Science and Mathematics Education Commons^™

Carving A Path Of Sustainability In Hostos Community College, Flor Henderson, Julie Trachman, Olga Steinberg, Nelson Nunez-Rodriguez, Yoel Rodriguez

Touchstone

No abstract provided.

A Business Approach To Teaching Quadratic Functions, Alexander Vaninsky

Touchstone

No abstract provided.

Section Abstracts: Education

Virginia Journal of Science

Abstracts of the Education Section for the 88th Annual Meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science, May 20--21, 2010, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.

Problem Solving Based Instruction In The High School Mathematics Classroom, Lawrence Vettleson, Jr.

Mathematics Graduate Theses

This paper is a review of research pertaining to the use of problem solving in classroom instruction. It covers the stages of problems solving as listed by George Polya and how they can be used to enhance mathematics instruction. This research paper will identify that problem solving is a need based on Minnesota state mathematics standards and National mathematics standards. Covered in this paper is the research on the effects of mathematics instruction using problem solving. The research covers some of the benefits to student education if students learn mathematics using a problem solving based approach to classroom instruction.

Strategies For The Science Classroom. [Book Review], Rebeca Befus

Library Scholarly Publications

No abstract provided.

2010 Imsaloquium, Student Investigation Showcase, Illinois Mathematics And Science Academy

IMSAloquium Event Booklets

"IMSA students engage in investigations in nanotechnology, particle physics, law, neonatal medicine, literature, transplantation biology, water purity, the educational achievement gap, neurobiology and memory, ethics, theatre, discrete mathematics, economics, and more."

Misconstruals Or More? The Interactions Of Orbit Diagrams And Explanations Of The Seasons, Victor R. Lee

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

This paper examines a “misconstrual hypothesis” regarding diagrams of the Earth’s orbit around the sun and how middle school students explain the cause of the seasons. Drawing from 24 semi-structured interviews, I present qualitative analyses of students’ explanations of why temperatures vary in summer and winter and how those are influenced by the elliptical shape of perspective drawings of the Earth’s orbit, common to many science textbooks. The results of the analysis suggest that diagram interpretation does not necessarily follow what has been often predicted in the literature and that conceptualizations can shift quite rapidly as different diagram features are …

The Effect Of Individual Or Group Guidelines On The Calibration Accuracy Of High School Biology Students, Camilla C. Walck

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The effect of individual or group guidelines on the calibration accuracy of high school biology students was investigated. The study was conducted with 102 International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program biology students in a public school setting. The study was carried out over three testing occasions. Students worked in group or individual settings with and without calibration guidelines. Four intact classes were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: groups calibrating without guidelines; groups calibrating with guidelines; individuals calibrating without guidelines; individuals calibrating with guidelines. The students participated in the calibration activities one block before they actually took each of the …

Assessing The Effect Of Simulation Models On Systems Learning In An Introductory Environmental Science Course, Heather J. Skaza

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence within the systems dynamics community supporting the use of systems simulations in the classroom to improve student understanding, there is little published, controlled, experimental research. This paper describes the results of a paired experiment testing the effect of using system dynamics simulations to increase systems understanding in an introductory environmental science course. We believed that the students using the systems simulations would demonstrate a greater systemic understanding of environmental issues than those who did not.

We conducted an experiment during the fall semester of 2009, with 304 students enrolled in four sections of …

Urban Elementary Students' Views Of Environmental Scientists, Environmental Caretakers And Environmentally Responsible Behaviors, Patricia Lynne Horne

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the nature of the relationship between urban elementary fifth graders, environmental workers, and the environment. The study examined 320 urban fifth grade elementary students' drawings of environmental scientists (DAEST) and environmental caretakers (DAECT). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were included to elucidate student illustrations. The study's sample represented one-third of all fifth graders in the mid-Atlantic school district selected for this research. Approximately 5% of participants were chosen for follow-up semi-structured interviews based on their illustrations.

