Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Geoarchaeology Of The 1926 Seeberger Excavation - Jackson County, Iowa, Nicolas Duffy, Chad Heinzel Ph.D., Faith Luce, William Green

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

In 1926, Paul Nesbitt discovered around 350 shards of clay pottery in Seeberger Cave, located 6 miles north of Maquoketa, Iowa. It is unknown if these artifacts were made in Iowa, or brought over from neighboring states. For this project, Dr. Heinzel, Faith Luce and I traveled to the area to collect samples of clay and stone. We got close to the cave, but didn’t have the equipment to cross the river at the time. The area we collected our samples from is about 600 meters away from the original site. The samples will be used to characterize the site, …

Geoenvironmental Implications On Food Sovereignty - Meskwaki Settlement, Tama County, Iowa, Lindsey Hubbell, Chad Heinzel Ph.D., Christina Blackcloud, Luke Kapayou, Avis Bear-Bass

Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium

Native American culture demonstrates a spiritual relationship to food, land, and Earth. As opposed to European traditions valuing private property and exploiting the Earth for profit, Native American tradition believes the Earth is owned by no one; food and nourishment from it are a gift for all to take only as needed. The Meskwaki Nation originated around the Great Lakes but was removed to Tama County, Iowa. It is derived from the words “Meskwa” meaning “red” and “aki” meaning “Earth”. This Red Earth nation has initiated a Food Sovereignty program to pass along traditional growing and food preparation practices to …

Creating Synthetic Analogs Of Fluorescent Speleothems In Wind Cave As An Astrobiological Model Cave, Teresa Feldman

Honors Program Theses

The wind cave system represents a unique environment on Earth where the direct interplay of organic chemistry on the surface can possibly be traced to extremophiles living hundreds of meters below the surface. In many cases, minerals and organics from the surface become trapped in calcite formations creating fluorescent minerals. To understand the environment giving rise to the fluorescent minerals in Wind Cave, laboratory analogs of the calcite crystals found within the Wind Cave National Park cavern were synthesized and analyzed using SEM and fluorescence spectroscopy. This data was compared to the fluorescence and XRF data collected from speleothems in …

Earth News, V43, Winter 2020, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences.

Earth News

Inside this issue:
--From the Department Head
--Faculty Updates
--Staff Updates
--SGE Chapter News
--Outreach-Global Visit
--Student Recognition
--Sunday at the Quarry
--Student Spotlights
--Student Research
--50th Anniversary
--Alumni Updates
--Homecoming 2019
--Gifts from Alumni & Friends
--Contribution Form

Earth News, V42, Summer 2019, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences.

Earth News

Inside this issue:
--From the Department Head
--Faculty Updates
--SGE Chapter News
--Student Recognition
--Sunday at the Quarry
--Student Spotlight
--Student Research
--Hydrology News
--Faculty and AIPG Awards
--A Trip to New Mexico
--Big Bend 2018
--The Importance of Geology
--Field Work
--Alumni Updates
--Gifts from Alumni & Friends
--Contribution Form

Analysis Of A Paleoglacier Reconstruction Model For Valley Glaciers Of The Wind River Range, Wyoming, Taylor Rae Garton

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Various approaches, ranging from in-field morphological reconstructions to more technology-based modelling practices allow us to reconstruct and understand the long-term geomorphic evolution of landscapes. The study of paleo-environments by reconstruction can also give us profound insight into paleo-climate. A new model, GlaRe (Glacial Reconstruction), has been introduced into the alpine glacier modeling community to facilitate glacier reconstruction. In this research the mathematical equations representing the basal shear stress parameter are tested to determine the applicability of the GlaRe model to alpine glaciers in the American West. Known ages and extents of past glacier advances were used to test the reconstructions …

Relationships Between Fluvial Ecosystems And The Iowan Erosion Surface, Lilian Heinzel, Chad E. Heinzel

Undergraduate Student Work

The streams and rivers of the Iowan Surface partially form the foundation of our local ecosystems, everything from providing drinking water to producing floods. The Black Hawk Creek, Cedar River, and Maquoketa River were studied in the months of June and July of 2018. The goal of the research was to understand the ecology of each water way, how life was sustained by these rivers and creek and how the surrounding landscape may have determined the features of the waterways. Datasheets were filled out describing the sites’ ecological and geologic makeup, and GIS Trimble units were used to chart the …

Earth News, V41, Spring 2018, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences.

