Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Archimedean Solids, Anna Anderson

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

A polygon is a simple, closed, planar figure with sides formed by joining line segments, where each line segment intersects exactly two others. If all of the sides have the same length and all of the angles are congruent, the polygon is called regular. The sum of the angles of a regular polygon with n sides, where n is 3 or more, is 180° x (n – 2) degrees. If a regular polygon were connected with other regular polygons in three dimensional space, a polyhedron could be created. In geometry, a polyhedron is a threedimensional solid which consists of a …

The Polar Coordinate System, Alisa Favinger

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

Representing a position in a two-dimensional plane can be done several ways. It is taught early in Algebra how to represent a point in the Cartesian (or rectangular) plane. In this plane a point is represented by the coordinates (x, y), where x tells the horizontal distance from the origin and y the vertical distance. The polar coordinate system is an alternative to this rectangular system. In this system, instead of a point being represented by (x, y) coordinates, a point is represented by (r, θ) where r represents the length of a straight line from the point to the …

Mathematics And Evolution, Kacy Heiser

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

What is game theory and how does it apply to Evolutionary Biology? Game theory was originally developed to help portray how individuals interact with each other and it was mainly used in the economics and political science fields. This area of mathematical study came about after World War II and was developed by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that George Price and John Maynard Smith began to apply game theory to evolution in trying to predict the behavior of animals in a species. There are two main evolutionary trends we will study using game …

Lester’S Circle, Julie Hoaglund

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

Euclid is credited with most of the theorems in geometry textbooks today. Around 300 B.C., Euclid produced a thirteen volume publication called The Elements. These volumes include much information others had studied. Throughout history, many great mathematicians including Pasch, Hilbert, and Birkhoff have studied and tried to improve Euclidean geometry. Groups such as University of Chicago School Mathematics Project have made improvements on the Euclid’s axiomatic system.

Precise Mathematical Language: Exploring The Relationship Between Student Vocabulary Understanding And Student Achievement, Jill Kranda

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

In this action research study of my classroom of fifth grade mathematics, I investigate the relationship between student understanding of precise mathematics vocabulary and student achievement in mathematics. Specifically, I focused on students’ understanding of written mathematics problems and on their ability to use precise mathematical language in their written solutions of critical thinking problems. I discovered that students are resistant to change; they prefer to do what comes naturally to them. Since they have not been previously taught to use precise mathematical language in their communication about math, they have great difficulty in adapting to this new requirement. However, …

Improving Communication About Mathematics Through Vocabulary And Writing, Kelly Georgius

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

In this action research study, where the subjects were my 6th grade mathematics students, I investigated the impact of direct vocabulary instruction on their communication and achievement. I strategically implemented the addition of vocabulary study into each lesson over a four-month time period. The students practiced using vocabulary in verbal discussions, review activities, and in mathematical problem explanations. I discovered that a majority of students improved their overall understanding of mathematical concepts based on an analysis of the data I collected. I also found that in general, students felt that knowing the definition of mathematical words was important and that …

Summarization In Math Class, Scott Eckman

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

This action research study of twenty students in my sixth grade mathematics classroom examines the implementation of summarization strategies. Students were taught how to summarize concepts and how to explain their thinking in different ways to the teacher and their peers. Through analysis of students’ summaries of concepts from lessons that I taught, tests scores, and student journals and interviews, I discovered that summarizing mathematical concepts offers students an engaging opportunity to better understand those concepts and render that understanding more visible to the teacher. This analysis suggests that non-traditional summarization, such as verbal and written strategies, and strategies involving …

Strategies And Precise Vocabulary Knowledge: Exploring The Relationships Among Mathematics Vocabulary, Problem Solving, And Confidence, Deb Borgelt

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

In this action research study I focused on my eighth grade pre-algebra students’ abilities to attack problems with enthusiasm and self confidence whether they completely understand the concepts or not. I wanted to teach them specific strategies and introduce and use precise vocabulary as a part of the problem solving process in hopes that I would see students’ confidence improve as they worked with mathematics. I used non-routine problems and concept-related open-ended problems to teach and model problem solving strategies. I introduced and practiced communication with specific and precise vocabulary with the goal of increasing student confidence and lowering student …

Attitudes, Confidence, And Achievement Of High-Ability Fifth Grade Math Students, Bradley D. Piper

