Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Final Close-Out Report, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

“The mission of the Red Rock Desert Learning Center is to instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.”

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2006, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Fred and Harriet Cox Senior Design Competition Projects

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the senior design project stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year chooses, plans, designs and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum. A capstone to the student’s educational career, the senior design project encourages the student to use everything learned in the engineering program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

The senior design competition helps to focus the senior students in increasing the quality and potential for commercial application for their design projects. Judges from local industry evaluate the projects …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit, Support Materials: Lake Mead Geologic Webquest (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Student worksheets and teacher rubric to accompany the Lake Mead Geologic WebQuest lesson.

Analyzing The Effects Of Inquiry-Based Instruction On The Learning Of Atmospheric Science Among Pre-Service Teacher Education Students, Robert James Ruhf

Dissertations

This study tested whether or not pre-service teacher education students enrolled in inquiry-based earth science courses gained more thorough knowledge, comprehension, and application proficiencies with regard to atmospheric science concepts included in the Michigan Curriculum Framework for Science Education---the content standards of the Michigan State Board of Education for K-12---than did pre-service teacher education students enrolled in a traditionally-based earth science lecture/laboratory course. Content proficiencies were tested at the beginning of the semester (the pretest) and again at theend of the semester (the posttest). A sample of students participated in post-test interview sessions designed to examine in depth their knowledge, …

Pisa – The Programme For International Student Assessment – An Overview, Ross Turner

Ross Turner

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending November 30, 2006, Environmental Education Strategy For Nevada

Reports (PLI Education)

• Forever Earth was scheduled for 17 days and benefited 307 individuals.
• Technology was successfully tested aboard Forever Earth that may allow for distance education opportunities in Clark County School District classrooms.
• Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne and Congressman Jon Porter were hosted by the National Park Service aboard Forever Earth on October 31, 2006.
• Training for Forever Earth program facilitators was conducted on November 20, 2006.
• Four Discover Mojave Outdoor World events were conducted. A partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization is under development to increase participation in the program.
• Meeting held with Las Vegas developer Focus Property Group …

Ists E-Newsletter, November 15, 2006, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Notes from Your President, Gale Vermeulen

--A Message From Your Past President, Michael Clough

--A Message From Your President-Elect, Traci Maxted

--News

--Announcements

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Alien Invaders! Post-Visit Lessons, Support Materials (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Support material to enable students to write a public service announcement invasive species.

Characterizing Students’ Thinking: Algebraic Inequalities And Equations, Kien H. Lim

Kien H Lim

This paper presents the findings of a study that explores the viability of using students’ act of anticipating as a means to characterize the way students think while solving problems in algebra. Two types of anticipating acts were identified: predicting a result and foreseeing an action. These acts were characterized using Harel’s framework, which involves the concepts of mental act, way of understanding, and way of thinking. Categories for characterizing acts of predicting and foreseeing were identified and developed based on thirteen 11th graders’ responses to problems involving algebraic inequalities and equations. The quality of students’ acts of predicting and …

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit, Support Materials: Water Characteristics (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Student worksheets about water quality and the effect invasive species have on it.

Spherical Geometry, Linda Moore

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

Spherical geometry was studied in ancient times as a subset of Euclidian three-dimensional space. It was a logical outcome as the earth is a sphere. The word geometry literally means the measure of the earth. However, the undefined terms, axioms and postulates of Euclidian geometry take on a new meaning when studied on a sphere.

Gk-12: Sensors!, John F. Vetelino

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

The University of Maine (UMaine) College of Engineering proposes to partner with Bangor High School (BHS) to develop a model university/K-12 partnership based on the disciplinary theme of sensors. The proposed model integrates education and research for the benefit of BHS students and teachers, and graduate and advanced undergraduate students, and faculty, within the College of Engineering at UMaine. GK-12 Sensors! will involve faculty and students from the chemical, biological, electrical, computer, mechanical, civil/environmental, and spatial information engineering programs at the University of Maine. Five advanced undergraduate and ten graduate students will serve as GK-12 Sensor Fellows. Faculty members recognized …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Stakeholder Phasing Meeting: October 5, 2006, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

• Our goals for this meeting

• What does phasing offer us?

