Education Commons^™

Development Of An Experiential Learning Lab Activity On Skeletal Muscle Physiology In Undergraduate Md Pre-Clerkship Curriculum, Meyer B. Maddox, Angela Martinez, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Potter-Baker, Amin Shah

Research Symposium

Background: Experiential learning is an important part of the medical education curriculum. Due to the clinical relevance of skeletal muscle strength in evaluating patients’ complaints of muscle weakness or imbalance, skeletal muscle physiology is an important concept with extensive potential for experiential learning opportunities. Our goal was to establish an experiential learning skeletal muscle physiology lab activity that would improve undergraduate MD pre-clerkship students’ skill to collect muscle force measurements using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and understanding of core physiological concepts.

Methods: As part of the Musculoskeletal and Dermatology (MSKD) Module in the undergraduate MD pre-clerkship curriculum, we developed a …

Elementary Preservice Teachers' Conceptions And Ability To Develop And Assess Integrated Stem Lessons, Jelena Byers, Selina Bartels

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Elementary teacher preparation programs prepare their pre-service teachers (PSTs) to teach STEM. In this study, two teacher educators in the disciplines of science and mathematics utilized a modified “Draw a Science Teacher” (DASTT-C) framework (Thomas et al., 2001) and the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) to understand PSTs' conceptions of integrated STEM and how they plan and assess their lessons. This research brief discusses some of the results of 16 PSTs’ pre- and post-DASTT-C results as well as analysis of STEM lesson plans written during their third-year pre-service program.

Harmonizing Stem And Social Justice Mathematics: A Path To Global Equity And Empowerment, Rose Mbewe

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This study delves into the interconnectedness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and social justice mathematics (SJM) to address pressing equitable global sustainable development and social justice issues. The research aims to understand how educators can effectively use SJM in STEM teaching to empower students as change agents for global equity by aligning mathematical tasks with the United Nations' 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (UN, 2015) and using them to address real-world injustices. The study unveils educators' pedagogical strategies for creating supportive learning environments and nurturing students' emotional well-being in STEM subjects. Educators who are conscious of social …

Proceedings Of The Ninth Annual Indiana Stem Education Conference: Resourcing Stem Education, William S. Walker Iii, Lynn A. Bryan, S. Selcen Guzey

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference are edited by the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST, https://www.education.purdue.edu/catalyst/) at Purdue University. The theme for the 2024 conference is Resourcing STEM Education. This year’s Indiana STEM Education Conference provides opportunities to learn about effective STEM education strategies, curriculum, and resources to engage students in integrated STEM learning opportunities and address the recently updated Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Computer Science, Indiana Academic Standards for Mathematics, and Indiana Academic Standards for Integrated STEM (https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-academic-standards/).

The Impact Of Geospatial Contexts And Out-Of-School Experiences On Students' Stem Identity Formation, Hillary Ongoyo Omoze, Abigail Erskine, Asenath Odondi

Indiana STEM Education Conference

STEM teaching faces challenges in varied geospatial contexts (Mulvey et al., 2023), where place and space factors play a significant role. This research brief explores the influence of place and space in shaping students' STEM identities throughout their educational journey, with a specific emphasis on the role of out-of-school experiences in fostering student learning and interest in STEM careers, particularly among middle school students.

Applying A Sociopolitical Equity Framework To A Developmental Algebra Curriculum, Sarah Oppland-Cordell, Natalie Mcgathey, David Feikes, William S. Walker Iii, Brandon Sorge

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The Thinking With Algebra (TWA) curriculum, a National Science Foundation Project (DUE 2021414), applies a sociopolitical equity framework (Gutiérrez, 2012) to strengthen student participants’ mathematics achievement outcomes and mathematics identity development. Instructor and student data indicate improvements in these two dimensions. This project also expands knowledge about creating equitable math learning environments that support underrepresented students’ mathematical success.