Earth News

Inside this issue:
-- From the Department Head
-- Faculty Updates
-- SGE Newsletter
-- Student Awards
-- Sunday at the Quarry
-- Alumni Spotlight
-- A Unique Honor
-- In Memorium
-- Lake Michigan Ozone Study
-- Student Research
-- Hydrology News
-- Carver Grants
-- 2017-2018 Pictures
-- Alumni-in-Residence
-- Alumni Updates
-- Solar Eclipse Party
-- How Many Snowflakes
-- Geology and Interior Design
-- Beta Project
-- Stem Story
-- Gifts From Alumni & Friends
-- Contribution Form

Earth News, V40, Spring 2017, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences.

Earth News

Inside this issue:
-- From the Department Head Siobahn Morgan
-- Department Growth
-- Faculty Updates
-- SGE Newsletter
-- Congratulations 2016
-- Sunday at the Quarry
-- Alumni Spotlight: Aaron Stolley
-- Alumni Spotlight: Allyson Anderson
-- Congratulations to Faculty
-- Carver Grants
-- Hydrology News
-- Student Research
-- Donor Spotlight: Leslie Knapp

Stable Isotope Chemistry In Titan Haze Aerosol, Allison Wold, Thomas Gautier, Jennifer Stern, Joshua Sebree, Melissa Trainer

Research in the Capitol

Titan, a moon of Saturn, has a thick atmosphere made up of nitrogen and a few percent methane, with a surface pressure of 1.5x that of Earth. Titan’s atmosphere is believed to be that similar to that of early Earth before the rise of O2. One significant source of information on the history and evolution of the atmosphere is the measurement of stable isotopes of elements in the molecules of major gases such as nitrogen, methane, and higher order hydrocarbons. The fractionation associated with the formation of Titan aerosol analogs are explored in the laboratory as a function of environmental …

2016/17 Dry Run Creek Geomorphological Watershed Assessment, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth And Environmental Sciences.

UNI Conservation Corps Projects

Dry Run Creek (DRC) watershed is a primary drainage basin located in northwestern Black Hawk County (Figure 1). It is fed predominantly by agricultural runoff in its upper reaches, and becomes heavily urbanized as it travels through the city of Cedar Falls, before draining into the Cedar River. The stream is perennial, however some are tiled and new segments have developed both naturally and artificially. Re-evaluation of the creek is underway and indicates some changes in urban and rural areas. Data was collected between Fall 2016 & Fall 2017 by University of Northern Iowa geomorphology students, using handheld GPS devices …

Earth News, V39, Spring 2016, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth Science.

Earth News

Inside this issue:
--From the Department Head Siobahn Morgan
--News From the Faculty and Staff: Alan Czarnetzki, Paula Even, Kyle Gray, Chad Heinzel, Mohammad Iqbal, Lee Potter, Thomas Hockey, Nora Janssen, Aaron Spurr, Alexa Sedlacek, Xinhua Shen, Mike Stevens, Steve Smith
--News From Emeritus: Wayne Anderson
--Biggs Award 2015-Kyle Gray
--Hydrology News
--Impact
--Sunday at the Quarry
--Iowa Geological Summer Workshop
--Alumni Spotlight
--SGE
--Yellowstone Field Trip
--Big Bend Field Trip
--The Biogeochemical Evolution of the Atmosphere: The BETA Project
--Summer Undergraduate Research: Honors Thesis
--Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
--2015-16 EDMAP Project
--Graduates
--Internships
--Scholarships
--Student Research
--Seminars
--News From …

The Effects Of Blended Learning On Critical Thinking In A High School Earth Science Class, Renee Nicole Borglum

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

This study analyzed the effects of differing levels of technology use in a high school Earth Science class on student performance on the Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning (CTSR). Blended learning manipulates the combination of hands-on activities, classroom discussions, online discussions, interactive simulations and a variety of assessments that engage, instruct and assess student learning. Critical thinking is the set of skills and dispositions that foster problem solving, reasoning ability and selfregulation. The increasing use of technology in the classroom and fluctuation of content standards prompted this research. The results have implications for the classroom teacher of a wide range …

Earth News, V38, Spring 2015, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth Science.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

-- From the Department Head
-- News from the faculty and staff
-- News from emeritus
-- Summer Undergraduate Research Opens Doors
-- Hydrology News
-- Alumni in Residence
-- IMPACT
-- Sunday at the Quarry
-- Student Spotlight: Roxi Woodside
-- Iowa Geological Summer Workshop
-- Alumni Spotlight: Cara Wright
-- SGE
-- In Memoriam: Jared D. Trimble
-- Seminars
-- Student Research
-- Internships
-- Scholarships
-- Graduates
-- News from alumni
-- What have You been Up to? Update Us
-- Gifts from alumni & friends
-- Your Contributions Make a Difference
-- Contribution …

Earth News, V37, Spring 2014, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth Science.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