A general conclusion is some of the stereotypes, particularly related to gender, revealed in prior research (Barman, 1999, …

Project Stimmulis: Science Teachers Integrating Mathematical Modeling For Undergraduate Learning And Instruction In Schools, William Robertson, David Carrego

Selected Works Temporary Series

Computer-based mathematical modeling in Physics is a process of constructing models of concepts and the relationships between them in the scientific characteristics of work. In this manner, computer-based modeling integrates the interactions of natural phenomenon through the use of models, which provide structure for theories and a base for experimentation. Utilizing this method, scientists construct knowledge, and in like manner, students in science construct their understandings in significant ways, addressing their preconceptions and their knowledge of concepts in physics. Project STIMMULIS provides a mathematical modeling context for pre-service mathematics and science teachers’ conceptual and applied understanding of motion. Project STIMMULIS …

Project Stimmulis: Science Teachers Integrating Mathematical Modeling For Undergraduate Learning And Instruction In Schools, William Robertson, David Carrego

Departmental Papers (TE)

Computer-based mathematical modeling in Physics is a process of constructing models of concepts and the relationships between them in the scientific characteristics of work. In this manner, computer-based modeling integrates the interactions of natural phenomenon through the use of models, which provide structure for theories and a base for experimentation. Utilizing this method, scientists construct knowledge, and in like manner, students in science construct their understandings in significant ways, addressing their preconceptions and their knowledge of concepts in physics. Project STIMMULIS provides a mathematical modeling context for pre-service mathematics and science teachers’ conceptual and applied understanding of motion. Project STIMMULIS …

Dr. Skateboard’S Action Science: Increasing Science Knowledge And Skills For Middle School Teachers, William Robertson

Selected Works Temporary Series

Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science maps to the physical science Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) standards that all middle school students need to learn. Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science explores scientific concepts in a curriculum supplement that is designed to address both physical science content and process skills. The video instruction focuses on fundamental concepts found in the areas of motion, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. The use of familiar activities, situations and objects, such as skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX), around which students can explore and explain scientific concepts can be defined as action science. The main …

Dr. Skateboard’S Action Science: Increasing Science Knowledge And Skills For Middle School Teachers, William Robertson

Departmental Papers (TE)

Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science maps to the physical science Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) standards that all middle school students need to learn. Dr. Skateboard’s Action Science explores scientific concepts in a curriculum supplement that is designed to address both physical science content and process skills. The video instruction focuses on fundamental concepts found in the areas of motion, forces, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and simple machines. The use of familiar activities, situations and objects, such as skateboarding and bicycle motocross (BMX), around which students can explore and explain scientific concepts can be defined as action science. The main …

Contextualized Motivation Theory (Cmt): Intellectual Passion, Mathematical Need, Social Responsibility, And Personal Agency In Learning Mathematics, Janelle Marie Hart

Theses and Dissertations

Student motivation has long been a concern of mathematics educators. Here, I characterize motivation, defined as an individual's desire to act in particular ways, through analysis of students' extended, collaborative problem solving efforts. Grounded in a longitudinal research project in calculus learning and teaching, Contextualized Motivation Theory (CMT) offers a means for understanding the complexities of student motivations in mathematics learning. Students in this study chose to act upon various intellectual-mathematical motivations and social-personal motivations, existing simultaneously, within a supporting "web" of motivations. Students exhibited intellectual passion in persisting beyond obtaining correct answers to build understandings of mathematical ideas. CMT …

Nebraskamath March 2010 Newsletter

NebraskaMATH Materials

Table of Contents

New developments in state standards

Happy Pi Day!