• Possible phasing scenados

• Where do we go from here?

• Other business regarding RRDLC

Connecting A Disconnected Youth To The Outdoor World, Daphne Sewing, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (DM)

• Understand the components of an effective program that connects youth to the natural world.
• Develop ideas for integrating these components into your existing programs.
• Program effectiveness.
• What we can do as environmental educators.

Iowa Academy Of Science: The New Bulletin, V02n4, Autumn 2006, Iowa Academy Of Science

New Bulletin

Inside This Issue:

--Executive Director Message

--Science Teaching Section Name Election

--Changes to IAS Sections

--Iowa Junior Academy of Science Supporting Student Inquiry

--ISTS President's Message

--Iowa Science Teachers Section Fall Conference

--In Memoriam: James A. Van Allen

Ists E-Newsletter, September 15, 2006, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--A Message from Your President

--Fall Conference News

--from the Past President/Conference Chair

--An Invitation

--Breakfasts

--15 Reasons to Attend

--Announcements

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Alien Invaders! Pre-Visit, Support Materials: Introduced And Invasive Species (Grade 6), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

Worksheets to accompany pre-visit lesson about invasive fish.

Using Computational Methods To Reinvigorate An Undergraduate Physics Curriculum, Jaime R. Taylor, B. A. King Iii

Physics Faculty Research

Austin Peay State University's Department of Physics and Astronomy has reinvigorated its physics program by adding a required computational methods class and small computational components to classes across its curriculum. A front-to-back problem management approach has required a change in the way the department assesses students' performance.

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending August 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 13 days and benefited 110 individuals.
• The National Park Service piloted the concept of using Forever Earth as a mobile visitor center during busy summer weekends. During five outings, Park Service interpreters contacted 1,365 visitors.
• Forever Earth curricula for 5th, 6th, and 7th grades have been completed.
• A Preliminary Implementation Plan was created by the SNAP Conservation Education and Interpretation team.
• A report on the Clark County School District Teacher Survey: Attitudes, Perceptions, Barriers, and Desires for Field Trip …

Depaul University Mathematics And Science Partnership Evaluation Report, Steven R. Rogg

Steven R Rogg

The DePaul University IMSP was designed as a longitudinal cohort program. Two cohorts of up to 25 teachers each will be supported. The second cohort is offset by one calendar year. Each teacher will complete a sequence of 12 university graduate-level courses (48 quarter hours), over two and one-half years, leading to a Masters of Science in Science Education (MSSE) degree. Thus, all successful participants will meet or exceed requirements of the designation “highly qualified” as described in the MSSE proposal quoted here.

“The Masters of Science in Science Education program is designed to provide rich content-based professional development of …

Probability For The Fifth Grade Classroom., Janeane Sue Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis was to thoroughly develop probability objectives to be used by a fifth grade teacher. These probability objectives were developed in four main units. The focus of the first unit was probability vocabulary. The second unit explored the concept of fairness as determined by the probability of winning a game. The third unit's purpose was to determine sample space using tree diagrams, lists, and the Counting Principle. Unit four was designed to help the student write theoretical and experimental probability as fractions, decimals, and percentages. Each unit was written to include detailed descriptions, definitions, and probability …

Incorporating Different Number Bases Into The Elementary School Classroom., Crystal Michele Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Since becoming an educator and gaining extensive classroom experience, I have concluded that it would be beneficial to elementary school children to learn other number bases and their basic functions and operations. In this thesis, I have developed five units involving lesson plans for incorporating various number bases into the existing curriculum. The units are Decimal (Base 10), Duodecimal (Base 12), Quinary (Base 5), Binary (Base 2), and Octal (Base 8) which are all appropriate for the elementary level.