-- From the Department Head
-- News from the faculty and staff
-- Alumni Spotlight: Eve Halligan (Eve Lampson)
-- Sunday at the Quarry
-- Student Spotlight: Maddie Pike
-- News from emeritus
-- 2013 Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award Winners
-- IMPACT
-- A Trip To...Partanna, Sicily
-- 30 Years Ago at UNI: The Two-Hundred Pound Gorilla in the Sinkhole
-- Gamma Sigma Chapter: Sigma Gamma Epsilon
-- In Memoriam: Sam Wood and Jacob Wolter
-- Seminars
-- Internships
-- Student Research
-- Scholarships
-- Graduates
-- News from alumni
-- External Grant Activities in Hydrology …

Comparison Of Life Experiences Of Men And Women In The Sciences, Tori Nicole Quist

Honors Program Theses

A lack of sense of belonging and stereotype threat have been shown to contribute to women leaving the sciences (Seymour, 1997; Beasley & Fischer, 2012; Deemer et al., 2013). Contributing to this is the fact that most women find affirmation externally (through friends, family and professors) for their life decisions (Seymour, 1997; Zeldin, 2000). A set of comparative studies in 2000 and 2008 were done examining factors affecting women’s and men’s choices of majors and careers (Zeldin, 2000 and Zeldin, 2008). These studies concluded that men relied on achievements in science as the source of their career decisions to enter …

Calculating Nutrient Loads From Four Tributaries Of The Cedar River In Iowa, Jacob Donaghy

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

A study was done on four tributaries to the Cedar River to determine nutrient concentrations, loads, and the contribution of each watershed per unit area. The Cedar River watershed is primarily agricultural land and extends from southern Minnesota to southeastern Iowa. Past studies have indicated that this watershed is a major contributor of nitrate to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. This eutrophication is the cause of the hypoxic Gulf. From April 13, 2010-September 21, 2010 samples were taken from four tributaries of the Cedar River. Discharge data were taken from USGS gaging stations along with a method …

Earth News, V36, Spring 2013, University Of Northern Iowa. Department Of Earth Science.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

-- From the department head
-- News from the faculty & staff
-- Solar Viewing
-- News from emeritus
-- Sunday at the Quarry
-- The STORM Workshop
-- Gamma Sigma Chapter - Sigma Gamma Epsilon
-- Congratulations to the Graduates of the Department of Earth Science
-- Seminars
-- Student Research
-- Internships
-- UNI Earth Science Department Recognized for 10-Year Collaboration with ILPA at Annual Convention
-- Student Scholarships & Awards
-- Top Pick Article
-- UNI Earth Science 2012 Update Conference
-- Activities 2012
-- Alumni Spotlight: Bill and Teri Brecht
-- News from …

A Bank Erosion Hazard Index (Behi) Study Of Dry Run Creek, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cara Wright

Honors Program Theses

Dry Run Creek is a watershed located in Cedar Falls; Iowa and it is on a list of the state's impaired waterways. One reason it may be impaired is that there is excessive erosion in the stream. This study assessed the Bank Erosion Hazard Index of portions of the creek to determine erosion hotspots. The majority of the banks in all the branches had a Low score, meaning that the BEHI was less than 11.9. The minimum BEHI score is O and the maximum score is 40. The lower the score, the better the condition of the bank. Portions of …

Geomes (Geoscience Educational Opportunities For Motivating Every Student), Jody Stone

K-12 Curriculum Supplements

The intent of the GEOMES materials is to provide earth science teachers with resources and strategies that will generate interest and enthusiasm among students and teachers for the study of earth science. So there you have it—Geoscience Educational Opportunities for Motivating Every Student (GEOMES). The study of earth science should provide individuals with understandings that prepare them to make more intelligent decisions on processing issues. It should provide students with insights that make the interpretation of events in their environment more meaningful.

The format of the teaching strategies employed in the GEOMES program is designed to attract the student's interest …

An Environmental Systems Analysis Of Hydropower And Its Effects Upon Indigenous Settlements In Karnataka, India, Amy Joens

Honors Program Theses

Hydroelectricity is a very common method of energy production. Large dams are constantly being introduced to the river landscape in areas all over the world. There are definite benefits to hydropower, but the drawbacks may be even more evident. As modernization and development expand across developing nations like India, indigenous populations are often subject to the highest ration of negative impacts and consequences. This research explores both the costs and benefits of hydroelectricity, while using specific examples of dam construction projects to analyze aspects of the cumulative effects of a hydropower project. The Kabini Dam in southern Karnataka, India is …