Highlight on Action Research

Resources: Paper Pool

Call for technology journal articles

NMSSI: Registration open

Harlem academy founder: ‘Invest in teachers’

Getting involved with MATHCOUNTS

NebraskaMATH Summer Calendar

Common Core Standards released to public

Summit on Math Education video

Statistics doctoral student wins award

Pembangunan Modul Pedagogi Berasaskan Teknologi Dan Gaya Pembelajaran Felder-Silverman Kurikulum Fizik Sekolah Menengah., Norlidah Alias

Student Works (2010-2019)

Physics has always been thought of as the most difficult subject as it involves abstract concepts. Previous research shows that matching learning style strategy with certain technology will be able to increase students learning experience. This study is based on the Felder Silverman Model (1988) which comprises four dimensions (visual/verbal, active/reflective, sequential/global, sensing/intuitive). The objective of this study is to develop a pedagogical module based on technology and Felder-Silverman’s learning style for secondary school Physics curriculum. This research is done in three phases: need analysis, design & development, and usability evaluation. Data in the first phase was collected through semi-structured …

Elementary Electronic Kits & Interactive Web Database, Anne Racquel Bacani

Computer Engineering

The Elementary Electronic Kit and Interactive Web Database (E-Kit) project will focus on bridging the gap between Cal Poly students and local elementary schools to raise interests in engineering. Its main purpose is to expose local elementary school students to basic engineering concepts through simple interactive engineering experiments and lessons. The initial idea and proposal for this project was introduced by John Oliver, senior project advisor, whose main goal is to provide a service that would allow local elementary school teachers to bring in Cal Poly student volunteers to teach basic engineering lessons to their class. Lessons will focus on …

Education In The Environment: A Strategy For Continued Interagency Outdoor Education Programming: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending February 28, 2010, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

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

• A total of 56 people participated in a Families in Nature event at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
• More than 225 people are expected to attend the Our Places Tell Stories Conference, February 24 -27, 2010
• Forever Earth was scheduled for 19 days this quarter and benefited 622 individuals.
• Nine Discover Mojave Outdoor World events were conducted for 199 participants.

Ensuring Success With Program Reflection, Daphne Sewing

Our Places to Tell Stories

• Present a framework for program reflection
• Share ideas and tools
• Provide an opportunity to adapt for your program

Ists E-Newsletter, February 15, 2010, Iowa Academy Of Science

ISTS Newsletter

In this issue:

--Message from the ISTS Chair, De Anna Tibben

--Message from the Fall Conference Chair, Morgan Masters

--Message from the Vice Chair, Kathy Megivern

--Announcements

--Opportunities

--Activities

--News

--Your ISTS Leadership Team

Losing The Lake: Designing An Educational Computer Game On Water Resources In Southern Nevada, Michael Nussbaum, Gale Sinatra, Frederick C. Harris, Sergiu Dascalu, Sajjad Ahmad, Kent J. Crippen, Marissa Owens

2010 Annual Nevada NSF EPSCoR Climate Change Conference

30 PowerPoint slides Convener: Nick Lancaster, DRI Session 6: Bridging the Gap- Interdisciplinary Science to Connect Biophysical and Social Dimensions of Climate Change Abstract: To design and test an educationally useful computer game to educate middle- and high-school students, and the general public, about water and sustainability + effect of climate change on those

Research Poster: Trends In Climate Change Education In Nevada's System Of Higher Education, Amy Northrup

2010 Annual Nevada NSF EPSCoR Climate Change Conference

Research poster

Climate Change Education For Nevada, David M. Hassenzahl, Michael Collopy, John W. Farley, Paul Buck, Jacque Ewing-Taylor, Shama Perveen

2010 Annual Nevada NSF EPSCoR Climate Change Conference

42 PowerPoint slides Session 1: Education Convener: David Hassenzahl, UNLV Abstract: -Five Year Strategic Plan -Goal 6 - Create a scholarly environment to promote research skills and intellectual development for Nevada educators and students (K-12, undergraduate undergraduate, and graduate) -Primary Strategy - Develop educational infrastructure to train students at all levels and provide public outreach in climate change issues

Nebraskamath February 2010 Newsletter

NebraskaMATH Materials

NebraskaMATH February 2010 Newsletter

Table of Contents:

Study advocates charter schools

Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)

