Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Test 1874: John Deere 8430 Ivt, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Test 1875: Challenger Mt 635b Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Test 1876: Challenger Mt 645b Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Test 1877: Challenger Mt 655b Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Test 1878: Challenger Mt 665b Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Test 1891: Kubota L5030 Diesel, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

No abstract provided.

Inside Global Warming, Roxanne Greitz Miller

Education Faculty Articles and Research

Over the last 15 years, much attention has been given to global warming, and whether the increase in the Earth's temperature in recent decades threatens the survival of life on Earth. Release of the films The Day After Tomorrow (2004), where North America is rapidly plunged into a new ice age, and An Inconvenient Truth (2006), where Al Gore focuses on the future impacts of global warming, has raised much public and media attention on the subject. As such, it's important that science teachers understand the basics behind the scientific phenomenon, the controversy surrounding the topic, and how to discuss …

Assessing An Environmental Education Program, Gregory Schraw, Lori Olafson, Jeanne A. Klockow

Presentations (DM)

We developed a comprehensive assessment plan and tested the curriculum to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and implemented with a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events.

Change Bell Ringing And Mathematics: A High School Student Excursion Into Graph Theory And Group Theory, Kristi Carlson

Honors Theses

This unit was created as a way to introduce higher level mathematics concepts to advanced high school students. All five of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Process Standards are found in this unit. For most of the unit, students work within small groups

College Of Engineering Senior Design Competition Fall 2005, 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 …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: December 6, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from October 18, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Parking
   D. Operator
4. Update on Design Development – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
5. Cultural Treatment Plan – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
6. Environmental Assessment Update – Otak Inc. (10 min.)
7. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (10 min.)
8. Standing Reports (10 min.)
   A. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   B. Community Outreach – LaNelda Rolley
9. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee
   B. Design Oversight
   C. Educational Programs
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships
   E. …

A Study Of How Precursor Key Concepts For Organic Chemistry Success Are Understood By General Chemistry Students, Patrick Gerard Meyer

Dissertations

This study examines college student understanding of key concepts that will support future organic chemistry success as determined by university instructors. During four one-hour individual interviews the sixteen subjects attempted to solve general chemistry problems. A think-aloud protocol was used along with a whiteboard where the students could draw and illustrate their ideas. The protocols for the interviews were adapted from the Covalent Structure and Bonding two-tiered multiple choice diagnostic instrument (Peterson, Treagust, & Garnett, 1989) and augmented by the Geometry and Polarity of Moleculessingle-tiered multiple choice instrument (Furió & Calatayud, 1996). The interviews were videotaped, transcribed, and coded …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report: Period Ending November 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

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

• Forever Earth was scheduled 15 times in the past quarter.
• Twelve Discover Mojave Outdoor World events were completed; a draft Year 2 schedule was completed.
• An Outdoor World assessment report compiled and results were presented at a professional academic conference.
• The Phase I Education in the Environment Strategy document was completed.
• A Phase II action plan is underway by the Environmental Education Committee.
• A place-based education conference, “Our Places Tell Stories,” will be held in January 2006.
• Survey data is being collected from Clark County …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: October 18, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from September 20, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Curriculum Update – Jeanne Klockow (15 min.)
4. Review of Project Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Utilities
   B. Water Line
   C. Parking
   D. Operator
5. Standing Reports (15 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie Lara
   B. Design Oversight – David Frommer
   C. Educational Programs – Paul Buck
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships – Blaine Benedict
   E. NEPA – Michael Johnson
   F. Operations – Jackson Ramsey
   G. …

Assessing “Discover Mojave” Instrument Development And Analysis: Final Report, Lori Olafson, Gregory Schraw, Michelle L. Weibel

Reports (DM)

We developed curriculum and a comprehensive assessment plan to determine whether hands-on outdoor recreation events promote knowledge, attitudes, and performance among at-risk urban children. Knowledge, attitude, and performance assessments were developed, refined and conducted through various stages based on cultural and language barriers as well a variety of age groups participating within the events. Findings revealed that knowledge, attitudes, and performance increased substantially as a result of participating in the outdoor recreation events. We conclude that the implementation and assessment of the program is strong. We also make several recommendations for future programs.

Personality And Programming, Amy B. Woszczynski, Tracy C. Guthrie, Sherri Shade

Faculty Articles

Information systems students continue to struggle to successfully complete computer programming classes. Learning how to program is difficult, and failure and attrition rates in college level programming classes remain at an unacceptably high rate. Since many IS students take a programming course as part of their program of study, IS educators should better understand why IS students tend to achieve low success rates in programming courses and what can be done to improve success rates. Little research to date has addressed potential reasons for student failure in programming principles courses. Many educators simply assume that high failure rates are acceptable …

Iowa Academy Of Science: The New Bulletin, V01n3, Autumn 2005, Iowa Academy Of Science

New Bulletin

Inside This Issue:

--Message from the Executive Director

--A Memorial to Charles Drewes

--Buena Vista University

--ISTS Fall Conference

--Iowa Science Teacher’s Section Fall Conference

--Fall Conference Registration

--Return of the Iowa Science Teachers Journal

--IAS Honors New Fellows

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: September 20, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from August 16, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Discussion of Scope/Design Issues –Michael Reiland/David Frommer (30 min.)
4. Cost Update – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Schedule Update – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
6. Standing Reports (15 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   C. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg
7. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie Lara
   B. Design Oversight – David Frommer
   C. Educational Programs – Paul Buck
   D. Fund-raising and Partnerships – Blaine Benedict
   E. NEPA – Michael Johnson
   F. Operations …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center: The Vision, 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.