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

In this action research study of my fifth grade high-ability mathematics class, I investigated student attitudes of mathematics and their confidence in mathematics. Student achievement was compared to two different confidence scales to identify a relationship between confidence and achievement. Six boys and eleven girls gave their consent to the study. I discovered there seems to be a connection between confidence and achievement and that boys are generally more confident than girls. Most students liked math and were comfortable sharing answers and methods of solving problems with other students. As a result of this study I plan to use my …

Mathematical Communication Within A Daily Small-Group Learning Environment, Amy L. Wilson

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

In this action research study of a fifth grade mathematics classroom, I investigate how a daily small-group learning environment influenced students’ ability to communicate their mathematical thinking in verbal and written form. I discovered that a small-group atmosphere provided more opportunities for direct instruction. I also found that the emphasis on communication helped students to articulate their thinking more clearly when they wrote and spoke of their mathematical ideas. Most students preferred to work in small groups because they appreciated the support of their peers. Students felt they were more likely to ask teammates for help when they had questions …

Journal Writing In Mathematics: Exploring The Connections Between Math Journals And The Completion Of Homework Assignments, Cara Walz

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

In this action research study of sixth grade mathematics, I investigate how the use of written journals facilitates the learning of mathematics for my students. I explore furthermore whether or not these writing journals support students to complete their homework. My analysis reveals that while students do not access their journals daily, when students have the opportunity to write more about one specific problem--such as finding the relationship between the area of two different sized rectangles – they, are nevertheless, more likely to explain their thoughts in-depth and go beyond the traditional basic steps to arrive at a solution. This …

A Study Of The Summarization Of Word Problems, Tara Schwanebeck

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

This action research investigates my sixth grade mathematics students’ ability to solve word problems after instruction and practice using a specific word problem summarization worksheet. The worksheet was designed to break down word problems into smaller parts, helping students comprehend them and, in turn, find success that would enhance their confidence and ability to successfully solve word problems. The worksheets each had a different type of word problem, such as one-step, hidden information, or extra information. The final worksheet consisted of a mixed review of each type of word problem previously practiced in class. Using different types of data collection …

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

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following post-visit activity is designed to synthesize and expand the knowledge students have gained in their Forever Earth experience by creating a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about an invasive species. By completing this activity, students re-analyze the impact of such species on an ecosystem and consider the value in educating and motivating the public in regard to invasive species.

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

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity involves students in the concepts of introduced and invasive species

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

Curriculum materials (FE)

In the “Alien Invaders!” program, students use the Forever Earth vessel to investigate how quagga mussels might affect Lake Mead. Students collect water quality data such as clarity, pH, and temperature to determine whether current habitat conditions would allow quagga mussels to survive and thrive. Students learn about the consequences the quagga mussels could have on the lake and its living and non-living resources. Using the knowledge they’ve gained, students create their own management plans to prevent the spread of quagga mussels to other waterways.

This activity gives students an opportunity to explore water quality conditions as they relate to …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! On-Site Programming, Support Materials (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

What happened geologically to produce the landscape we see today? What was the stage like that ultimately produced the Colorado River? What are the processes that are still at work today?

To begin exploring and discovering the answers to these questions, we can look at what’s happened in the past and also examine the clues that are evident on today’s landscape. Lake Mead’s geologic past can be organized like acts in a play. These geologic “acts” represent the area’s significant geologic events. The acts are not equal in terms of time (millions of years), nor is all geologic time accounted …

Enhancing Precalculus Curricula With E-Learning: Implementation And Assessment, Janet Callahan, Seung Youn Chyung, Joanna Guild, William Clement, Joe Guarino, Doug Bullock, Cheryl Schrader

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

During Fall semester of 2007, a semester-long, quasi-experimental study was conducted at Boise State University to investigate the effectiveness of a systematically sequenced and managed, self-paced e-learning activity on improving students’ academic performance and motivation. A total of 125 students enrolled in 3 different sections of a Precalculus class participated in the study. The e-learning activity was implemented in 2 of the 3 sections as a required homework assignment. Students enrolled in one of the 2 selected sections were all engineering majors. The 3^rd section was a control group that did not use the e-learning activity. A pre-test, measuring …

Collaborative Partnerships : A Model For Science Teacher Education And Professional Development, Mellita M. Jones

Australian Journal of Teacher Education

This paper proposes a collaborative partnership between practicing and pre-service teachers as a model for implementing science teacher education and professional development. This model provides a structure within which partnerships will work collaboratively to plan, implement and reflect on a series of Science lessons in cycles of action-reflection adapted from Korthagen’s (2001) ALACT model. Issues within Science education, teacher professional development and teacher education are considered in the development of the model which attempts to deepen constructivist approaches to teachers’ professional learning. It attempts to address issues with teacher professional development in the science area and improve professional experience practice …