Confidence, not gender, affects math abilities

Girls affected by female teachers’ math anxiety

Highlight on Action Research

Resources: Faster Isn’t Smarter

NMSSI Web site updated

NebraskaMATH Summer Calendar

NCTM president advises math in early childhood

Two advisory board members visit campus

Switzerland's Nation Branding Initiative To Foster Science And Technology, Higher Education And Innovation: A Case Study, Marc Fetscherin, Pascal Marmier

Faculty Publications

This article presents a case study about Switzerland's initiative to promote its science and technology, higher education and innovation environment. This is accomplished through a worldwide network of science and technology outposts run by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education and Research in cooperation with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. In this article, we specifically discuss the outpost located in Boston. swissnex Boston acts as a physical and virtual environment to foster closer ties between Switzerland and the Boston region in various fields of interest to academia, industry, business and society. We present the history and mission of swissnex …

Robots, Gps/Gis, And Programming Technologies: The Power Of "Digital Manipulatives" In Youth Extension Experiences, Bradley S. Barker, Neal Grandgenett, Gwen Nugent, Viacheslav I. Adamchuk

Teacher Education Faculty Publications

The study reported here examined the effectiveness of educational robotics combined with GPS/GIS technologies used as "digital manipulatives" in the teaching of concepts in science, engineering, and technology. Based on the success of previous summer camps, the study also examined a scaling-up of the intervention from 38 participants to 147. The 147 youth (ages 10-15) participated in one of six summer camps held in Nebraska during 2008. Results indicate that participants scored higher on the content posttest than the pretest. The study further examined the differential results. The article makes recommendations for further studies, while acknowledging the potential power of …

Addressing Impulsive Disposition: Using Non-Proportional Problems To Overcome Overgeneralization Of Proportionality, Kien Lim, Osvaldo Morera

Departmental Papers (Math)

Impulsive disposition is an undesirable way of thinking where one spontaneously applies the first idea that comes to mind without checking its relevance. In this research, we explore (a) the possibility of helping pre-service teachers improve their disposition, from being impulsive to being analytic, in one semester, and (b) the effect of using non-proportional situations. This study involves two sections of a mathematics course for pre-service teachers for Grades 4-8. The lessons were designed whenever possible to elicit students’ impulsive disposition so that they could become cognizant of it and make conscious attempts to overcome it. Some test items were …

Ncuwm Poster Abstracts 2010

Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics

Twelfth Annual Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics

Poster Abstracts

January 29-31, 2010

Holly Arrowood, Furman University

Kristen Bretney, Loyola Marymount University

Suzanne Carter, University of Iowa

Nicole Casella, Ithaca College

Morgan Chatham, University of Montevallo

Lilith Ciccarelli, Bellarmine University

Amber Clinton, Clarkson University

Jalonda Coats, Tougaloo College

Natalie Coston, Northern Arizona University

Belinda Cruz, University of Texas Pan American

Anita Doerfler, Northern Arizona University

Clarice Dziak, Clarkson University

Terra Fox, Hope College

Samantha Fuller, Penn State University

April Harry, Xavier University of Louisiana

Anne Ho, Regis University

Rachel Keyser, Bellarmine University

Hannah Kolb, Illinois Institute of Technology

Lauren …

Ncuwm Talk Abstracts 2010

Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics

Dr. Bryna Kra, Northwestern University

“From Ramsey Theory to Dynamical

Systems and Back”

Dr. Karen Vogtmann, Cornell University

“Ping-Pong in Outer Space”

Lindsay Baun, College of St. Benedict

Danica Belanus, University of North Dakota

Hayley Belli, University of Oregon

Tiffany Bradford, Saint Francis University

Kathryn Bryant, Northern Arizona University

Laura Buggy, College of St. Benedict

Katharina Carella, Ithaca College

Kathleen Carroll, Wheaton College

Elizabeth Collins-Wildman, Carleton College

Rebecca Dorff, Brigham Young University

Melisa Emory, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Avis Foster, George Mason University

Xiaojing Fu, Clarkson University

Jennifer Garbett, Kenyon College

Nicki Gaswick, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Rita Gnizak, Fort …