Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Comprehension Strategy Lesson Plans For Third Grade Teachers Incorporating Informational Science Trade Books, Trinidad M. Rivera

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a set of lesson plans for teachers useful in teaching comprehension strategies to monolingual third grade students. Research on comprehension strategies and the effects they have on children's reading comprehension was explored. Effective comprehension strategies were defined. Lesson plans were created to aid educators as they teach comprehension of informational material to third grade students.

Out-Of-Field Teaching By High School Science Teachers In The Wenatchee Valley, Warren Gregson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to heighten the awareness and draw attention to the level of out-of-field teachiug by high school science teachers in the Wenatchee Valley. This study was compared to the national average of out-of-field teachiug of science. High school science teachers from four school districts in the Wenatchee Valley were surveyed to determine the level of out-of-field teachiug. The results showed an increase in out-offield teachiug in the Wenatchee Valley compared to the national average. Recommendations were given to inform prospective science teachers about the necessary level of education needed to better prepare themselves for out-of-field …

Alignment Of The Challenger Center Curriculum With The Washington State Essential Learning Requirements And The Use Of Multiple Intelligences, Shaila Donel Brookover

All Graduate Projects

The State ofWashington has recently adopted a set oflearning standards called the Essential Academic Learning Requirements. It is the intention of this Master's project to align the learning objectives of the Challenger Center curriculum with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science, so that it may be used as a sixth and seventh grade enrichment opportunity. Itis also within the scope of this project to include Gardner's theory on multiple intelligence as an educational tool to improve student learning. It will be suggested that with the use of multiple intelligences and the integration of informal science learning experiences, students will …

A Model, Secondary Level, Mathematics Curriculum Developed In Alignment With Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, Easton School District, Seyed Victor Nourani

All Graduate Projects

The purpose ofthis project was to design and develop a model secondary level mathematics curriculum, in alignment with Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, for the Easton School District in Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements related to secondary mathematics was conducted. In addition, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.

Integration Of Children's Literature And Mathematics With Literature-Based Supplemental Activities In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Mcdow

All Graduate Projects

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements developed by the various subject committees selected by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning and the recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are addressed. The benefits of integrating children's literature and mathematics are studied. Integrated activities and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that could supplement a traditional mathematics curriculum for primary age students are developed.

Wolves And Bears: An Interdisciplinary Activity Guide For Grades 3-5, Susan L. Thomas

All Graduate Projects

A popular set of "Discovery Boxes" are used by educators across North Central Washington. These boxes are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and focus on such themes as wolves, bears, fire, plants and forests. These boxes are available to be checked out to educators for two-week periods, and reach approximately 9,000 students annually. Each box contains "hands-on" props which enhance the learning of each theme. Some of the boxes have activity guides in them to assist the educator in teaching the theme and thus using the box to its full potential. Two of the most popular boxes, the wolf …

An Interdisciplinary Research Project For The Middle School Study Skills Curriculum, Colleen M. Kinney

All Graduate Projects

An integrated curriculum correlating endangered species with the disciplines of life science, math, language arts, geography, and study skills, for seventh grade students at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Yakima, Washington, was developed. A literature review supports the premise that integrated units enable students to make connections between the concepts taught in school and the real world. The literature review also indicated the need for schools to teach study skills to better prepare students for the future.

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

Metastable States In Classical And Quantum Systems, Mark Makela, Samantha Parmley, Roger Yu

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

The classical vibrational metastable states in a one-dimensional two-mass system are investigated experimentally and theoretically via the transmission of a coherent wave packet propagating through the system. The Fourier transform of the vibrational signal recorded in between the masses reveals resonant excitations by the coherent wave packet. The time-resolved spectrum indicates that the lifetime of a metastable state of higher frequency is longer than that of lower frequency, which is in contrast with the quantum mechanical double-barrier system. This study, which is easily accessible to physics majors, also demonstrates quantum resonant tunneling in a very simple classical way.