The Future Of Future City: A Stem Program, Jeffrey A. Nowak, Shelby Werling

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The idea of integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is still an enigma for many educators (Dare et al, 2021). Recent academic standards favor curricula that interweave the principles of integrated STEM into all content areas. Finding a “one size fits all” curriculum is challenging, perhaps even impossible. Future City is a national program that specializes in hands-on cross-curricular STEM education. Students work collaboratively using an engineering and design process to showcase their solutions to citywide sustainability issues. This research brief examines how educators can utilize the Future City program as the cornerstone of their STEM curriculum.

Implementing Integrated Stem Forensic And Soil Sciences Lab Activities To Promote Interest In Stem Careers, Mariah K. Stollar Awan, Caroline J. Rakowski

Indiana STEM Education Conference

We implemented forensic and soil science integrated STEM lab activities with 11 middle school youth at a 4-H day camp at Purdue University. STEM perceived knowledge increased overall for participants. However, the pre- and post-assessments did not show a statistically significant difference. More students also indicated STEM career interest after participating. Because this study was exploratory and had a small sample size, more research on these integrated STEM lab activities should be conducted with larger samples.

Does Stem Integration In High School Mathematics Classes In Underserved Schools Benefit Students' Standardized Testing Outcomes?, Steve Heinold

Indiana STEM Education Conference

STEM education in Indiana has become increasingly popular with, among many other factors, the recent focus by the Indiana Department of Education on the STEM workforce pipeline and school STEM certification (IDoE, 2023b). Some previous research has shown that integrating STEM into science classes and afterschool spaces has helped students from low-income communities catch up to their higher-income peers on assessments like high-stakes standardized testing (Bartell et al., 2008; Hurley, 2001; Weissglass, 2011). However, regarding STEM integration into mathematics classes, it can be more challenging than integration into other classes like science (Walker, 2016) and large gaps remain in the …

The Multiple Usages Of Thinking With Algebra, David Feikes, Natalie Mcgathey, Sarah Oppland-Cordell, William S. Walker Iii, Brandon Sorge

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Thinking With Algebra (TWA) is a National Science Foundation Project (DUE 2021414) to develop a post-secondary curriculum for intermediate algebra. TWA focuses on six elements that align with building algebraic fluency with conceptual understanding, a mixed review approach, small-group work, and whole-class discussion (Feikes, et al., 2021). Using an equity lens (Oppland-Cordell et al., 2023), TWA is designed for students, including underrepresented students, who need additional mathematical supports at the college level. Seventeen college math instructors attended a workshop on the lessons and pedagogy in order to use TWA in their college courses. Feedback from instructors participating in the TWA …

Integrated Stem Education And Students' 21st Century Skills, Jung Han, Yunjin Lim, Woongbin Park, Kyongson Park

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This research investigates the impact of integrated STEM education on students' 21st century competencies, aiming to enhance science and engineering design teaching within a local design-based context. Specifically, the project targets high school students in a rural area and utilizes local contexts, including local rural knowledge and indigenous science knowledge, to facilitate STEM learning. The collaborative effort involves partnering high school environmental science and Technology and Engineering Educators, leveraging their diverse content expertise to teach students collaboratively as a science-technology and engineering teacher pair. Furthermore, university faculty members and industry partners provided support to create a STEM community of practice. …

The Underrepresentation Of Black Females In Cybersecurity, Makendra Latrice Crosby

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

The significance of cybersecurity methods, strategies, and programs in protecting computers and electronic devices is crucial throughout the technological infrastructure. Despite the considerable growth in the cybersecurity field and its expansive workforce, there exists a notable underrepresentation, specifically among Black/African American females. This study examines the barriers hindering the inclusion of Black women in the cybersecurity workforce such as socioeconomic factors, limited educational access, biases, and workplace culture. The urgency of addressing these challenges calls for solutions such as education programs, mentorship initiatives, creating inclusive workplace environments, and promoting advocacy and increased awareness within the cybersecurity field. Additionally, this paper …

Scicomm To The Rescue, Becky Sanft, Angel Kaur, Evan Couzo, Sally Wasileski, Jessica Pisano

