Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Young Women In Stem: An Analysis Of Outreach Programs For Middle School Girls, Rachel Lundeen

Honors Projects

Historically, and still presently, women face many obstacles when attempting to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Women have been systematically barred from entering STEM programs at universities and today face cultural obstacles, resulting in marginalization. Research points to adolescence as the age where this sense of marginalization begins to develop. As a result, many outreach programs for young women interested in STEM are targeted toward the middle school age group. This study adds to this research by examining two such outreach programs for young women in STEM to determine their effectiveness, including Camp GEMS at Ohio Northern …

An Interpolation Process On The Roots Of Ultraspherical Polynomials, R. Srivastava, Yamini Singh

Applications and Applied Mathematics: An International Journal (AAM)

The paper is devoted to studying a Pál-type interpolation problem on the roots of Ultraspherical polynomials of degree n-1 with parameter k+1 on the closed interval -1 to 1. The aim of this paper is to find a unique interpolatory polynomial of degree at most m equal to 2n+2k+1 satisfying the interpolatory conditions that is, function values of the polynomial of degree m at the zeros of the function values of the ultraspherical polynomials and the first derivative values of the polynomial of degree m at the zeros of the first derivative values of the ultraspherical polynomials.We will use the …

Engaging Undergraduate Students In Planetary Science Research For Parabolic Flights, Gillian Gomer, Adrienne Dove, Seamus Anderson, Jeffery Jorges, Alexandra Yates

EGS Content

Microgravity investigations are key to understanding the behavior or regolith, or dusty granular material, that is ubiquitous on planetary surfaces. We see features on other planets that resemble avalanches and landslides seen here on Earth, while eroded craters and so-called ponds (smooth level dusty deposits at the bottom of some craters) reveal the action of various regolith flow mechanisms. The SLOPEs experiment was designed by an undergraduate group to address questions on the statics and dynamics of granular matter on the surfaces of small Solar System bodies, including a) the flow behavior of granular material along slopes (landslides and avalanches) …

Engaging Undergraduate Students In Planetary Science Research For Parabolic Flights, Gillian Gomer, Adrienne Dove, Seamus Anderson, Jeffery Jorges, Alexandra Yates

Gillian Gomer

Observing Change In Students’ Attitudes Towards Mathematics: Contrasting Quantitative And Qualitative Approaches, Wes Maciejewski

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

A student’s attitude towards mathematics affects how they learn and perform in mathematics. What exactly is meant by attitude and how this interacts with mathematics education is a current debate in the mathematics education research community. Regardless, practitioners often acknowledge a consideration of improving students’ attitudes towards mathematics in their course design. This creates an impetus to study attitudes towards mathematics in a way that lends itself to observing changes over a course in mathematics. The current study draws on two approaches to observing and measuring attitudes towards mathematics in an effort to contrast disparate approaches and deepen an investigation …

Updated Guidelines, Updated Curriculum: The Gaise College Report And Introductory Statistics For The Modern Student, Beverly Wood, Megan Mocko, Michelle Everson, Nicholas J. Horton, Paul Velleman

Beverly Wood

Since the 2005 American Statistical Association's (ASA) endorsement of the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE) College Report, changes in the statistics field and statistics education have had a major impact on the teaching and learning of statistics. We now live in a world where "Statistics - the science of learning from data - is the fastest-growing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) undergraduate degree in the United States," according to the ASA, and where many jobs demand an understanding of how to explore and make sense of data. In light of these new reports and other …

Teaching Differential Equations Without Computer Graphics Solutions Is A Crime, Beverly H. West

CODEE Journal

In the early 1980s computer graphics revolutionized the teaching of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Yet the movement to teach and learn the qualitative methods that interactive graphics affords seems to have lost momentum. There still exist college courses, even at big universities, being taught without the immense power that computer graphics has brought to differential equations. The vast majority of ODEs that arise in mathematical models are nonlinear, and linearization only approximates solutions sufficiently near an equilibrium. Introductory courses need to include nonlinear DEs. Graphs of phase plane trajectories and time series solutions allow one to see and analyze the …

Experiences Using Inquiry-Oriented Instruction In Differential Equations, Keith Nabb

CODEE Journal

Student-centered instruction can be a challenging endeavor for teachers and students. This article reports on the use of the Inquiry-Oriented Differential Equations (IO-DE) curriculum (Rasmussen, 2002) in an undergraduate differential equations course. Examples of student work are shared with specific reference to research in mathematics education.

