Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

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 …

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.

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 …

Iowa Academy Of Science: The New Bulletin, V02n2, Spring 2006, Iowa Academy Of Science

New Bulletin

Inside This Issue:

--Message from the Executive Director

--Iowa’s Young Scientists Shine at American Junior Academy of Science Conference

--Iowa Academy of Science Election 2006

--Saylorville Visitor Center

--IAS Donors

--Iowa Science Teachers Section Fall Conference

2006 Eighteenth Annual Imsa Presentation Day, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

"We believe that our goal of creating "decidedly-different learners" is already being met and will make a profound impact on the future of humanity."

Gaining Options: A Mathematics Program For Potentially Talented At-Risk Adolescent Girls, Pamela Trotman Reid, Sally K. Roberts

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

In response to indicators that a decline in interest in mathematics occurs among girls—particularly those from low-income and minority groups—during middle school, the GO-GIRL (Gaining Options: Girls Investigate Real Life) program was designed to help potentially talented at-risk girls. The program aimed to build mathematical confidence, skills, and conceptual understanding by integrating mathematics and social science research in a single-sex, technology-rich environment supported by university student mentors. The program targeted seventh-grade urban girls from public and private schools. Participants met over the course of ten Saturdays to learn research methods, computer skills, mathematics, and descriptive statistics. Quantitative data from the …

Imsa20: Bold Ideas, Two-Decade Report Of The Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy 1986-2006, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

Annual Reports

Twenty years ago, Illinois citizens dared to design a bold future by asking this visionary question. One of the astonishing outcomes of their brave imaginations is the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy...

Math In The George Middle School, Tiffany D. Lothrop

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 7th grade mathematics, I investigated uses of technology in my classroom essential in teaching and learning middle school mathematics. I explored how to enhance student involvement in learning and how to use problem-solving activities to build new mathematical knowledge, to applying knowledge and to adapt a variety of appropriate problem-solving strategies to daily life, AYP and STARS standards. I discovered that about 80% of the students reported that they liked having technology used in their math classroom, and that they feel more confident when problem solving in math with the use …

Conic Sections Expository Paper, Delise Andrews

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

Conic sections, or conics, include the various geometric figures created by the intersection of a plane with a cone. It is important to note that the definition of a cone includes the surface generated by a straight line that moves so that it always intersects the circumference of a given circle and passes through a given point not on the plane of the circle. The point, called the vertex of the cone, divides the cone into two “halves” called nappes.

Investigating The Relationship Between High School Technology Education And Test Scores For Algebra 1 And Geometry, Richard R. Dyer, Philip A. Reed, Robert Q. Berry

STEMPS Faculty Publications

The standards-based reform movement in education that began in the 1980s has evolved. In the 1990s, the focus was on producing subject-area content standards and modifying instruction. Today, the focus has shifted to assessment, and for technology education, demonstrating the impact on children and the efficacy of the discipline within general education. The purpose of this study was to compare the Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course mathematics performance of high school students who completed courses in illustration and design technology to students who have not completed an illustration and design technology course. The following research questions were developed for this …

Interagency Science And Research: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Interagency Science and Research Strategy

• Interim (Phase I) Science and Research Strategy under development, with target
  completion by early May 2006.
• Interagency Science and Research Team meetings conducted approximately every two weeks
• Team extensively reviewed and approved plans, invitees, and timeline for two
  Ecosystem Health Assessment (Vital Signs) workshops scheduled for May and
  August 2006.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: March 21, 2006, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from January 17, 2006 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Operator RFP
   D. NEPA
4. Report on Value Analysis Workshops – Michael Reiland / Line & Space
   (10 min.)
   A. Cost Estimates/Inflation
5. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (10 min.)
6. Standing Reports (10 min.)
   A. Line and Space – Les Wallach
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
7. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee
   B. Design Oversight
   C. Educational Programs
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships
   E. NEPA
   F. Operations
   G. Other Uses …

What Does It Mean To Preservice Mathematics Teachers To Anticipate Student Responses?, Matthew M. Webb