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Msis Kondrashov: Redesigning Calculus 1, And The Unexpected Benefits Of Collaboration, Sarah C. Bannen, Valerie A. Maciejewski

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

A Modeling Framework For Minimizing Spread Of Mathematics Anxiety In College Students, Sara Sony, Majid Bani-Yaghoub

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Msis-Kondrashov The First Year Transition In The Covid Era: Reflections From Small Cohorts, Julie Simons

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Modelling Impact Of Diverse Vegetation On Crop-Pollinator Interactions, Morgan N. Beetler

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Conceptual Development: How Do Early Educators And Teachers Support Children's Early Thinking In Stem?, Marilyn Fleer

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

As national and state-based reforms in early education roll-out across Australia, concern for building a well-qualified workforce to meet growing demand has intensified. In parallel with the reforms, teachers and educators are reminded by the recently released 2022 Early Years Learning Framework to design programs that support intentionality in play-based learning. However, the literature shows that despite the concept of intentional teaching being around since 2009, difficulties with how to do this remains. This presentation takes up this challenge, by 1) sharing the collective findings of 6 Australian Research Council-funded research projects into play and learning in STEM; and 2) …

Mathematical Mindsets: Fostering Student Engagement And Positive Mindsets Through The Use Of Challenging Tasks, Alison Hall

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

This paper explores the planned use of challenging mathematical tasks. These tasks provide the opportunity for students to improve mathematical thinking by working on problems that they do not yet know how to answer. This research involved a heterogeneous class of year 3 students from a Catholic parish primary school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. A rubric was also developed to use in conjunction with these tasks, to support discussions with students, broaden their strategies in finding solutions and thereby improve their conceptual understanding. These pedagogical approaches were found to support the improvement of both students’ conceptual understanding in …

Bringing Learning Progressions Down To 2-Year-Olds In Reading And Mathematics, Prue Anderson

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

ACER’s learning progressions in reading and mathematics describe growth that is mainly focused on skills students demonstrate at and beyond school. These progressions have recently been extended down to describe earlier levels of growth so we now have seamless progressions from skills and understandings toddlers might demonstrate up to highly sophisticated skills and concepts. This presentation briefly outlines ACER’s work and identifies key implications for educators. The pathways that support early reading development were described in progressions for listening comprehension and sounds and letters. Along with an early mathematics progression, these were conceptualised as embedded in an oral language progression. …

Themes, Resources And Uptake Of Acer’S Science In The Early Years Suite, Gayl O'Connor

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

The Science in the early years series was developed to assist preschool and Foundation to year 2 primary educators to incorporate the latest research in science learning into their programs and teaching practice. This paper focuses on the educator resources developed to support early years educators implement activities to assist children to develop science concepts and inquiry skills. The activities are underpinned by evidence-based research that revealed 4 themes in the early years’ science literature.

Transdisciplinary Stem Enactment: An Exploratory Case Study In The Queensland Context, Kristie Schulz

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

Enacting STEM education in Australian schools is an ambitious task, in a climate of unclear definitions and little implementation advice. Should STEM education simply refer to an umbrella-term of subjects that Australian students need to improve in, or could a cross-disciplinary pedagogy that engages students in authentic problem-solving be realised? This poster outlines a project in which Parklands Christian College designed and enacted a transdisciplinary student-centred ideology of STEM education in 2017. The program has continually evolved using a transdisciplinary pedagogical framework.

Magnetic Resonance Image-Based Estimates Of Hepatic Blood Flow In Children With And Without Obesity; Implications For Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Models, Yoon Cho, Sherwin S. Chan, Chance S. Friesen, Valentina Shakhnovich

Research Days

Background: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for simulating drug pharmacokinetics are useful to guide drug dosing for pediatric patients. Hepatic blood flow could be a useful variable to use in these models.

Objectives/Goal: In this study, we explored 2-D phase contrast non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure hepatic blood flow in children with and without obesity.

