Education Commons^™

Bad Medicine: Homework Or Headache? Responsibility And Accountability For Middle Level Mathematics Students, Shawn Mousel

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 5th grade mathematics class, I investigated the issue of homework and its relationship with students and parents. I made some interesting observations and discovered that the majority of students and parents felt that the math homework that was given was fairly easy, yet issues of incomplete assignments and failing homework quizzes were notorious for some individuals. Comments were also made to make homework even easier and have shortened assignments despite the already indicated ease of the work. As a result of this research, I plan to look more closely at the history and …

Motivating Middle School Mathematics Students, Vicki Sorensen

Action Research Projects

In this action research study I examined the relationship between the teacher, the students and the types of motivation used in mathematics. I specifically studied the mathematic teachers at my school and my seventh grade mathematics students. Motivating middle school students is difficult and the types of motivation can be as numerous as the number of students studied. I discovered that the teachers used multiple motivating tactics from praise, to extra time spent with a student, to extra fun activities for the class. I also discovered that in many instances, the students’ perception of mathematics was predetermined or predetermined by …

The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 17, Summer 2006), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

The Vigenére Cipher Expository Paper, Virginia L. Clark

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

French diplomat and cryptographer Blaise de Vigenére (1523-1596), developed the Vigenére Cipher in 16th century France in the mid-1580s. Vigenére was on the court of Henry III of France. Vigenére developed a polyalphabetic coding system in which one letter of plain text may be encrypted as different letters rather than one plain text letter represented as one cipher text letter throughout the encoded message.

The Game Of Nim, Dean J. Davis

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

The game of Nim is possibly one of the most frustrating games I have ever played. Just when I started to feel that I had figured the strategy out, my brother, who is a computer programmer, blew me out of the water. I should have known better than to take on a computer wizard.

Area And Perimeter Of Polygons, Bryan Engelker

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

A student comes to class excited. She tells you she has figured out a theory you never told the class. She says she has discovered that as the perimeter of a closed figure increases, the area also increases. She shows you two pictures to prove what she is doing. The first picture is of a 4 by 4 square. Of course, its perimeter is 16 and its area is 16. The second picture is of a 4 by 8 rectangle. Here the perimeter is 24 and the area is 32. What do you say to the student?

Just What Do You “Mean”?, Myrna L. Bornemeier

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

In Ancient Greece the Pythagoreans were interested in three means. The means were the arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic. The arithmetic mean played an important role in the observations of Galileo. Along with the arithmetic mean, the geometric and harmonic mean (formerly known as the subcontrary mean) are said to be instrumental in the development of the musical scale. As we explore the three Pythagorean Means we will discover their unique qualities and mathematical uses for helping us solve problems.

Farey Sequences, Ford Circles And Pick's Theorem, Julane Amen

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

One of the ongoing themes through the Math in the Middle coursework has been the idea of identifying patterns. From our first course, Math as a Second Language, patterns have been useful to explain phenomena and determine future values. Some patterns are numerical but can be described using algebra. Some are visual or geometric and also can be described using numbers and symbols. Many of these patterns have resurfaced in different forms and at different times in new and interesting ways. It has been a humbling experience to see the interconnectedness of seemingly unconnected ideas. Pick’s Theorem, Farey Sequences and …

Fractals And The Chaos Game, Stacie Lefler

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

The idea of fractals is relatively new, but their roots date back to 19th century mathematics. A fractal is a mathematically generated pattern that is reproducible at any magnification or reduction and the reproduction looks just like the original, or at least has a similar structure. Georg Cantor (1845-1918) founded set theory and introduced the concept of infinite numbers with his discovery of cardinal numbers. He gave examples of subsets of the real line with unusual properties. These Cantor sets are now recognized as fractals, with the most famous being the Cantor Square.

Taylor Polynomials, Doug Glasshoff

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Before the age of calculators, studying functions such as sin x, cos x , ex , and ln x was quite time consuming. The graphs of these functions are important when studying their characteristics. James Gregory, a Scottish mathematician in the 17th century, made an important discovery about these functions. Using calculus, he wrote a series of terms to approximate very closely the graph of the curve. His main focus was with the function ln x ; he was able to calculate any positive value of x using a polynomial series. Brook Taylor, an English mathematician, generalized the Maclaurin series, …

Comparing Infinite Sets, Julie M. Kreizel

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

I have been assigned to explore the theorem stating that there is no largest (infinite) set as established and proven by Georg Cantor. To do this I need to start by defining what it means to say that a set is infinite. This can be quite difficult because the tendency might be to say that a set is infinite if it is not finite, and I don’t believe that grants us the clarity of definition we are looking for. When trying to understand the size of a given set, the number of objects (elements) in the set, we may not …

Triangulation, Jim Pfeiffer

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Map making has been a scientific endeavor for mankind since the beginning of recorded human history (ca. 5000 years ago) and it is today more sophisticated than ever before. In terms of trigonometric functions there is evidence that dates back to Babylonian times that angles and distances from points on a triangle were utilized in measurement with significant amounts of work in this field done by ancient Greeks, Indians, as well as Arabic mathematicians. For example the ancient Egyptians utilized the trigonometric functions for surveying properties in order to determine how much of their land had washed away when the …

