Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Mathematical Card Tricks, Sarah Zimmermann

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Measuring The Environmental Attitudes Of Children In Grade 4: A Study In Clark County, Amir Khawaja

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is an increased positive effect on children's attitude when they are taught about the environment in an outdoor/hands-on setting versus an indoor traditional classroom setting. The study focused on grade four students in the Clark County School District. Half of the group was comprised of students that were taught about the environment using traditional classroom learning materials while the other half consisted of students that were taught using the outdoor/hands-on approach. In order to test the results, the students were given a survey. The questionnaire created by Malkus and Musser …

A Guide To Motion And Newton's Laws For General Science, Roger F. Hume

All Graduate Projects

This project provides activities in motion and Newton's Laws of motion. Besides instructions on how to perform the activity, a list of student selfassessment questions is provided to encourage further inquiry. The activities are also aligned with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for the State of Washington. These activities are designed to supplement curriculum already being taught.

A Brain-Based Pedagogy To Improve Student Achievement Of Middle School Aged Children, Marci Lynn Stadiem

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of a brain-based pedagogy to improve student achievement in middle school students. The review of current research found that orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness and active processing were integral for an effective brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement. Included is a curriculum that focused on a brain-based pedagogy. Written for teachers of middle school students. Lessons included support a brain-based pedagogy, were age appropriate, and encouraged teachers to use a curriculum based on a brain-based pedagogy that increased student achievement.

Project-Based High School Science Activities, Raymond Lynn Harris

All Graduate Projects

The development of project-based science activities and assessment rubrics are presented. A total of fifteen different science projects are presented for use in the high school science classroom. The activities are complete with lesson plans, design lessons, overviews of materials and follow up assessments. The activities are designed to combine essential academic learning requirements with real-world applications and can be applicable to a wide variety of concepts. The development of these activities is supported by the literature review as well as the use in the author's classroom.

John Sedgwick Junior High School Physical Science Curriculum Alignment At The South Kitsap School District With The Essential Academic Learning Requirements And National Science Standards, Iva Scott

All Graduate Projects

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) lists curriculum alignment as one of the Nine Characteristics of High Performing Schools. With an increased emphasis on educational accountability and assessment of student learning, school districts are placing heightened emphasis on state and national learning standards. Physical science curriculum alignment consisted of matching curricular standards with information and skills being taught in the classroom and assessed through utilization of various forms of testing, including Washington Assessment of Student Leaming in Science, which is currently being developed. This project provides a format for development and utilization of district curricula that is aligned with …

A Model Integrated Science Guide For Junior High General Education Classroom Teachers In The Tahoma School District, Angela M. Delgado

All Graduate Projects

Teaching concepts in science that incorporated different science disciplines were studied and placed into practice at Tahoma Junior High School, Maple Valley, Washington. This form of integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated teaching was displayed in an integrated science model unit. The integrated science model unit detailed river systems and the many different sciences that play a role in creating the river environment we see daily. Research showed students learned as well if not better in integrated science classrooms when compared to students who fulfilled the traditional sequence of science classes. Moreover, brain research …

Combining Science And Reading Materials To Teach Comprehension Strategies, Melena Haskovec

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a curriculum development project in which science and reading were combined to teach reading comprehension strategies to kindergarten and first grade children. Nonfiction science texts were purchased. The teachers collaboratively created and implemented lesson plans for three science units and one social studies unit. The combined classes met once every six days from January to May.

The children were paired across grade levels to read the texts, participate in the strategy instruction and complete the guided practice activities. Pre and post project measures of first graders' growth in reading comprehension showed that all the first grade students …

A Matlab-Based Upper Division Systems Analysis Course For Engineering Technology, William D. Stanley, Paul L. Kauffmann, Gary R. Crossman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The Department of Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University offers TAC of ABET accredited baccalaureate programs in Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. All students are required to take traditional courses in algebra and trigonometry, as well as differential and integral calculus, at the freshman and sophomore levels. While these courses provided the necessary basic mathematical skills, it was difficult to justify the traditional upper-division mathematics courses such as differential equations, vector analysis, etc., as appropriate for the special needs of engineering technology students.