Discover Mojave Outdoor World ~ Forever Earth, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (DM)

Program goals:

• 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

Toy Blocks And Rotational Physics, Gabriele U. Varieschi, Isabel R. Jully

Physics Faculty Works

Have you ever observed a child playing with toy blocks? A favorite game is to build towers and then make them topple like falling trees. To the eye of a trained physicist this should immediately look like an example of the physics of “falling chimneys,” when tall structures bend and break in mid-air while falling to the ground. The game played with toy blocks can actually reproduce well what is usually seen in photographs of falling towers, such as the one that appeared on the cover of the September 1976 issue of The Physics Teacher.1 In this paper we describe …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending August 31, 2005, Environmental Education Strategy For Nevada

Reports (PLI Education)

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

• Data compiled, summarized, and analyzed from survey of existing environmental education programs in Southern Nevada.
• Planning underway for place-based education conference to be held in January 2006.
• Survey of Southern Nevada teachers developed and ready to be administered in October 2005.
• Vision, mission, and goals set for area-wide Environmental Education Committee.
• Planning for pre-service teacher training in environmental education and master’s degree environmental education program initiated.
• Coordination efforts underway between the Interagency Environmental Education Team and other interagency teams that have identified education components within …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center: The Vision, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Oliver Ranch Project

To instill stewardship and respect by increasing knowledge and understanding of the Mojave Desert ecosystems and cultures through a unique experiential discovery program.

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: August 16, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from July 19, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
4. Update on Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Operator Process
   B. Status of Water Options
   C. Status of Draft EA Report
5. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
6. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom
   B. BLM Capital Improvements – Michael Reiland
   C. Community Outreach – Nancy Flagg
7. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: July 19, 2005, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions & Announcements (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from May 17, 2005 Meeting (5 min.)
3. Update on NEPA Process – Michael Johnson & Otak (30 min.)
   A. Overview of NEPA Process C. Status of interim EA report
   B. EA Timeline Schedule D. Status of cultural treatment plan
4. Matrix of Project Concerns and Resolutions – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Review of Project Timeline Schedule – Michael Reiland (10 min.)
   A. Status of Request for Proposals C. Status of Nevada Power Grid
   B. Status of Water Options
6. Curriculum Development – Jeannie Klockow (10 min.)
   A. Wild Horse & Burro Curriculum
7. Community Outreach …

Iowa Academy Of Science: The New Bulletin, V01n2, Summer 2005, Iowa Academy Of Science

New Bulletin

Inside This Issue:

--Message from the Executive Director

--EPA Award for Program Director

--Reflections of the Iowa Teacher of the Year

--Opportunities for Teachers

--The Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science

--Inventing Flight: A Workshop for Science Teachers

--IAS Honors New Fellows

--2005 ISTS Fall Conference Update

Blaise Pascal - Mathematician, Mystic, Disciple, Tim Rogalsky

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2005

This is the story of a multi-faceted Christian mathematician. Instrumental in the development of calculus, probability theory, and computing machines, Pascal (1623-1662) was a man equally enamoured with mind and spirit. His conversion experience was marked by both rational decision and mystical vision. He is perhaps best known for "Pascal's wager," which simplistic "fire insurance" version of Christianity, demanding little from the convert. However, a more careful reading of his work and his life reveals that Pascal knew much about discipleship and its cost.

The Five Orders Of Ignorance: Knowledge, Ignorance, And The Nature Of Software, Phillip Armour

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2005

Software is not a product, it is a medium in which we store knowledge. As simple as this idea seems, the consequences of it are quite significant. If software is not a product, then software development is not a product of production activity, despite the common practice of managing it as such. Most organizations believe that job of software developers is to build a system that we then ship to a customer. It is not. The system we build and ship to the customer is actually the by-product of the real activity which is learning. Software development is the activity …

Does The Success Of Mathematics Defeat Naturalism?, Russell W. Howell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2005

This paper discusses the arguments for and against Intelligent Design from the perspectives of mathematics.

Mathematics As Poesis: A Preliminary Project Report, Sam Stueckle, Jeremy Case, Ken Constantine, Troy Riggs

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2005

This paper talks about the various viewpoints of mathematics, beginning with classical perspectives and ending with the idea of poesis, or the theology of math as the art of making.