Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Front Matter

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Attitudes Of Students, Teachers, And Parents About Middle School Science Fairs, Norma Beth Greenfield

Theses Digitization Project

The problem addressed in this study was to determine what students, parents, and teachers perceive to be the main reason a school has a science fair, and whether they believe science fairs accomplish their goals. Attitudes toward competition, awarding of prizes, voluntary versus required participation, and alternatives to science fairs were also examined and compared among the groups.

The Different Worlds Of High School Biology And Physical Science Teachers, William W. Cobern, Adrienne T. Gibson, Scott A. Underwood

Scientific Literacy and Cultural Studies Project

A science teacher not only presents scientific concepts, but tacitly creates a context in which scientific concepts are presented to the class. This context can be strongly influenced by teacher beliefs or worldview. In the current research, teacher worldviews with respect to the essence of nature were examined. Two biology and two physical science teachers individually sat for qualitative interviews. The same interview protocols were used in a concurrent study involving ninth graders at their high school. The analysis led to three assertions: (1) When compared with their students, the science teachers had a much more focused and less diverse …

Iowa Academy Of Science Membership Directory, 1996-97, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contents:

Editorial Board, Journal ... 5
Committees ... 6
Sections ... 18
ISTS Regional Directors ... 22
Awards of Merit ... 24
Excellence in Science Teaching Awards ... 25
Past Presidents ... 26
Membership Roster ... 27

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

A Potential Understory Flora For Oak Savanna In Iowa, Karl T. Delong, Craig Hooper

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Oak savanna occurred in Iowa until the time of settlement and then was degraded rapidly. There were no scientific studies of savanna prior to, or after, settlement, and now no high-quality examples exist within the state. To identify those vascular plants adapted to live in the understory of savanna we examined regional and local flora for species that occurred in both prairie and broken woodland, and for species that occurred m both openings and forest. We then compiled a detailed description of the ecological range of habitats for each of these species. We identified 252 species (39 graminoids, 183 forbs, …

Current Status Of The Plains Pocket Mouse, Perognathus Flavescens, In Iowa, Gregory M. Wilson, John B. Bowles, Justin W. Van Zee

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Published and unpublished accounts of the plains pocket mouse (Perognathus flavescens) were utilized to document the existence of extant populations and to summarize and report additional data about the biology of this state endangered Iowa species. Populations of P. flavescens exist in western (Harrison, Monona, and Plymouth counties) and extreme eastern (adjacent portions of Louisa and Muscatine counties) Iowa, the latter of which represents the eastern-most record for the species in North America. In addition, we document a new locality for P. flavescens from the interior of the state (Benton County). All known populations of P. flavescens in Iowa occur …

An Annotated Checklist Of The Spiders Of Northwestern Iowa And The Loess Hills Of Western Iowa, Barbara J. Abraham

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Spiders were collected by the author from various habitats in 16 counties of northwestern Iowa and the loess hills of western Iowa during the summers of 1985 and 1990-1992. Additional donated specimens from the same region in 1981and1989 were identified by the author. Twenty-three families, 92 genera and 184 species have been identified.

Front Matter

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Geochemistry Of Buried Midcontinent Rift Volcanic Rocks In Iowa: Data From Well Samples, Karl E. Seifert, Raymond R. Anderson

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

We analyzed welt cores and cuttings from deep wells into Precambrian igneous rocks from five separate pacts of the buried Midcontinent Rife System in Iowa for major and trace elements. A total of 21 samples, 9 cores and 12 cuttings, were analyzed for trace elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and 11 of these, 9 cores and 2 cuttings, were analyzed for major elements by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis.

Book Review - The Unnatural Nature Of Science: Why Science Does Not Make (Common) Sense, David Lopatto

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

A distinguished psychologist once wrote that if you wished to understand the history of scientific thought you need a psychologist at your elbow. Lewis Wolpert, Professor of Biology at University College in London, has taken that sentiment further. It seems that if you wish to understand the difference between scientific and nonscientific thinking you should delve deeply into the literature of cognitive psychology. For natural thinking, "ordinary, day-to-day common sense will never give an understanding about the nature of science." Instead, the trained scientist engages in unnatural (i.e., counterintuitive) thinking about a word that defies ordinary experience. In order to …

Index For Volume 103

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Back Cover

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Book Review - This Fragile Land. A Natural History Of The Nebraska Sandhills, Neil P. Bernstein

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Paul Johnsguard presents a highly enjoyable and readable introduction to the natural history of the Nebraska Sandhills in his "kind of love letter to the Nebraska Sandhills and especially to their inhabitants past and present." Johnsguard calls upon 30 years of research and teaching in the region to draw together a series of essays that cover geology, ecology, ethology, and environmental issues while offering his personal perspectives on the past, present and future.