Exploring The Neural Mechanisms Of Physics Learning, Jessica E. Bartley

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a series of neuroimaging investigations and achievements that strive to deepen and broaden our understanding of human problem solving and physics learning. Neuroscience conceives of dynamic relationships between behavior, experience, and brain structure and function, but how neural changes enable human learning across classroom instruction remains an open question. At the same time, physics is a challenging area of study in which introductory students regularly struggle to achieve success across university instruction. Research and initiatives in neuroeducation promise a new understanding into the interactions between biology and education, including the neural mechanisms of learning and development. These …

Recruiting And Retaining K9–16 Students Through Field- And Laboratory - Based Geoscience Experiences, Nazrul I. Khandaker, Stanley Schleifer, Arif M. Sikder, Krishna Mahabir, Ality Aghedo, Charren Cabaroy, Mildred M. Selby, Gugu Ginindza, Leonardo Sanchez

Publications and Research

Since 2004, we have been directly involved with the GSA to provide access and opportunities for K9-16 students, particularly those interested in the broader aspects of geoscience-related topics, to present their field-and- laboratory based research outcomes at professional conferences and to learn from each other. So far, well-over 400 students from the U. S. and abroad have taken advantage of this opportunity and participated our topical sessions. It is quite gratifying to report that many of these students, as a result of their attendance at the GSA conference, felt a continuing need for exposure to high-level professional venues with effective …

Nasa Maa (Murep Aerospace Academy) Stem Project At York College: Ensuring Future Stem Pipeline, Nazrul I. Khandaker, Shuayb Siddique, Matthew Khargie, Brandon Dhanraj, Zachary A. Sanichar, Mildred M. Selby, Chabenauth Ramnauth, Theresa Deepan, Yougeeta Singh, Krishna Mahabir, Sashi Singh, Omadevi Singh

Publications and Research

Our ongoing K1-12 NASA-supported STEM activities has served over 5000 children since 2015, largely from groups that are undeserved and underrepresented in the sciences. These STEM activities have been successfully delivered for several years and include earth science, meteorite geology, rocketry, aerodynamics, star gazing, EV3 Mindstorm robotics, basic coding exercises, wind tunnel, 3D-printing, etc., conducted largely through our present MAA (MUREP Aerospace Academy) Project. Corporate funding from the Con Edison and National Grid ensures additional STEM dissemination to the students during the summer operation. Significant positive component of the MAA program is the availability and willingness of the former student …

Solutions For Fermi Questions, November 2018: Question 1: Kale; Question 2: Hurricane Angular Momentum, Larry Weinstein

Physics Faculty Publications

The article presents questions and answers related to physics estimations including the amount of kale needed to provide the right amount of calories in a year, and the angular momentum of Hurricane Florence.

Question 1: Kale; Question 2: Hurricane Angular Momentum, Larry Weinstein

Physics Faculty Publications

A quiz concerning the amount of kale needed to provide calories for a person in a year and the angular momentum of Hurricane Florence when it made landfall.

Adapting Cell-Free Protein Synthesis As A Platform Technology For Education, Grace W. Chu, Max Z. Levine, Nicole E. Gregorio, Javin P. Oza

STAR Program Research Presentations

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) has emerged as an enabling biotechnology for research and biomanufacturing as it allows for the production of protein without the need for a living cell. Applications of CFPS include the construction of libraries for functional genomics and structural biology, the production of personalized medicine, and the expression of virus-like particles. The absence of a cell wall provides an open platform for direct manipulation of the reaction conditions and biological machinery. This project focuses on adapting the CFPS biotechnology to the classroom, making a hands-on bioengineering approach to learning protein synthesis accessible to students grades K-16 through …

The Origin Of The Prime Number Theorem, Dominic Klyve

Number Theory

No abstract provided.

Seeing And Understanding Data, Beverly Wood, Charlotte Bolch

Statistics and Probability

No abstract provided.

Solutions For Fermi Questions, October 2018: Question 1: Automobile Air Conditioning; Question 2: Falling Leaves, Larry Weinstein

Physics Faculty Publications

The article presents questions and answers related to topics including automobile air conditioning and falling leaves.

The Future Is Now Science Club, Shane Stan

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

The Future is Now! What will our planet look like in 10, 20, 50, or even 100 years? Where will we live, what will we eat, how will we travel? Believe it or not, in the coming decades, many ideas that were once science fiction will come through to realization. With this, many of the discoveries and technologies making all of this happen are being developed right now as we go about our daily lives.

In this club, appropriately titled, The Future Is Now Science Club, students will be inspired to think larger about the present world they live in. …

How Design Features In Digital Math Games Support Learning And Mathematics Connections, Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham, Christina W. Lommatsch, Kristy Litster, Jill Ashby, Emma P. Bullock, Allison L. Roxburgh, Jessica F. Shumway, Emily Speed, Benjamin Covington, Christine Hartmann, Jody Clarke-Midura, Joel Skaria, Arla Westenskow, Beth L. Macdonald, Jurgen Symanzik, Kerry Jordan

Teacher Education and Leadership Faculty Publications

Current research shows that digital games can significantly enhance children’s learning. The purpose of this study was to examine how design features in 12 digital math games influenced children’s learning. The participants in this study were 193 children in Grades 2 through 6 (ages 8-12). During clinical interviews, children in the study completed pre-tests, interacted with digital math games, responded to questions about the digital math games, and completed post-tests. We recorded the interactions using two video perspectives that recorded children’s gameplay and responses to interviewers. We employed mixed methods to analyze the data and identify salient patterns in children’s …

Dual Perspectives On Desargues' Theorem, Carl Lienert

Geometry

No abstract provided.