Methods/Design: In this IRB-approved study, we imaged pediatric patients with abdominal MRI with 2D phase contrast imaging of the descending aorta (AO) at the diaphragm, the inferior vena cava (IVC) at the right atrium, and inferior to hepatic drainage above the renal vein confluence …

Persistent Pediatric Breast Abscesses Following Initial Treatment At Tertiary And Community Centers, Derek Marlor, Kayla Briggs-Groves, Shai Stewart Md, Nelimar Cruz-Centeno, Charlene Dekonenko, Jason D. Fraser

Research Days

Introduction: Little data exist on the management of pediatric breast abscesses that fail initial treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and report outcomes in these patients.

Methods: All patients <18-years-old treated for a breast abscess between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: initial treatment at our institution (Group 1) and initial treatment at referring centers (Group 2). The primary outcome was disease persistence following treatment at our institution. Secondary outcomes included treatment modalities and patient characteristics.

Results: In total, 145 patients were identified: 111 in Group 1 and 34 in Group 2. Antibiotics alone were the initial treatment in 52.3% (n=58) of Group 1 patients and 64.7% (n=22) of Group 2 patients. Invasive treatment was more common in Group 1 (45.9% vs 5.8%; p<0.00001). Patients with persistent disease in Group 1 were treated with aspiration (n=7, 50%), I&D (n=5, 35.7%), antibiotics (n=1, 7.14%), and manual expression (n=1, 7.14%.), while Group 2 patients were treated with antibiotics (50%, n=17), aspiration (26.47%, n=9), I&D (17.65%, n=6), and manual expression (5.88%, n=2). Group 2 patients with persistent disease were more likely to be treated with antibiotics or a change in antibiotics (50% vs 7.14%; p=0.005). Following treatment at our institution, the rate of persistent disease was similar between groups (12.6% vs 11.8%).

Conclusions: Persistent breast abscesses may be treated with antibiotics in appropriate cases. Damage to the developing breast bud should be minimized. Disease …

Respiratory Pathogen Panel Use In Hospitalized Infants <2 Months Of Age And Impact On Patient Management., Edward Lyon

Research Days

Background: Respiratory pathogen panels (RPP) are multiplex PCR platforms able to simultaneously detect several respiratory viruses. RPP utilization is not well described in infants < 2 months of age, who frequently require hospitalization for management of acute respiratory illness (ARI) and/or fever. Detection of a viral pathogen in this age group could impact the clinician’s decision to perform additional evaluation and administer antimicrobials.

Objectives/Goal: We sought to understand predictive features and clinical management impact of RPP use in infants < 2 months of age.

Methods/Design: Between October 2017 to September 2021, participants, aged < 18 years, hospitalized with an acute respiratory infection (ARI) were enrolled in Kansas City’s New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN). Eligible patients were residents of Jackson County, had symptoms consistent with ARI (e.g., cough, fever, nasal congestion) lasting < 14 days, and enrolled within 48 hours of admission. For this study, only participants < 2 months of age were included. All participants had a research RPP, but results were not available to the clinician. Per provider discretion, some infants also received a clinical RPP (cRPP). Demographic characteristics, laboratory evaluations, and antimicrobial management were compared between infants with and without a cRPP.

Results: Of the 139 participants < 2 months of age, 57 (41%) had a cRPP (table 1). A cRPP was more frequently obtained in infants < 1 month of age (n=34 [47%]) compared with infants 1-2 months of age (n=23 [35%]; p=0.17). 35 (61%) participants with a cRPP had a parental report of fever while 41 (50%) of those without a cRPP had one reported. Only 20 (35.1%) of White, non-hispanic participants had a cRPP compared to 42 (51.2%) p=0.082 who did not have a cRPP. Participants who had blood or CSF culture collected were more likely to have a cRPP obtained, 47 (82.5%) p=

Conclusions: Overall, < 50% of infants < 2 months of age hospitalized with ARI received cRPP testing. Obtaining a blood or CSF culture was associated with increased cRPP usage. The length of stay was not different between the two groups. 35 viral infections went undetected in participants without a cRPP even with accounting for positive rapid NAAT testing, further investigation is needed to understand how this may influence clinical care.

