Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

One Touchy Topic: Targeting Students’ Sense Of Touch Through Multiple Activities, Ally Shinar, Rabihah Simmons, Megan Ross

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

This article provides exploratory experiences for First Grade students to refine their understanding of their sense of touch and develop their observation skills. The activities scaffold from open-ended exploratory investigations to application activities in which students categorize items using their understanding of touch. The activities also make explicit links to help students develop language and writing skills. This activity promotes National Science Education Content Standards A and B, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Growing Minds: Planting A Lasting Seed Using The Learning Cycle, Jennifer Nicole Prindle, Lori Marie Ihrig

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

This article highlights modifying a common early elementary activity to move instruction beyond isolated activities into a full unit of instruction using the learning cycle. The unit is designed to tackle students' misconceptions and deepen their understanding of scientific inquiry and the growing requirements of plants. This activity promotes National Science Education Standards A and C, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

All Bottled Up: An Inquiry Activity Using Bottles To Teach The Effect Of Water Temperature On Dissolved Gas, Collin Reichert, Curtis Titter

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

This article describes an inquiry activity that promotes an accurate and deep understanding of key components of the carbon cycle, namely the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas between the atmosphere and the ocean, and how temperature affects this exchange. The crucial role of the teacher during this activity is described, including key questions and interactions that help students arrive at deep and robust understandings of the carbon cycle and nature of science ideas. This article promotes High School National Science Education Content Standards A, B, D, and G, Iowa Core Curriculum 1 and 3, and Iowa Teaching …

The Impact Of Bilingual Treatment On The Math Skills Of Hispanic High School Algebra Students, Robert Kirk

Education Dissertations and Projects

This dissertation was designed to measure the impact of instructional techniques in the Foundations of Algebra classroom to bridge linguistic barriers between Hispanic students and the language of teaching. Two consecutive years of failing to meet anticipated yearly growth among Hispanic students in Algebra I, as determined by the North Carolina End of Course exams, indicated a cognitive gap among these students when it comes to learning mathematics.

The writer developed an experiment to be delivered among 9 sections of Algebra in a North Carolina high school. The control group used Microsoft PowerPoint slides created for every lesson plan determined …

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Sciences Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

The Extent Of Gender Gaps In Mathematics, Jesus Nolasco

Theses Digitization Project

This is a study on the extent of the gender gap in course taking patterns among secondary students in mathematics and what factors contribute to the gender gap.

Wiggling Worms: Using The Learning Cycle In An Elementary Classroom To Study Variation, Lori Marie Ihrig, Jennifer Nicole Prindle

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

In grades K-2, students are at an age when they start to look closely at living things around them. They can comprehend that while individuals may be of the same kind (i.e., kittens from the same litter), they possess differences. This article uses the learning cycle to engage students in making observations and measurements about plants and animals in order to help them understand “there is variation among individuals of one kind in a population” (AAAS, 1993, p. 107). This article promotes National Science Education Standards A and C, and Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Holding Ourselves To A Higher Standard: Using Standards-Based Grading In Science As A Means To Improve Teaching And Learning, Jesse Wilcox

Iowa Science Teachers Journal

Standards-based grading (SBG) has grown in popularity over the past few years. However, many teachers wonder why they should switch from a traditional grading system. This article explores how standards-based grading can more accurately reflect what students learn and encourage changes in students’ attitude toward learning in the process. This article promotes Iowa Teaching Standards 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Improving Sixth Grade Student Knowledge Of Ecology Using Fish Rearing And Release As A Real-World Context , Erich Ziegler

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This research project measured the effects of real-world content in a science classroom by determining change (deep knowledge of life science content, including ecosystems from MDE – Grade Level Content Expectations) in a subset of students (6^th Grade Science) that may result from the addition of curriculum (real-world content of rearing trout in the classroom). Data showed large gains from the pre-test to post-test in students from both the experimental and control groups. The ecology unit with the implementation of real-world content [trout] was even more successful, and improved students’ deep knowledge of ecosystem content from Michigan’s Department …

Ua64/2 The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 26, Winter 2011), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.