Theses and Dissertations

Lesson study is a form of professional development for teachers adopted in recent years from Japan. Introducing lesson study to U.S. teachers and researchers has been the focus of most of the literature on this subject. Much of the literature outlines how lesson study works and describes its essential features. One of the features of lesson study is anticipating student responses, also known as anticipating student thinking. Anticipating student responses is passingly described in lesson study literature. This research was conducted to understand what it means to anticipate student responses for preservice mathematics teachers in a lesson study group. Lesson …

Matrices And The Game Of Chutes And Ladders, Katherine Jedlicka

Honors Capstones

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

Utilizing Web Based Technologies In Problem-Based Learning, William Robertson

Selected Works Temporary Series

This instructional strategy utilizes a Problem-based learning (PBL) approach to curriculum development and delivery. Each student is tasked with designing, developing, and reflecting on an appropriate grade level project that is published as a Web based curriculum. The content of the PBL focuses on a current real world science topic while concentrating on specific concepts and skills in both science and technology. The purpose of this integrative approach is to have the learner demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry that effectively integrates Web based technologies.

Utilizing Web Based Technologies In Problem-Based Learning, William Robertson

Departmental Papers (TE)

This instructional strategy utilizes a Problem-based learning (PBL) approach to curriculum development and delivery. Each student is tasked with designing, developing, and reflecting on an appropriate grade level project that is published as a Web based curriculum. The content of the PBL focuses on a current real world science topic while concentrating on specific concepts and skills in both science and technology. The purpose of this integrative approach is to have the learner demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry that effectively integrates Web based technologies.

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending February 28, 2006, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has included the following highlights:

• The 2006 Our Places Tell Stories Conference for place-based educators was held on the UNLV campus, January 24-27, 2006. Attendance totaled 120 participants, who rated the overall content and arrangements at 3.59 on a 4.00 scale.
• Forever Earth was scheduled 22 days in the past three months, benefiting more than 200 individuals.
• A $3,000 donation was received for the Forever Earth program.
• The Year 2 Schedule of Events for the Discover Mojave Outdoor World program is on track for delivering 29 total events, a 190% …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: February 21, 2006, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

Meeting cancelled

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from January 17, 2006 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Operator RFP
   D. NEPA
4. Report on Value Analysis Workshops – Michael Reiland / Line & Space
   (10 min.)
5. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (10 min.)
6. Standing Reports (10 min.)
   A. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   B. Community Outreach – LaNelda Rolley
7. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee
   B. Design Oversight
   C. Educational Programs
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships
   E. NEPA
   F. Operations
   G. Other Uses
   H. Wild …

Assessment Of An Outdoor Recreation And Education Program, Daphne Sewing, Jeanne A. Klockow, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (DM)

• Introduce economically disadvantaged urban youth, ages 8-12, to outdoor recreation and education.
• Foster a belief that outdoor recreation plays an important and positive role in the health and fitness of America’s youth.

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

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

-- A Message from Your President

--ISTS Fall Conference News, Message From Our Past President

--Announcements

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network – Winter 2005/06

Nebraska Earth Systems Education Network

Content:

UNL Expands Teacher Education in Earth Science by Monica Sanford

UNL Monitoring Program Records Persistent Groundwater Declines By Steve Ress

GEON Summer 2006 Workshops

AmericaView and NebraskaView Make Geospatial Information More Useful to All

NebraskaView and AmericaView Cooperators in Distributing Geospatial Information by Charles Flowerday

Tern and Plover Job Shadowing Program Gets First Two Students Going by Charles Flowerday

International Workshop Fosters Collaboration to Improve Teaching of Hydrogeology by Charles Flowerday

Nature - The Ultimate Classroom, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

A public meeting will be held to introduce the Red Rock Learning Center, the first outdoor education center for local fifth grade children in Southern Nevada. Designed to enhance math and science skills, the school will be built in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It will feature a curriculum that teaches children about conservation and the natural world by increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.