To address this issue, the Department has undertaken the development of a …

Writing In A Second Grade Math Class, Tammy Bakken

Graduate Research Papers

Writing in math has given me a much better benchmark-driven curriculum. I know more clearly how to help students accomplish math benchmarks. I used to have a separate time for the students in my classroom to write and a separate time for my students to do math. Nearly two years ago, I had the idea of writing in math. I read what other teachers had tried and I tried to include more writing in math. The results have confirmed my belief that writing in math is a worthwhile practice. Writing in math gave my students a greater understanding of math. …

Using Computer-Based Instruction To Strengthen Student Achievement In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom, Anne Nedved

Graduate Research Papers

According to the National Research Council (2001), students in mathematics should be able to understand mathematics, compute fluently, apply concepts in a problem-solving manner, reason logically, and engage with mathematics in a sensible, doable, and useful manner.

The goal of this project is to develop a curriculum guide for the implementation of the Computer Assisted Instruction program PLATO into the current curriculum of the Council Bluffs Community School District. Students are more immersed in technology than ever before and teachers need to embrace the challenge to create an environment with ample technological materials to actively involve and retain student's interests …

Enhancing Student Achievement In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom Using Computer-Based Instruction, Anne Nedved

Graduate Research Papers

Computer-based instruction (CBI) is one tool that has enhanced curriculum to meet individual learning needs and enable students to succeed in the mathematics classroom. CBI creates an environment centered on individualized, flexible learning where students can be more self-directed and independent.

The importance of this review is to cite specific research and studies to determine the effectiveness of such computer-based applications in the mathematics classroom in relation to student achievement and professional development. The most productive and positive integration of CBI in terms of student achievement and motivation in the classroom was due to the professional development and training of …

An Integration Of Chemistry, Biology, And Physics: The Interdisciplinary Laboratory, Gerald R. Van Hecke, Kerry K. Karukstis, Richard C. Haskell, Catherine S. Mcfadden, F Sheldon Wettack

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

As a new venture to integrate research and education, a pilot section of a first-year laboratory sequence known as the Interdisciplinary Laboratory (ID Lab) was introduced on the Harvey Mudd campus during the 1999–2000 academic year and continues to be offered. The ID Lab attempts to bridge laboratory experiences from biology, chemistry, and physics for the first-year student. Taught by a team of faculty from these disciplines, the course seeks both to illustrate commonality of investigative methods and laboratory techniques in these sciences and to introduce discipline-specific principles. Experiments with a chemistry component include the Molecular Weight of Macromolecules, the …

Portfolio Assessment In Liberal Arts Mathematics, Mike Kenyon

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes my efforts to incorporate problem-solving portfolios into my liberal arts mathematics course. I begin with a description of the components of the portfolios and the factors I consider in evaluating them. I then address some of the more significant obstacles I have encountered as well as what I consider to be among the major benefits. A selection from one student’s portfolio is appended.

Marcy's Dots: A Problem On National Test Revisited, Patricia Baggett, Andrzej Ehrenfeucht

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

When Is A Math Problem Really "Real"?, Michael E. Goldberg

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

"Magic In A Box", Lacie Juris

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

No abstract provided.

Divisibility: A Problem Solving Approach Through Generalizing And Specializing, Rina Zazkis

Humanistic Mathematics Network Journal

This paper describes a divisibility rule for any prime number as an engaging problem-solving activity for preservice secondary school mathematics teachers.

Classroom Questioning Strategies As Indicators Of Inquiry Based Science Instruction, Linda Hale Goossen

Dissertations

Inquiry teaching often rests upon the assumption that through the use of questioning and response strategies, teachers can stimulate students to actively construct knowledge. Based on this hypothesis, middle-school science lessons were observed and questioning and response strategies were identified that are related to inquiry-based instruction.

Twenty-four science lessons were observed, videotaped, and ranked by inquiry characteristics other than questioning strategy. The video and audio portions of the recordings were analyzed to determine the student and teacher’s questioning and response strategies in each classroom. These strategies were then compared to teaching style, along a continuum from traditional to inquiry, to …

Self Paced Math At Jccc, Steve Wilson

Contributions to the Math Classroom

Independent study is becoming more popular among students, and more schools are creating programs to meet the demand. The self-paced math program at Johnson County Community College had been operational since the mid-1980s, but has experienced fantastic growth beginning in about 2000. This presentation describes the current program from the viewpoints of students, faculty, and managers.

