Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Fractals And The Chaos Game, Stacie Lefler

Department of Mathematics: Master 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.

Triangulation, Jim Pfeiffer

Department of Mathematics: Master 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 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 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.

An In-Depth Study Of Student Engagement, Laura Parn

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master 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 …

The Role Of Habits-Of-Mind Problems, Student Self-Assessments And Self Reflections In A 6th Grade Math Class, Garold J. Furse

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

The focus of my action research is to study the impact of student self-assessment and reflection on my 6th grade math students’ abilities to solve deep-thinking math problems, herein referred to as habits-of-mind, or HOM, problems. I investigated the way informal self-assessments and self-reflections impact student learning and motivation. I discovered that students are seldom stimulated to think about their own learning. When they are encouraged to do so, student self-assessments give students ownership of their own learning and provide them with a means for evaluating their growth. Students’ assessments of their work also gives teachers a meaningful indication of …

Student Problem Solving, Michael A. Cobelens

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine if students solve math problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division consistently and whether students transfer these skills to other mathematical situations and solutions. In this action research study, a classroom of 6th grade mathematics students was used to investigate how students solve word problems and how they determine which mathematical approach to use to solve a problem. It was discovered that many of the students read and re-read a question before they try to find an answer. Most students will check their answer to determine if it is correct and makes …

Improving Mathematics Problem Solving Through Written Explanations, Janet Schlattmann

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of two classrooms of 7th grade mathematics, I investigated how requiring written explanations of problem solving would affect students ability to problem solve, their ability to write good explanations, and how it would affect their attitudes toward mathematics and problem solving. I studied a regular 7th grade mathematics class and a lower ability 7th grade class to see if there would be any difference in what was gained by each group or any group. I discovered that there were no large gains made in the short time period of my action research. Some gains were …

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

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master 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 …

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 …

Does Changing The Definition Of Science Solve The Establishment Clause Problem For Teaching Intelligent Design As Science In Public Schools? Doing An End-Run Around The Constitution, Ann Marie Lofaso

The University of New Hampshire Law Review

[Excerpt] "When Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species By Means of Natural Selection in 1859, it sparked some of the most contentious debates in American intellectual history, debates that continue to rage today. Although these debates have numerous political ramifications, the question posed in this paper is narrow: Does the Establishment Clause permit a particular assessment of current evolutionary theory – intelligent design (“ID”) – to be taught as science in American elementary and secondary public schools? This article shows that it does not.

To understand current disputes over whether and how to teach the origins of life …

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, …

Reverse-Traditional/Hands-On: An Alternative Method Of Teaching Statistics, Aliakbar M. Haghighi, Roozbeh Vakil, Johnson K. Wetiba

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

This paper presents a method for teaching statistics called the Reverse-Traditional/Hands-On (RT/HO) method. The method includes student-generated data, use of a statistical computing package such as MINITAB to introduce statistical terms and methods, and a statistical research component. An analytic comparison of students’ successes in courses using the Traditional and RT/HO methods is presented.

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; …

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

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--A Message from Your (New) President

--Announcements

--Opportunities

--Your ISTS Leadership

Usage Of Plant Examples In Secondary School Biology Classes, Tamara L. Egner

Theses and Dissertations

Botanists have expressed concern over the dwindling recognition and emphasis of plants that currently exists in the fields of education and research. To ascertain if these claims pertain to high schools in the State of New Jersey, a survey on the frequency of using plant examples for teaching 10 biological principles was randomly distributed to secondary school biology teachers. Results from 80 respondents showed that on average, plants are used as examples in teaching 66% of these biological principles. The primary rationale cited by teachers for low or non-usage of plants was that they preferred animals as teaching examples. Underlying …

Math Anxiety: What It Is And How It Can Be Prevented By Elementary Classroom Teachers, Amy Christenson

Honors Capstones

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

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, …

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Spring 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 …

In Our Own Backyard: Critical Theory And The Development Of The San Jacinto Center For Environmental Education, Susanna Hamilton, Darleen Stoner, Randall Wright

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

This research addresses the topic of nature centers from a critical theory perspective. This research assumed in part, the question: what are the characteristics of a functional and successful nature center that includes environmental education goals and programs? Nature center administrators from across the United States were surveyed and asked to share their opinions on this topic. Six overall characteristics pertaining to management and vision were identified through an exploratory mixed‑method design. Other components of these characteristics were discovered during the analysis of the data, and include factors such as approaches to education. Recommendations for improving nature centers and their …

How Have Teachers Affected The Disinterest Towards Mathematics?, Amy Brown

Senior Honors Projects

In our school system today there is a collective disinterest and lack of enthusiasm towards mathematics as a whole. This apathy is prevalent as early as elementary school and continues through higher education. It is disheartening that so many students avoid mathematics because of their misconception that it is too difficult and has little value in their future. How well prepared are our teachers to deal with this? I began my research by looking at the past perceptions of mathematics and how the reform movement has changed this perspective. I also looked at the changing standards and how the Principles …

The Exponential Function, Shawn A. Mousel

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

One of the basic principles studied in mathematics is the observation of relationships between two connected quantities. A function is this connecting relationship, typically expressed in a formula that describes how one element from the domain is related to exactly one element located in the range (Lial & Miller, 1975). An exponential function is a function with the basic form f (x) = ax , where a (a fixed base that is a real, positive number) is greater than zero and not equal to 1. The exponential function is not to be confused with the polynomial functions, such as x2. …

Biolojam – The Educational Comic, Stacey Barrie

Senior Honors Projects

BioloJam is a biology comic aimed towards 7th and 8th grade students. The goal of the project was to create an educational resource that students would find entertaining and enlightening. The project is available on the web and is free to use for educational purposes by teachers, students, and parents. There are two comics: the larger, more complicated “Cell Breakout” and the smaller, more conversational “Giraffic Park.” In Cell Breakout, the three heroes are trapped inside a video game in a plant cell, and learn all about cell functions as they try to escape. In Giraffic Park, the trio are …

Testing The Test: Item Response Curves And Test Quality, Gary A. Morris, Lee Branum-Martin, Nathan Harshman, Stephen D. Baxter, Eric Mazur, Suvendra Dutta, Taha Mzoughi, Veronica Mccauley

Faculty Articles

We present a simple technique for evaluating multiple-choice questions and their answers beyond the usual measures of difficulty and the effectiveness of distractors. The technique involves the construction and qualitative consideration of item response curves and is based on item response theory from the field of education measurement. To demonstrate the technique, we apply item response curve analysis to three questions from the Force Concept Inventory. Item response curve analysis allows us to characterize qualitatively whether these questions are efficient, where efficient is defined in terms of the construction, performance, and discrimination of a question and its answer choices. This …

Engaging Physics Students Using Environmental Lab Modules, John M. Pratte

Faculty Articles

Discusses multi-week activity modules that use civic engagement to increase student interest and learning in physics. Components of the modules; Activities included in the modules; Assessment of student learning and interest using the modules.