O Positivismo No Ensino De Ciências Naturais Na Escola Secundária Brasileira: 1890-1900 [Positivism And The Teaching Of The Natural Sciences In The Brazilian Secondary School: 1890-1900], Karl M. Lorenz

Education Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Beyond Competition--Innovation For A Sustainable Future, Stephanie Pace Marshall

Publications & Research

Dr. Marshall outlines her belief that the current context and conditions of schooling are far too constrained, prescribed and risk-averse for our children’s imagination, and as a result, actually mitigate against innovative thinking and creative and collaborative problem-solving. Authentic learning is a live encounter. She feels that we cannot mandate, punish or test our children into greatness and provides recommendations for educational transformation--not reform--to design the educational experiences needed by today's children.

Written Solutions Of Mathematical Word Problems, Marcia J. Smith

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of ten ninth grade algebra students, I investigated how my students expressed written solutions of mathematical word problems. I discovered that my students writing and performance improved as they experienced different strategies to attack problem solving. These experiences helped improve the confidence of my students in their problem solving skills and in their mathematical writing. I also discovered that my teaching style changed, as my students took on more responsibility for their learning. As a result of this research, I plan to implement problem solving activities in all my classrooms next year. …

Gsi: Geo Scene Investigation! Pre-Visit Lesson: Topograhic And Geologic Maps (Grade 7), Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity introduces students to topographic and geologic maps and their respective purposes.

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

Curriculum materials (FE)

GSI: Geo Scene Investigation! introduces students to the differences between observations and interpretations and to some of the fundamental principles of geology. Students identify specific geologic processes and landforms in the landscape surrounding them at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Lake Mead NRA) by solving mysteries with a set of geology-related clues.

This activity is an inquiry-oriented activity designed to introduce students to the geology, landforms, geologic processes, and geologic timeline of Lake Mead NRA.

High School Activities Outline, Discover Mojave: Forever Earth

Curriculum materials (FE)

The following activity outline provides a protocol for conducting water quality monitoring. The outline also includes educational goals and objectives and shows how Nevada State Standards and Clark County District Objectives are addressed. The protocol can be adapted to meet the needs of the group, as well as its time and equipment constraints.

Education In The Environment: A Strategy For Continued Interagency Outdoor Education Programming: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending May 31, 2008, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

Highlights of the university’s focused efforts during the past three months include the following:

• Progress was made on three projects to meet Southern Nevada Agency Partnership (SNAP)
  strategic messaging needs: an anti-litter exhibit, a volunteer restoration program with educational
  components, and activity stations to tell the story of Lee Meadows restoration efforts.
• 175 people attended the Our Places Tell Stories conference March 4-6, 2008.
• The Nevada State Environmental Education and Interpretation Certification Program will be launched beginning June 17, 2008.
• Forever Earth was scheduled on 51 days involving 1985 individuals.
• Discover Mojave Outdoor World conducted seven events for 152 participants.

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Spring 2008, 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 …

An Examination Of Science Nce Scores Of Students Of Participating And Nonparticipating Teachers In East Tennessee State University Summer Science Institute., Kevin Ward

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of East Tennessee State University's summer science institute training through the effect on mean Normal Curve Equivalent science test scores of students in a Northeast Tennessee school system whose teachers participated in the ETSU summer science institute training. Data analysis were compiled using students' science NCE scores to determine if there were significant differences in scores for those students whose teachers participated in the summer science institutes and those who did not participate. Students' NCE scores were compiled from the middle school setting over a 3-year academic period: 2004-2005, 2005-2006, …

Digital Media Agco Challenger, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

Images and videos of the 2008 Agco Challenger Tractor Testing.

Three Authentic Curriculum-Integration Approaches To Bird Adaptations That Incorporate Technology And Thinking Skills, Audrey C. Rule, M. T. Barrera Iii

Open Educational Resources

Integration of subject areas with technology and thinking skills is a way to help teachers cope with today’s overloaded curriculum and to help students see the connectedness of different curriculum areas. This study compares three authentic approaches to teaching a science unit on bird adaptations for habitat that integrate thinking skills and technology skills: a problem-based learning approach utilizing the CoRT Breadth thinking skills (de Bono, 2000); a thematic approach integrating several subject areas using Talents Unlimited thinking skills (Schlichter & Palmer, 1993); and a process skill-focused approach using object boxes (Rule, Barrera, & Stewart, 2004). Three third grade classes …

Tractor Inventory, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.