Association Between Remote Monitoring And Interstage Morbidity And Mortality In Single Ventricle Patients Across Socioeconomic Groups, Bianca Cherestal

Research Days

Background: Despite improvements in outcomes over time, morbidity and mortality for infants with single ventricle (SV) heart disease remains high. Among other risk factors for mortality, infants of low socioeconomic status (SES) are known to be particularly vulnerable following stage 1 palliation.

Objectives/Goal: We sought to determine whether use of a novel remote monitoring program, CHAMP (Cardiac High Acuity Monitoring Program), mitigates differences in outcomes by SES for infants with SV during the interstage period.

Methods/Design: Using the CHAMP database, we identified 610 infants across 11 institutions enrolled in the program between 2014–2021. All enrolled patients’ families were provided with …

Drug Metabolizing Enzymes And Transporters May Help Determineeffective Budesonide Dosing In Eoe, Laurie Mccann, Lisa Harvey, Norah Almahbub, Wendy Y. Wang, Erin C. Boone, Janelle R. Noel-Macdonnell Phd, Rachel Chevalier

Research Days

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder diagnosed in children with painful or difficult swallowing, vomiting, or poor weight gain. Current treatment models adopt a trial-and-error approach in regard EoE treatment, including restrictive elimination diets, proton pump inhibitors, and topical budesonide. This approach can delay effective treatment which increases risk of disease progression and increases medical costs to families for frequent clinic visits and endoscopy.

Objectives/Goal: The objective of this study is to determine the CYP3A5 genotype and expression of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis to discover which patients will respond to standard dosing of topical budesonide treatment (1, …

Pilot Study Using Sideline Hand-Grip Dynamometry To Assess Strength Changes In A High School Baseball Season: A Feasibility Study, Thomas Munro, Jason D. Yoderq, Brian R. Lee, Brian S. Harvey

Research Days

Background: Upper extremity injuries are common in baseball players. Objective measurements could assist in determining early signs of fatigue before injury occurs. Using HGD to measure strength changes may help identify early signs in the injury process. To our knowledge, HGD has not been tested on high school baseball players in the sideline setting. It is feasible to perform hand-grip dynamometry on-site at the high school level and HGD measurements will change throughout the season in varsity baseball athletes. Secondary aim: Asses HGD measurement in the context of injury/pain/fatigue/pitching.

Objectives/Goal: It is feasible to perform hand-grip dynamometry on-site at the …

Genes Predictive Of Aggressive Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Meghana Bhumireddy

Research Days

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a rapidly progressive cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature leukocytes that divide uncontrollably. KMT2A, or MLL, is a methyltransferase found in many types of leukemia, whose rearrangement (KMT2A-r) is present in approximately 2/3 of infants with ALL. KMT2A-r is associated with a very poor prognosis: roughly ⅔ of patients relapse within 1 year of diagnosis, and the relapsed KMT2A-r ALL is resistant to treatment (having nearly 100% morality). We explored gene expression in patient samples from three groups at diagnosis: KMT2A-r patients who relapsed, KMT2A-r patients who did not relapse, …

Degree Of Uncertainty In Reporting Imaging Findings For Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Secondary Analysis From A Pilot Randomized Diagnostic Trial, Disa Rathore, Kira Bourrett, Sherwin S. Chan, Erin Opfer, Alain Cuna

Research Days

Background: Uncertainty in reporting of imaging findings for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can be challenging for clinicians and result in ambiguity, miscommunication, and potential diagnostic errors. The degree to which uncertainty complicates diagnostic imaging for NEC has not been characterized.

Objective: To determine the degree of uncertainty in diagnostic imaging for NEC.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study using data from a previously completed pilot diagnostic randomized clinical trial (RCT). The study population comprised of preterm infants with suspected NEC who were randomized to either standard imaging with abdominal radiographs (AXR) alone or experimental imaging with AXR + add-on bowel ultrasound …