Checklist Of Instructions For Authors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Cover - Table Of Contents

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Bald Eagles Wintering Along The Des Moines River, Iowa, Neil Sabine

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Distribution, habitat use, and foraging behavior of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) wintering in southeast Iowa were studied in January - March 1990 and November 1990 - March 1991. Eagles were seen from November through March with the highest numbers in January and February. Adults had shorter winter residence times than immatures and they appeared to be less active during the day. Eagles concentrated their foraging efforts along certain river segments where they fed exclusively on fish. Timber harvesting along the river reduced eagle use and is considered to be the most serious threat to sustaining eagle use of the area. …

Life History And Status Classifications Of Birds Breeding In Iowa, Louis B. Best, Kathryn E. Freemark, Barbara S. Steiner, Timothy M. Bergin

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Life history and status classifications were compiled for 145 bird species that breed in Iowa. Species were classified by food type and substrate, nest substrate, susceptibility to cowbird parasitism, migratory status, predominant habitat use and habitat-use specialization, body mass (an index of home range/territory size), area sensitivity, population trend and vulnerability, and beneficial/harmful aspects in relation to agriculture. Such information may be used to make interspecific comparisons, evaluate interrelationships among life history and status characteristics, and provide insights into the interpretation of previous research. This synthesis also can aid those responsible for making conservation and management decisions about Iowa's avifauna.

Editorial Board & Iowa Academy Of Science Officers And Directors

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

The Natural History Of Aconitum Noveboracense Gray (Northern Monkshood), A Federally Threatened Species, Margaret A. Kuchenreuther

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

Aconitum noveboracense Gray (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as northern monkshood, is a federally threatened herbaceous perennial that occurs in disjunct populations in Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and New York. It appears to be a glacial relict, existing today only in unique areas with cool, moist microenvironments, such as algific talus slopes. Field studies reveal that A. noveboracense has a complex life history. Perennation of individual plants occurs through the annual production of daughter tubers. Vegetative reproduction is commonly observed, and can occur by means of aerial and subterranean bulbils, as well as by development of adventitious root buds. Populations also reproduce sexually …

Awards And Recognition, Iowa Academy Of Science, 1996

Journal of the Iowa Academy of Science: JIAS

No abstract provided.

Iowa Academy Of Science 108th Annual Meeting [1996]: Advance Program, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Contains information about the schedule and presentations for the 1996 annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science.

Implementation Of Inquiry-Based Freshman Chemistry Laboratories, Elizabeth Ann Maschewske

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to facilitate the implementation of inquiry-based chemistry curriculum devised by the College University Resource Institute (CURI) into the freshman chemistry labs at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with the aim of retaining and enthusing chemistry students in general and women and minorities in particular. Pertinent educational research is reviewed and practical strategies are recommended for the process of curriculum implementation. A pilot laboratory section is taught incorporating as many of the recommendations as possible. Pilot labs study the process of implementation and look at student perceptions and academic achievement. An action plan is developed …

An Interdisciplinary Water Quality Curriculum For Middle School Students, Barbara Michelle Cleveland

All Graduate Projects

An interdisciplinary curriculum correlating water quality with the disciplines of physical science and mathematics for 6th grade middle school students was developed. Literature examined indicates that the opportunity to explore key concepts and significant issues using an integrated approach provided greater opportunity to formulate meaningful connections between disciplines studied and that achievement was enhanced. The Learning units were developed for use at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, Washington.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

Wilderness Survival Basic Skills: A Model Seventh Grade Science Curriculum With Integrated Math Concepts, Layne B. Hutchins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and implement a model 7th grade science program with integrated mathematics concepts using an outdoor survival theme. The developed program focused on mathematics and science topics related to exploration and survival in the wilderness and enjoyment of the outdoors in order to connect mathematics and science concepts with real life experiences. Current research and literature on integration and multiple intelligences, integration of mathematics and science as well existing outdoor programs was reviewed. Finally, section overviews, student learning objectives, learning activities and teaching strategies were adapted and developed.

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Test 1647/1: Buhler Versatile 2180 Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

The Power Of An Idea..., Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

IMSA History

It is our privilege to share with you the First Decade Report of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, an educational laboratory engaged in serious inquiry about critical issues of teaching and learning.

Ten years ago, IMSA opened its doors with 210 students, 12 faculty members, 21 courses, no residence halls, no computers, no external programs, many unanswered questions and an uncertain future. During our early years, we faced many challenges; these strengthened our resolve and deepened our commitment to transform teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology.

While IMSA is still a very young enterprise, in ten short …