Instructional Lessons And Activities For Middle School Science Teachers, Sally Josephine Rich

All Graduate Projects

The significance of providing an inquiry based, hands-on approach to teaching science to middle school students was researched. Several sources supported this teaching method. The research suggested having students participate in engaging, thought provoking, and problem solving science activities to optimize successful student learning. Lessons and activities, which focus on active student learning, critical thinking and problem solving, were developed to enhance and revise the existing curriculum for five chosen textbooks. These selected science texts were intended for middle school sixth and seventh grade students.

A Model Fourth Grade Science Curriculum Based On Multiple Intelligence Theory And Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Science, Kerry Lynn Ward

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fourth grade science curriculum based on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and in line with Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science. Along with this, assessment criteria were to be designed for each learning activity. To accomplish this purpose, current research on Multiple Intelligence Theory, assessment, curriculum development and Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science were reviewed. Finally, student learning objectives, learning activities and corresponding assessment criteria were adapted and developed.

Designing And Developing A Model Applied Mathematics Curriculum For Taiwanese-Canadian Extension School Students, In Grades Ten Through Twelve In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Kuo-Tung Liu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model applied mathematics curriculum for Taiwanese-Canadian extension school students, in grades ten through twelve in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding curriculum and instruction related to applied mathematics was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected schools with applied mathematics programs in Taiwan, Canada, and the United States of America, was obtained and analyzed. A handsearch of various other sources was also conducted.

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

An Interdisciplinary Water Quality Curriculum For Middle School Students, Barbara Michelle Cleveland

All Graduate Projects

An interdisciplinary curriculum correlating water quality with the disciplines of physical science and mathematics for 6th grade middle school students was developed. Literature examined indicates that the opportunity to explore key concepts and significant issues using an integrated approach provided greater opportunity to formulate meaningful connections between disciplines studied and that achievement was enhanced. The Learning units were developed for use at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, Washington.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

Wilderness Survival Basic Skills: A Model Seventh Grade Science Curriculum With Integrated Math Concepts, Layne B. Hutchins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and implement a model 7th grade science program with integrated mathematics concepts using an outdoor survival theme. The developed program focused on mathematics and science topics related to exploration and survival in the wilderness and enjoyment of the outdoors in order to connect mathematics and science concepts with real life experiences. Current research and literature on integration and multiple intelligences, integration of mathematics and science as well existing outdoor programs was reviewed. Finally, section overviews, student learning objectives, learning activities and teaching strategies were adapted and developed.

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

A Secondary Education Model Of An Applied Learning Health Occupations Program, Andrea Lee Chapman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop an applied learning health occupations program model that encompassed interagency collaboration and partnership. The formal partnership in this project was established with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the Bethel School District. Initially the model was designed for implementation in the Bethel School District and eventually other school districts in the State of Washington. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding the future workforce, applied learning and partnerships between schools, business and the community was conducted and related materials from inservice programs and conferences was reviewed and assessed.

Supplimental Activities/Lesson Plans For General Math, Jacklyn Sue Long

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop supplemental activities/lesson plans for ninth grade general mathematics. The activities/lesson plans make use of manipulatives, cooperative learning and real life situations. Some of the activities/ lesson plans are developed into projects.

Applied Science: Integrating Science And Vocational Education For Students With Mild Disabilities And Students Without Disabilities, Maurene R. Fink

All Graduate Projects

The study addresses the educational needs of students with disabilities and students without disabilities in the vocational and scientific fields while meeting the business community's needs for skilled employees. The project allows students to receive the advanced science credit as well as prepare students transitioning directly from school to work. Interviews of employers indicated that current educational systems do not adequately address the needs of the business community. Bellingham businesses are eager to participate with Bellingham High School in cooperative education programs.

An Outcome-Based Curriculum Design For Seventh Grade Earth Science, Jeffrey Scott Fields

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a curriculum design to be used for the seventh grade Earth Science course taught at Centerville School. The curriculum was created by modifying the district's student learning objectives into outcome-based objectives, lessons and units. This project was designed with the intent of enhancing the teaching of earth science and aiding other teachers in the district by giving them a possible model for their own curricula comparison and adoptions. The curriculum design was successful in meeting these intentions.