Otto Holder's Formal Christening Of The Quotient Group Concept, Janet Heine Barnett

Abstract Algebra

No abstract provided.

Question 1: Automobile Air Conditioning; Question 2: Falling Leaves, Larry Weinstein

Physics Faculty Publications

The article focuses on the questions on physics regarding automobile air conditioning and calculating the number of leaves to fall in U.S.

The Effects Of Metacognitive Training On Algebra Students’ Calibration Accuracy, Achievement, And Mathematical Literacy, Deana J. Ford

Teaching & Learning Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation describes an empirical study that investigated how metacognitive training influenced lower achieving Algebra students’ calibration accuracy, achievement, and development of mathematics literacy. Multiple methods were used to collect and analyze the data. Close analysis of students’ work and classroom observations revealed that students that were exposed to the metacognitive training had significantly higher prediction accuracy and made gains in their understanding of the mathematics word problems than did students who did not receive the metacognitive training. Overall, however, both the intervention and comparison groups improved in their academic performance and became more mathematically literate and accurate in their …

Question 1: Plastic Straws; Question 2: Casino Sevens, Larry Weinstein

Physics Faculty Publications

The article offers questions on 1) the impact that American plastic straws have on the environment, and 2) the probable longest streak of consecutive sevens in casino craps games in the entire history of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Understanding Student Development Of Science Literacy Skills In An Undergraduate Environmental Science Course, Molly Picillo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Educators are expected to instill a variety of skills in their students that are necessary to be competent citizens of society. One such set of skills, science literacy skills, broadly encompass the ability of an individual to evaluate reliability of data and information and critically analyze and interpret them (Gormally Brickman, Hallar, & Armstrong, 2009). These skills are utilized in everyday decision-making and given their pertinence, there is a need for citizens to be scientifically literate. Thus, educators need tools and assessments to help students develop these skills and analyze their science literacy. The aim of this study was to …

The Effects Of Motivation, Technology And Satisfaction On Student Achievement In Face-To-Face And Online College Algebra Classes, Hanan Jamal Amro, Marie-Anne Mundy, Lori Kupczynski

TxDLA Journal of Digital Learning

Demand for online learning has increased in recent years due to the convenience of class delivery. However, some students appear to have difficulties with online education resulting in lack of completion. The study utilized a quantitative approach with archival data and survey design. The factors of demographics, motivation, technology, and satisfaction were compared for face-to-face and online students. MANCOVA tests were performed to analyze the data while controlling age and gender to uncover significant differences between the two groups. The sample and population for this study were predominantly Hispanic students.

Motivation and Technology were non-significant, but satisfaction was proven to …

Student Initiated Partnership For Oer Adoption At Mines, Sarena Nguyen, Ye Li, Torin Johnson

OER From Vision to Action

On the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) campus, there is a profusion of various learning materials from departments all across campus that incorporate some forms of open educational resources. However, many students and faculty are not aware of the benefits these resources can bring to the learning environment, which has drastically stalled the adoption and creation of OERs in our community. A group of students, librarians, and faculty have started to identify and address the consequences of this issue. First, we implemented a survey to investigate undergraduate students’ opinion on textbook costs and the impact on their learning. The survey …

Safe Use Of Hydrogen Peroxide In The Organic Lab, Patrick Dussault

Organic Peroxides: Safety Issues

The article describes good practices for use of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in an organic lab setting. Major headings include:

Leading references; Toxicity; Physical properties; Chemical properties; Stability and incompatibilities; Confinement/pressure; and, References to accidents involving H₂O₂.

Alkene Ozonolysis In The Academic Lab, Patrick Dussault

Organic Peroxides: Safety Issues

The following information is offered as a guide based upon our experience with application of ozone for organic oxidations and hydroperoxide synthesis. Please send suggestions, requests, or corrections to pdussault1@unl.edu.

Introduction and leading references

Overview of ozonolysis: Mechanism, Substrate reactivity, Typical reaction conditions, Reaction monitoring, Reaction work-ups

Safety Issues

Acknowledgements:

------------

The following provides a brief introduction to the application of ozonolysis within academic labs. Ozonolysis remains among the most frequently used of methods for oxidative cleavage of alkenes. While best known as a means by which to introduce aldehydes and ketones, ozonolysis can also be used to generate other …

Visualization Of Geospatial Data As An Analytical And Educational Tool, Richard A. Vu

STAR Program Research Presentations

World Wind is an open-source API developed for Java, Android, and browsers that is designed to visualize and interact with geospatial data. The Web World Wind client is composed of four major components: the HTML template, the globe, geospatial features, and application features. The template was implemented using Bootstrap and hosts the globe provided by World Wind. This globe draws its data from multiple imagery sources, including the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Service and Web Map Tile Service. This enables the application to perform and visualize complex calculations with multiple types of data such as weather and terrain. …