy Ticknor, Tim Howard, Kimberly Shaw

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Two USG STEM Initiative awards to Columbus State University have spawned the growth of several STEM and STEM education programs and nearly $2.6 million in grants. We provide an update on STEM-II Initiative projects including a peer leader program for core math and science courses, a faculty mini-grants program to promote scholarship on teaching and learning and awareness of best practices models, and a service learning course. The infrastructure that emerged through the first STEM Initiative and continued to develop with the STEM-II Initiative paved the way for a $1.4 million UTeach replication grant and a $1.2 million Robert Noyce …

Increasing The Number Of Undergraduates Who Succeed In Stem At Uga, Nancy Vandergift, Chuck Kutal

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The University of Georgia has implemented several strategies focused on improving instruction and student achievement in STEM courses and assisting in the preparation and professional development of K-12 science and math teachers. Specific activities include a mini-grants program, learning communities, pre-service teacher recruitment, expanding Project FOCUS, and increasing faculty effort to improve instruction and student learning in the STEM disciplines.

Trig-Star, James M. Anderson

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

A TRIG-STAR is a mathematics student who has demonstrated in competition that he or she is the most skilled among classmates in the practical application of trigonometry. The competition for the honor is a timed exercise which is the solving of a trigonometry problem that incorporates the use of right triangle formulas, circle formulas, the law of sines, and the law of cosines. The contest helps to promote careers in surveying and mapping to students at the High Schools across the country. The award is sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors and cosponsored locally. State winners also have …

Research Experience Via Active Collaboration With High Schools (Reach), Sharmistha Basu- Dutt, Megumi Fujita, Victoria Geisler, Douglas Stuart

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

“RESEARCH EXPERIENCE via ACTIVE COLLABORATION with HIGH-SCHOOLS (REACH)” is an outreach program targeted to help high school students develop competitive science fair projects by actively engaging them in a Problem Based Learning (PBL) research experience that uses Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL) and Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) to learn, discuss, and apply concepts in a real-world context.

Teacher Professional Development: Using Local Resources To Engage Teachers And Students In Learning, Missy M. Bennett, Heather Scott

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Do your students or teachers suffer from “nature deficit disorder”? Engage and interest students and teachers in the study of ecology and other content through the use of place-based resources to teach national and state standards. This presentation shares preliminary data and engaging strategies from professional development activities which engage secondary teachers in the investigation of local natural resources and encourage the development of ecology lessons and activities using local resources.

Integrating Manipulatives To Improve Fraction Concepts, Rachel Dunn

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Many students are overwhelmed by mathematics because the language is too difficult, the teaching strategies are insufficient or they have lost motivation. With a recent emphasis on meeting the Common Core expectations, using manipulatives to eliminate misconceptions in the mathematical classroom has become even more prevalent. I explored the misconceptions that many students struggle with and provided possible methods of eliminating them at all levels for learning. During this investigation, I studied the effect of manipulatives on students’ understanding of fraction concepts and the students’ conceptions of the unit of reference when working with fraction word problems. I learned that …

I2StemE - What, Who, Where?, Kania Greer, Bob Mayes

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

I²STEM^e is a new Institute on the campus of GSU whose focus is to increase opportunities for K-20 students, teachers, and businesses to partner together to improve STEM Education in Georgia around the tenets of place-based learning, problem based learning and teaching for understanding.

Improving Education Of Mathematics Majors, Goran Lesaja

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

In this talk we will explore and discuss different ways of improving instruction of upper level mathematics classes. Several case studies will be presented, including in Calculus and Operations Research courses. We will also discuss the importance of extracurricular activities in education of mathematics majors. In particular, we will describe activities related to undergraduate mathematics competitions.