Test 2012a: New Holland Workmaster 55, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Tilings, Patterns And Technology, Ma. Louise Antonette N. De Las Peñas, Angela Fatima H. Guzon

Mathematics Faculty Publications

In this paper we discuss various situations where tilings and patterns, with the aid of technology, facilitate the teaching of mathematics and serve as tools in understanding and developing new mathematical ideas. We also illustrate how technology makes possible cultural connections in the study of mathematics using Islamic tilings and patterns.

Cover

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Current Status Of Lichen Diversity In Iowa, James T. Colbert

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Three-Squares Model For Teaching Algebra, Stephen Guy Richardson

Theses Digitization Project

In an effort to improve the effectiveness of teaching algebra to adult students at Platt College, a model for designing activities and presenting lessons was developed; the model is called three-squares. The model is designed around three teaching elements: algebra habits of mind, proof of justification, and active learning.

The Effectiveness Of Computer Games On Mathematics Learning In Elementary School, Sarah Michelle Lakamp

Theses Digitization Project

This study examined the use of mathematics computer games on math achievement as assessed by teachers, tests taken by students and students' attitudes. Students who played recreational games at home and used the computer game at school improved more on the math achievement measure compared to students who only played at home, who only played at school, and who played at neither home nor school, indicating that recreational game playing can prime children to gain more benefits from educational software.

Use Of The Multiplication Chart In Solving Problems With Fractions, Adan Espinosa

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether or not using the Multiplication Table when teaching fractions will improve student's problem-solving skills with accuracy. The major goal of this project is to explore whether students will become more effective mathematical problem solvers with fractions if they use the multiplication table method or box method. The participants in this study are 93 students in a public high school in a large urban area of the southeast area of California. This study was conducted at Bear High School during the 2007-2008 school year because of the high number of students taking …

Nebraska Summary: S806 New Holland T7.250, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

A Proposal For A Common Minimal Topic Set In Introductory Biology Courses For Majors, Eileen Gregory, Jane P. Ellis, Amanda N. Orenstein

Faculty Publications

A common complaint among instructors of introductory biology courses is the course covers too much material. Without a national consensus specifying which topics are essential, instructors are leery of excluding material. A survey was administered to Two-Year College and Four-Year College and University section members of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to identify the topics and skills college and university biology instructors believe students completing introductory biology should know and comprehend. Analysis identified a strong consensus for twenty topics and seven skills that should be included in all year-long introductory college biology course sequences for majors.

Connecting Mathematics Students To Philosophy And Faith, Nathan Moyer

ACMS Journal 2010-2011

This paper describes an upper-division class project that helps students wrestle with the deep philosophical questions of mathematics in a relevant way. Through article readings and group discussions, various historical views of mathematical philosophy are examined and critiqued. An emphasis is placed upon students making meaningful connections between their own views of mathematics and their personal Christian faith or worldview.

Five Key Ingredients For Improving Student Motivation, Caro C. Williams-Pierce

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Scholarship

Motivation is probably the most important factor that educators can target in order to improve learning. Numerous cross-disciplinary theories have been postulated to explain motivation. While each of these theories has some truth, no single theory seems to adequately explain all human motivation. The fact is that human beings in general and students in particular are complex creatures with complex needs and desires. With regard to students, very little if any learning can occur unless students are motivated on a consistent basis. The five key ingredients impacting student motivation are: student, teacher, content, method/process, and environment. The focus of this …

"American Examples For German Universities: Admitting Women Before World War I", Charles E. Mcclelland

History Faculty Publications

Women were not allowed to enroll a regular students in Prussian universities until 1909, although most other German states had already changed this policy. This chapter analyzes the terms of controversy swirling around the issue, and how American university policies ultimately helped bring about the change.