Taxicab Geometry, Kyle Lannin Poore

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Taxicab geometry was founded by a gentleman named Hermann Minkowski. Mr. Minkowski was one of the developers in “non-Euclidean” geometry, which led into Einstein’s theory of relativity. Minkowski and Einstein worked together a lot on this idea Mr. Minkowski wanted people to know that the side angle side axiom does not always hold true for all geometries. He wanted to prove this in the case that you can not always use the hypotenuse to find the shortest way from one spot to another. The best way to think of his idea is to think of a taxicab going from one …

Fractals And The Collage Theorem, Sandra S. Snyder

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

The idea of fractals is relatively new, but their roots date back to 19th century mathematics. A fractal is a mathematically generated pattern that is reproducible at any magnification or reduction and the reproduction looks just like the original, or at least has a similar structure. Georg Cantor (1845-1918) founded set theory and introduced the concept of infinite numbers with his discovery of cardinal numbers. He gave examples of subsets of the real line with unusual properties. These Cantor sets are now recognized as fractals, with the most famous being the Cantor Square.

Using Literature And Innovative Assessments To Ignite Interest And Cultivate Critical Thinking Skills In An Undergraduate Neuroscience Course, Eileen Lynd-Balta

Biology Faculty/Staff Publications

Science education reform initiatives emphasize 1) the value of concepts over facts; 2) the benefits of open-ended, inquiry-based problem-solving rather than protocols leading to a single correct answer; and 3) the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to teaching that is not confined by departmental boundaries. Neuroscientists should be at the forefront of this movement by the very nature of the discipline we study. Neuroscience is a relatively new field that integrates diverse subjects (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, molecular biology, computer science, and psychology) and experimental advances are constantly changing and expanding our understanding of brain function. How can we convey this …

An In-Depth Study Of Student Engagement, Laura Parn

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 5th grade mathematics, I investigated student engagement levels in the classroom, with a specific interest in how to raise the levels of engagement which students were demonstrating before the study began. I defined student engagement based on students’ posture, thinking, responsibility level, participation, and test readiness. Each day, students were given an engagement rubric where they would rate themselves on the previous five criteria. Students enjoyed the opportunity to grade themselves, and their engagement levels significantly improved over the course of the study. I discovered that giving students specific guidelines and …

Factors That Influence Mathematics Attitudes, Natalie Jenkins

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study conducted within my sixth grade High Ability Learner (HAL) classroom, I investigated the current mathematics attitudes of my students and how these attitudes correlated to personal mathematics achievement and identified intelligence domains. I discovered that most of my nineteen students held a negative attitude toward the subject of mathematics. Consistent low ratings were also found in the logical/mathematical domain of most of my students’ ALPS Multiple Intelligence Profiles. Regardless of this dominant affective data (indicating little mathematics interest or potential from student perspectives) surprisingly, most of my sixth grade HAL students scored above the 90th …

Math Anxiety: What Can Teachers Do To Help Their Students Over Come The Feeling?, Danielle Swanson

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 7th and 8th grade mathematics, I investigated how math anxiety relates to the student work and behavior in the classroom, and how this can affect the student’s overall relationship to mathematics. I discovered that the harder the work, the more math anxiety was displayed. The harder I pushed students to think more deeply, the fewer responses to my questions I received. I noticed difference in the students’ body language and overall behavior. As a result of this research, I plan to help my students try to overcome the feeling of math …

The Effects Of Self-Assessment On Student Learning, Darla Rae Kelberlau-Berks

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 7th and 8th grade mathematics classes, I investigated self-assessment and goal setting. Students set goals at the beginning of the chapter. Students rated themselves at the end of each lesson in several different areas. Those ratings were used to help students know what areas to focus on when preparing for a test. I discovered that students were realistic with their goals. I discovered that the 7th grade Pre-Algebra classes were accurate with their self-ratings and that those ratings helped students with test preparation. I also discovered that students were positive about the experience …

Departmentalization In The 5th Grade Classroom: Re-Thinking The Elementary School Model, Delise Andrews

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 5th grade classroom, I investigated the benefits of a modified block schedule and departmentalization. The research consisted of dividing the 5th grade curriculum into three blocks. Each block consisted of two primary subject areas: Mathematics was paired with Social Studies, Reading was paired with Health, and Writing was paired with Science. These groupings were designed to accommodate district time-allotment requirements and the strengths of each teacher within the 5th grade team. Thus, one teacher taught all of the Mathematics and Social Studies, another all of the Reading and Health, and another all of …

Cooperative Learning Groups In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom, Sandra S. Snyder

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. Data was collected to see how cooperative learning groups affected oral and written communication, math scores, and attitudes toward mathematics. On the one hand, I discovered that many students enjoyed the opportunity to work within a group. On the other hand, there continues to be a handful of students who would rather work alone. The benefits outweigh the demands. Overall, students benefitted from the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. Oral explanations of solutions and methods improved during the study. Written …