Creating Supplimental Visual And Manipulative Activities For Biology, Dennis Craig Johnson

All Graduate Projects

Alternative visual and tactile teaching strategies and their educational effectiveness for students of diverse backgrounds in the life sciences were studied. Supplemental activities to traditional, commercial, science programs were found to provide many effective learning pathways to a wide spectrum of learning styles. To assist in providing additional learning approaches toward program goals, the educational theory in the literary review was applied to the formation of a set of classroom science materials. Suggestions for classroom use have been provided.

Thematic Approach To Teaching Science In Kindergarten For Use With First And Second Language Students, Gerene Marie Sadberry

All Graduate Projects

Thematic Science units were established for the Wapato kindergarten in both Spanish and English. Approximately three hundred students are participants in the program for which this curriculum was designed. This study suggests how selected science objectives may be implemented using the thematic approach. Each theme contains a media resource list of Items available from the Wapato Primary Media Center and suggested activities which will help to integrate the science unit with other subject areas. The Intent of the curriculum design ls that children learn language and science naturally when they are developed in a meaningful context.

A Thematic Unit For Integrating Social Studies And Science In The First Grade, Lin Marjorie Lasater

All Graduate Projects

A thematic unit for integrating social studies and science with other curriculum areas was developed for first grade students. The theme for the unit centered around farms. The unit was divided into five subunits: farms, farm animals, orchards/vineyards (to include fruits of the Yakima Valley and apples), crops (to include vegetables of the Yakima Valley, pumpkins, and wheat), and nutrition/four food groups. The literature was reviewed to establish a theoretical foundation for the unit and for activities that focused on reading, writing, and language development.

The Enhancement Of Earth Science Laboratories And Activities Through Inquiry, Discovery And Hands-On Methods, Diane Hinchliff Hesse

All Graduate Projects

The central objective of this project is to enhance the middle school eighthgrade Earth Science curriculum by developing or adapting existing laboratory activities to model hands-on, inquiry, and discovery learning methods. These laboratory activities are designed to encourage independent student-centered learning as opposed to teacher-centered and directed activities.

The project also explored the nature of the science laboratory as it exists in classrooms today and how it can be improved through an understanding of the nature and process of science.

A Cooperative Approach To Writing A Curriculum Guide For Mathematics, Sara Nilson Bos

All Graduate Projects

This project involved writing a curriculum guide for grades kindergarten through six in the area of mathematics. This guide was developed using a cooperative approach including small groups of teachers representing several grade levels, as well as, the entire teaching staff. The process of developing the guide was important to this study as was the mathematics guide itself. Teachers were involved in selection of a mathematics curriculum, implementing the curriculum, evaluating and adapting the curriculum after one year of use, and writing the guide to accompany the program.

A Student Handbook For The Environmental Education / Outdoor School Program In The Middle School, Robert Charles Kenck Jr.

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a student handbook that can be used from the onset of an environmental study through the inter-active field study. Students will use the handbook as they begin to study environmental education in the classroom. The handbook will continue to be used as each student attends a three day outdoor school to study firsthand their environment through field activities. The handbook will remain the property of the students.

Linear Measurement: A Prevocational Skills Curriculum Based On The Brigance Inventory Of Essential Skills, Linda Jane Kittle

All Graduate Projects

Student progress toward an educational goal can be enhanced by the use of a curriculum containing both assessment and instruction. This project is such a curriculum based on the linear measurement items of the Brigance Inventory of Essential Skills. The careful sequencing and prevocational nature of this curriculum, along with its record-keeping forms, make it especially useful for special education. It is also available as a data disk for use with Apple microcomputers.

What Energy? Whose Energy?, Sharon Lee Heikens

All Graduate Projects

With limited energy resources a global concern, American education has a responsibilitiy to present to the young people of America energy information which is as unbiased as possible. The curriculum developed in this project has been designed to engage eighth graders of the Kennewick school system in a variety of activities which, in addition to building on prior knowledge of energy, attempt to motivate students toward responsible attitudes and values in using energy resources.

A Supplementary Unit For The Average Level High School Geometry Course, Theresa Lynn Hulbert

All Graduate Projects

A set of worksheets were created to supplement high school geometry textbooks. The worksheet~ focus on the needs and abilities of the average or below average high school geometry students. The supplement consists of additional problems in areas where books are lacking, proofs with some of the statements or reasons filled in, and review problems.