Test 1999: John Deere 8335rt, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Discovering And Developing Diverse Stem Talent: Enabling Academically Talented Urban Youth To Flourish, Stephanie Pace Marshall, Glenn W. "Max" Mcgee, Eric Mclaren, Catherine C. Veal

Publications & Research

The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education, Plucker, Burroughs, and Song (2010) provided compelling evidence that "the presence of an excellence gap is demonstrated on both national and state assessments of student performance," with "economically disadvantaged, English Language Learners, and historically underprivileged minorities representing a smaller proportion of students scoring at the highest levels of achievement" (p. 28). Three "case stories" of students from IMSA illuminate some of the (a) challenges and opportunities inherent in igniting STEM talent in urban youth and ensuring their success; (b) principles for designing and creating learning experiences and environments that ignite and nurture the …

Proceedings Of The 123rd Annual Meeting Of The Iowa Academy Of Science [Program, 2011], Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Program Summary --- 2-3
Acknowledgements --- 4
Contents --- 5
Welcome --- 5
Iowa Junior Academy of Science Competition --- 6
Geology Special Event Using Geographic Information Systems in Iowa's K-16 Classrooms --- 7
General Session I-Roaming Mars, a Personal Perspective --- 8
Iowa Junior Academy of Science Award Luncheon --- 9
Iowa Academy of Science Business Meeting --- 9
Iowa Academy of Science Volunteers for 2010-2011 --- 10
Symposium A-Unintended Health & Environmental Consequences of Confinement Agriculture --- 11
Symposium B-Investigating Forensic Science --- 12
Symposium C-150th Anniversary-Science and the Civil War --- 13
Symposia Speakers --- 14-15 …

The Complexity Of Reform Efforts In Science Curriculum And Instruction: A Case Study Of The Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy Chemistry Teacher, Tang Wee Teo

IMSA History

This study explores how teacher-initiated site-based reform in a specialized STEM school is conceptualized and enacted, how and why curriculum reform ideas change in the process of enactment, what qualities of teacher agency are entailed, how these qualities are acquired, interplayed, become generative, and/or are influenced to effect different curriculum reform outcomes, and how different conditions support and further teacher agency to make a more defensible curriculum.

In a critical case study of a highly experienced and qualified science teacher, I follow a teacher who initiated efforts to reform the advanced chemistry curriculum. This teacher wanted to make the curriculum …

The Birds Of Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (Polk County, Iowa): Patterns Of Habitat Use And Implications For Management, Keith Summerville, Joel Boyles, Loren Lown

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Despite the fact that many birds are believed to be declining as a result of habitat loss and elimination of historic disturbance regimes, few studies have explored how restoration and management of mixed grassland and woodland systems influence bird communities. In this study, we tested whether habitat size, habitat type, and use of prescribed fire as a management tool affected the species richness and composition of bird communities sampled from 22 restored grassland and woodland sites within Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt (Polk County, Iowa). In 2004-5 bird communities were sampled by walking transects within each site and recording the presence and …

The Impact Of Test Format Familiarity On Reducing Test Anxiety, William P. Aamodt

Theses and Graduate Projects

High school students have a variety of concerns when it comes to school; one manifestation of these concerns is test anxiety. Test anxiety in the science classroom is of special concern due to the perceived difficulty of specific topics and the class as a whole, as well as the importance of passing the course. I looked at reducing test anxiety and improving test scores by reviewing chemistry concepts in the same format as the test questions. The results indicate that the increase in test anxiety, immediately before a test, are minimized and test scores are increased when the review questions …

Five Strategies To Support All Teachers: Suggestions To Get Off The Slippery Slope Of "Cookbook" Science Teaching, Paula A. Magee, Ryan Flessner

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

Many teachers shudder at the thought of implementing an inquiry curriculum. Perhaps they envision a rowdy classroom with little learning. Maybe they wonder, "How will this connect to all the standards?" Fortunately, these legitimate concerns can be addressed, and all students can engage in thoughtfully constructed inquiry science experiences. In this article, we outline five strategies that we have used with elementary school teachers as they moved from a "cookbook" approach in science to an approach that is inquiry-based. Having presented these five strategies in a linear format, we know that on the surface this may seem close to the …

Have A Kids Inquiry Conference: Putting A Twist On The Typical Science Fair, Paula A. Magee, Ryan Flessner

Scholarship and Professional Work – Education

In school, the traditional format for the formal sharing of science experiences has been the science fair. Although the format of science fairs may vary, the usual components consist of a step-by-step experimental process that students follow as they test different variables, construct a hypothesis, and collect data to support or disprove their hypothesis. Usually the science fair is conducted as a competitive event at which prizes are awarded for the "best" examples. Unfortunately, this type of science event has little connection to the real sharing that scientists do regularly.

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) call for an approach …