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Sensitive Wildlife Species Monitoring And Analysis: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending June 30, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Wildlife Monitoring

• Tortoise and tortoise habitat monitoring was conducted on the Northshore Road construction project, on the Southern Nevada Water Authority intake pipe project, the Frontier Telephone-Willow Beach project and the movie film at Temple Bar.
• A total of 25 tortoise education classes were given to 90 individuals.
• Evaluation of 3 potential sites for relict leopard frog translocations conducted but sites were not recommended.
• Head-starting and translocation efforts for relict leopard frogs continued. 1183 animals translocated so far this year.
• Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Team meeting held and yearly report completed.
• Continuation of data management and QA of GPS collar information from …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center: Evaluation Of Curriculum: Final Report, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw

Reports (RRLC)

The UNLV Center for Evaluation and Assessment developed an assessment instrument to evaluate curriculum for the proposed Red Rock Desert Learning Center science school’s fifth grade program. A 25-item Likert-type scale was created and administered before and after 68 pre-service and in-service teachers participated in each of five curriculum pilot sessions. The survey consisted of questions related to knowledge, pedagogy, and attitudes. Two open-ended questions were included on the post-survey.

Findings revealed significant gains in knowledge, pedagogy, and attitudes in each of five events from pre- to post-test. Gains over time were greatest for knowledge. Some events were rated more …

Writing In A Mathematics Classroom: A Form Of Communication And Reflection, Stacie Lefler

Action Research Projects

In this action research study, I investigated the use of journaling in my seventh grade mathematics classroom. I discovered that journaling can be a very rewarding and beneficial experience for me and for my students. Through journaling, my students became more adept at using correct mathematical terminology in writing and in speaking. The students also believed that they learned the content more deeply and retained it better. Additionally, implementing mathematical journals caused me to emphasize the use of correct terminology and thorough explanations of mathematical thinking in classroom discussions. As a result of this research, I plan to refine my …

Elliptical Coordinates, Carl W. David

Chemistry Education Materials

This offering contains the transformation equations between Cartesian and elliptical coordinate systems appropriate for treating the hydrogem molecule ion's quantum mechanics.

The Effects Of Teaching Problem Solving Strategies To Low Achieving Students, Kristin Johnson, Anne Schmidt

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of an eighth grade Math Intervention class, we investigated the following:

• the direct teaching of problem-solving strategies to low achieving students;
• the effect the academic achievement has on these students; and
• students’ perceptions of themselves as problem solvers.

We discovered that students tended to have a positive experience with problem-solving activities when given direct instruction on a variety of strategies. Through the use of a four-point rubric, students’ written responses tended to be more comprehensive about their understanding of the problem. Over a span of four weeks during the spring semester in …

Self-Directed Learning In The Middle School Classroom, Jim Pfeiffer

Action Research Projects

The action research project took place in my seventh grade mathematics classroom and involved the study of how student directed learning impacts the ability of students in the middle level to learn mathematics. This research project uncovered issues in student learning and self-discipline of the students, as well as classroom management skills that were not readily apparent in a teacher-centered middle level mathematics classroom. As a result of this action research project, my future seventh grade mathematics students will continue to have an increased role in the educational process to which they are an audience. The student-centered learning environment seems …

Learning To Use Innovative Pedagogy: The Experience Of A Primary Science Teacher In Pakistan, Nelofer Halai

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

This study examined the experiences of primary science teachers when they weThis study examined the experiences of primary science teachers when they were exposed to a new and innovative teaching strategy and the process that they followed in using the strategy in the class- room for the first time. Four primary science teachers, among the 22 participants of an 8-week Certificate in Education (Science) in Karachi, were observed and interviewed after the four-day teaching session where they were instructed how to use "Discrepant Events" to teach science content. Only the case of Farhana Batool, a teacher in a private school, …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending May 31, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• Forever Earth was scheduled for 18 days and benefited more than 400 individuals.
• Curricula for 5th, 6th, and 7th grades were created for the Forever Earth program; pre- and post-trip activities were also written.
• Activities for 5th and 6th grades were field tested on 7 Forever Earth trips.
• A 1000-gallon fuel donation was contributed to the Forever Earth program by Overland Petroleum Company, St. George, Utah.
• The Forever Earth marketing plan was completed.
• 12 Discover Mojave Outdoor World events were conducted for 104 participants; …

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network – Spring 2006

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

SNR E-Commerce Website Changes Web Address by Charles Flowerday

Teachers Find Laboratory Earth Course Valuable by Monica Sanford

GEON Summer 2006 Workshops See High Enrollment Levels

Susan Frack Named Sigma Xi Teacher of the Year by Monica Sanford

Tern & Plover Job Shadowing Program Looks For Students with Science Interest by Charles Flowerday

Science Behind the Acronyms: NASA Contributes to Water Management by Monica Sanford

Natural Resources Graduate Credits Valuable Experience in SNR; Now Manages Groundwater-Monitoring Program for Natural Resources District by Steve Ress

Astronomy Day 2006 Hosted by Mueller Planetarium and University of Nebraska State Museum May 6, …