Stem Ii Initiative-Updates From Participating Institutions (Part 2), Pamela Gore, Dabney Dixon, Charles Kutal, Farooq Khan, Myrna Gantner

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

STEM II Initiative – Updates from Participating Institutions (Part 2) is made up of a series of “sampler sessions” so that interested individuals can get an overview but not comprehensive coverage. Dr. Pamela Gore will begin this session by discussing the STEM II Initiative at Georgia Perimeter College. Second, Dr. Dabney Dixon will talk about the STEM II Initiative at Georgia State University. Third, Dr. Charles Kutal will provide information concerning the STEM II Initiative at the University of Georgia. Fourth, Dr. Farooq Khan and Dr. Myrna Gantner will discuss what is happening with the STEM II Initiative at the …

Climate & Chemistry- An Introductory Course For First Year Students, Catrena Lisse, Chavonda Mills, Julia Metzker

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Students will be able to:

• explain multiple approaches that respond to problems in chemistry

• implement effective search strategies and evaluate sources of chemical information for relevance and authority.

• explain and analyze scientific evidence.

• form logical conclusions from the chemical information presented.

• understand the chemical properties of atoms, molecules, ions and gases.

• understand the chemical principles of stoichiometry, reactions in solutions, thermochemistry, atomic structure, periodicity and bonding.

• construct strategies to solve problems with integrated concepts and evaluate solutions

Analyzing The Structure Of Student Sustainability Knowledge Using Traditional And Holistic Concept Map Scoring Methods, Mary K. Watson, Joshua G. Pelkey, Caroline Noyes, Michael Rodgers

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

To properly initiate educational reforms needed to train sustainability-conscious engineers, methods are needed to assess conceptual understanding of sustainability. Concept maps (cmaps) have been proposed as useful tools for capturing the complexity and interconnectedness of sustainability; however, difficulties in scoring cmaps have limited their application as assessment tools. The goal of this project was to examine effectiveness of traditional and holistic cmap scoring approaches for characterizing student understanding of sustainability.

Cmaps were used to assess structure of student sustainability knowledge in a capstone design course and a graduate seminar in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Georgia Tech. Judges applying …

Stem Ii Initiative At Columbus State University, Timothy Howard, Kim Shaw

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

No abstract is available.

The Need To Teach Civility In Ece Classrooms, Michael Borders, Donna Borders

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

Methods for the teaching of civility to teacher education candidates—the why, what and how—are premised on the current societal need to emphasize altruistic behaviors. Survey results from 120 teacher candidates and 120 clinical supervisors within an eight- county Georgia area will be exhibited along with research literature reviews, lesson plans, and pre- and post-test data analyses.

Redesigning And Undergraduate Engineering Course, Elise Barrella

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

The presentation will consist of two parts: (1) description of the introductory engineering course and the experience of using a backwards design approach to create a more learner-centered and active course and (2) group discussion of simple, successful techniques for creating a more learner-centered course. The course was redesigned as part of a preparatory teaching program for graduate students.

Stem Ii Initiative-Updates From Participating Institutions (Part 1), Nathan Moon, Tim Howard, Kim Shaw, Rosalie Richards, Judy Awong-Taylor

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

STEM II Initiative – Updates from Participating Institutions (Part 1) is made up of a series of “sampler sessions” so that interested individuals can get an overview but not comprehensive coverage. Dr. Nathan Moon will introduce this session by telling a few important lessons gleaned from the STEM I evaluations. Second, Dr. Tim Howard will talk about the STEM II Initiative at Columbus State. Third, Dr. Judy Awong-Taylor will provide information concerning the STEM II Initiative at Georgia Gwinnett College. Fourth, Dr. Rosalie Richards will discuss what is happening with the STEM II Initiative at Georgia College & State University.

Bor Stem Initiative At West Georgia: Our Story, Farooq A. Khan, Myrna Gantner, Satyanarayana Swamy-Mruthinti

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

No abstract is available.

A Medley Of Successful Active-Learning Methods, Sarah Formica

Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019)

This workshop will present a medley of active-learning methods that have been implemented successfully in both introductory and upper-level physics courses. The participants will engage in methods that include Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), clicker questions, whiteboard activities, and virtual experiments. The workshop will be designed very much like a class that employs these methods, with a pre-workshop online assignment that is due “Just in Time” before the workshop, and whiteboard activities and clicker questions associated with the active-learning methods. The participants will work in teams to develop some JiTT assignments, clicker questions, and whiteboard activities that they could use in their …