Statistics: Raising The Bar For The Seventh Grade Classroom., Sherry Lynn Mullins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

After recognizing the need for a more thorough concentration of statistics at the seventh grade level, the author concluded that it would be a good idea to include statistics that cover both seventh and eighth grade Virginia Standards of Learning. Many years of administering the SOL mathematics test at the eighth grade level led the author to the understanding that some of the more advanced seventh graders would be missing some key concepts taught in eighth grade because those advanced students would be taking algebra in the eighth grade. In this thesis, the author has developed four units that she …

An Introduction To Number Theory Prime Numbers And Their Applications., Crystal Lynn Anderson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The author has found, during her experience teaching students on the fourth grade level, that some concepts of number theory haven't even been introduced to the students. Some of these concepts include prime and composite numbers and their applications. Through personal research, the author has found that prime numbers are vital to the understanding of the grade level curriculum. Prime numbers are used to aide in determining divisibility, finding greatest common factors, least common multiples, and common denominators. Through experimentation, classroom examples, and homework, the author has introduced students to prime numbers and their applications.

Creating Communities Of Mathematical Thinkers In The Pre-Kindergarten Classroom., Robin Penley Herndon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes a standards-based pre-kindergarten mathematics curriculum. The purpose of this thesis was to create a series of original lesson plans for the pre-kindergarten classroom that would address defined standards with instructional and other materials appropriate for teaching and assessing student understanding of the concepts. The curriculum is based on standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Virginia Department of Education's Foundation Blocks for Early Learning. The body of the work introduces the foundation for the thesis with theoretical underpinning, defines the content strands and learning objectives, establishes a pacing schedule for meeting …

Combinatorics For The Third Grade Classroom., Rita Jane Mcfaddin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

After becoming interested in the beauty of numbers and the intricate patterns of their behavior, the author concluded that it would be a good idea to make the subject available for students earlier in their educational experience. In this thesis, the author developed four units in combinatorics, namely Fundamental Principles, Permutations, Combinations, and Pascal's Triangle, which are appropriate for third grade level.

Graph Theory For The Middle School., Laura Ann Robinson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

After being introduced to graph theory and realizing how it can be utilized to solve real-world problems, the author decided to create modules of study on graph theory appropriate for middle school students. In this thesis, four modules were developed in the area of graph theory: an Introduction to Terms and Definitions, Graph Families, Graph Operations, and Graph Coloring. It is written as a guide for middle school teachers to prepare teaching units on graph theory.

Base Counting And Simple Mathematic Applications For The Special Education Classroom., James David Ray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis was designed as a self study unit for middle school aged students with special needs. The unit is broken in to sub-units that specifically cater to each number base. Also included in this plan is a brief history of counting and practical uses for the mathematics of different number bases. This has been designed to be a "fun" unit to study after taking S.O.L. tests or other state standard testing. Included in each unit are worksheets for assessment of understanding.

The Language Of Mathematics: Mathematical Terminology Simplified For Classroom Use., Beverly Karen Owens

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

After recognizing the need for a simpler approach to the teaching of mathematical terminology, I concluded it would be valuable to make a unit of simplified terms and describe methods of teaching these terms. In this thesis I have compared the terminology found in the Virginia Standards of Learning objectives to the materials found at each grade level. The units developed are as follows: The Primary Persistence Unit- for grades K-2; The Elementary Expansion Unit- for grades 3-5; and The Middle School Mastery Unit- for grades 6-8.

The Role Of The History Of Mathematics In Middle School., Mary Donette Carter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

It is the author's belief that middle school mathematics is greatly taught in isolation with little or no mention of its origin. Teaching mathematics from a historical perspective will lead to greater understanding, student inspiration, motivation, excitement, varying levels of learning, and appreciation for this subject. This thesis will develop four units that will incorporate original source documents and selected historical topics surrounding computation, numbers, and early calculating devices. Many of the units will center on the Rhind Papyrus and The Treviso Arithmetic. These units will be appropriate to middle school, with an emphasis on 6^th grade.