Journaling In The Secondary Mathematics Classroom: An Introduction, Defense, And Resource, Emily K. Falgier

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

An Integrated Solar System Unit For Third And Fourth Grade Students Using Nonfiction Children's Literature, Kelly Janee Mccann

Graduate Student Projects

This project was based on a review of literature in the areas of vocabulary development, curriculum integration, and using children's literature in the content areas. The purpose of this project was to provide third and fourth grade teachers with a handbook designed to increase the use of nonfiction, informational children's literature in the content area of science. The solar system-themed handbook consists of 10 comprehensive lessons containing vocabulary building activities, stories to be read aloud by the teacher, and hands-on science experiments. The handbook is intended for individual use, either as a compliment to the current curriculum or to be …

Integrating Mathematics, Technical Writing Skills And Authentic Assessment Into A Ninth And Tenth Grade Woodshop Curriculum, John Lawrence Mccarley

Graduate Student Projects

For this project an integrated woodshop curriculum containing elements of procedural writing and mathematics instruction was created. The curriculum design was based on the constructivist concept that students learn more efficiently when personal meaning is attached to the content presented. That concept was used to connect mathematics and writing to realistic applications in a woodshop setting. Support for integration of various content areas into a single curriculum is supported in the academic literature. Specific exercises to attain specific outcomes are discussed in the literature, and adaptations of those processes were incorporated in the project.

A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a supplemental curriculum to assist teachers in integrating reading and writing with science kits for first grade students. Included is a review of research which discusses what thematic and integrative teaching encompasses, the value of thematic teaching, the development ofreading, writing, and language through thematic units, thematic centers, a rationale for using thematic content area teaching to English as a second language students in the acquisition of the English language, and the importance of science education. The handbook encompasses two main themes: weather and organisms.

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Multiple Intelligence Theory And Seventh Grade Mathematics: A Handbook Of Activities, Mechelle Lynn Devries Lalanne

All Graduate Projects

Multiple intelligence theory was investigated; a description and history of the theory, as proposed by Howard Gardner, is provided. The multiple intelligence theory as it relates to education, particularly mathematics education, was reviewed. A handbook of activities was created to provide a resource for seventh grade teachers that will assist in the application and integration of mathematics across the range of multiple intelligences in their classroom. Assessments that resemble the Washington Assessment of Students Leaming are included, in order to develop skills necessary to meet the Essential Academic Leaming Requirements of Washington.

Forming Partnerships With Parents Through A Series Of Interactive Home-Based Activities Delivered Through The Use Of Personal Computers, Michael P. Stark

All Graduate Projects

A project was implemented in which parents and students were encouraged to collaborate on a series of interactive mathematics activities designed to be completed in the home. yth grade math students along with their parents completed problem-solving activities on personal computers. Students with no access to computers at home were able to borrow Apple iBook laptop computers from the local school district. The activities were all designed to help students in preparation for the ylh grade mat WASL. The project also contained many resources for parents, including WASL related resources as well as resources on parental involvement at home.

Pre-Algebra And Algebra I Class Starters, Lois Martin Serns

Graduate Student Projects

Mathematics has always been important, but never more than today. Math curriculums have been revised throughout the United States to better prepare students for success. The math class of today must offer an environment in which students can work individually and in cooperative groups on meaningful, real-life problems. Teachers need to make the most of the class time they have. Using a math starter problem or activity can help achieve this goal. A wide variety of activities not only improve the quality of learning in the classroom, but will also capture the interest of the student in math class. These …

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum for Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary in Sammamish, Washington, in the Lake Washington School District, aimed at sixth grade mathematics classrooms. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted and utilized to develop unit and lesson plans for a model mathematics thinking skills curriculum. Students were given sample problems from the units and comparisons were made between teaching mathematics with thinking skills and traditional methods. The results support the hypothesis that mathematics concepts are better understood when combined with thinking skills and the …