Earth News, V35, Fall 2011, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Faculty & Staff News
--- Emeritus News
--- Sunday at the Quarry
--- STORM 2011
--- Grant Activities in Hydrologic Sciences
--- Geology for Iowa Teachers
--- Award Recipient: Sherman Lundy
--- Award Recipient: De Anna Tibben
--- Award Recipient: Aaron Spurr
--- Student Award Recipient: Matt Even
--- Student Research Presentations
--- Internships & Seminars
--- Earth Science Graduates
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon
--- Making a Difference
--- Alumni News
--- Gifts from Alumni & Friends

Pce Groundwater Quality Assessment Of The University Of Northern Iowa Campus Area, Brian Gedlinske

Graduate Research Papers

Perchloroethylene (PCE), is a colorless, nonflammable, and relatively insoluble chlorinated solvent once widely used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing operations. Because of its past widespread use, poor solvent management practices, and environmental persistence, PCE is a common contaminant found in groundwater supplies. Potential health concerns include liver problems and increased cancer risk.

This research paper presents the findings of an effort to better characterize the spatial, temporal, and transport attributes of a PCE groundwater plume that exists within the Devonian aquifer underlying the University of Northern Iowa campus and the surrounding area in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Findings reveal the …

Earth News, V34, Fall 2010, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Faculty & Staff News
--- Sunday at the Quarry
--- Studies in Air Quality for Science Educators
--- Geology for Iowa Teachers
--- IMSEP Workshop
--- Grant Activities in Hydrologic Sciences
--- IGEIN / GSI Field Trip
--- EDMAP
--- Student Research Presentations
--- Internships / Seminars
--- Graduates / SGE
--- Scholarships & Awards
--- Making a Difference / NAGT Award
--- UNI Alum: Brian Hynek
--- UNI Alum: Mary Lestina
--- Gifts
--- Alumni News

Earth News, V33, Fall 2009, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- News from the Department Head
--- News from Faculty and Staff
--- News from Emeritus Faculty and Staff
--- Sunday in the Quarry
--- Hillside Observatory Remodeled
--- The STORM Project Purchases New Equipment
--- UNI Team Participates in Project to Explore Earth's Interior
--- Geology for Teachers Short Course
--- EDMAP
--- Geology & Natural History of the Colorado River
--- Teachers Become Students to Study Air Quality
--- Astronomy for Teachers
--- National Science Foundation CCLI Grant
--- Earth Science Seminar Series
--- How I Spent My Summer
--- Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- …

Earth News, V32, Fall 2008, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Earth Science Staff Activities
--- Spring Field Trip - May 2008: Geology of the Central Rocky Mountains and Adjacent Landscapes
--- 2008 Geology of Iowa for Teachers Short Course
--- Earth Science Department Hosts the Combined 69th Tri-State Geological Field Conference and GLS-SEPM Fall Field Conference
--- Earth Science Week 2008 - Sunday in the Quarry
--- Open House in the New Hydrogeology Lab
--- 2008 Earth Science Graduates
--- Majors in the Earth Science Department
--- Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- Student Internships
--- Student Research Presentations
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter …

Earth News, V31, Fall 2007, Department Of Earth Science, University Of Northern Iowa.

Earth News

Inside this issue:

--- Earth Science Staff Activities
--- Emeritus Faculty/Staff
--- Earth Science Open House
--- Earth Science Advisory Board
--- Fall 2006 Quarry Open House Features Dedication
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon 40th Biennial Convention Held at UNI
--- Sigma Gamma Epsilon - Gamma Sigma Chapter
--- Spring Break 2007 Field Course: Geology and Natural History of Big Bend National Park
--- Earth Science Seminar Series
--- Majors in the Earth Science Department
--- Scholarship and Award Recipients
--- Student Internships
--- Student Research Presentations
--- 2007 Earth Science Graduates
--- CF Native Spends Three Years Sailing South Pacific …

Winds Around Highs And Lows, Storm Project

Open Educational Resources

National Science Education Standards: As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of motions and forces, structure of the earth system, and understandings about science and technology.

Carbon Dioxide In The Atmosphere, Storm Project

Open Educational Resources

Objectives: Students learn the importance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

National Science Education Standards: As a result of activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry and understandings about scientific inquiry. As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop understanding of matter, energy, and organization in living systems. As a result of their activities in grades 9-12, all students should develop an understanding of energy in the earth system and geochemical cycles.

Understanding Dispersion Models Using Computer Technology, Storm Project

Open Educational Resources

Objectives:

• Analyze dispersion models
• Use computer models to predict outcomes of various scenarios

9-12 NSES Standards:

• Standard A: Inquiry - Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry and Understanding about scientific inquiry
• Standard E: Science and Technology - Abilities of technological design and Understanding about science and technology
• Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives - Personal and community health, Population growth, Natural resources, Environmental quality, Natural and human-induced hazards, Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges