Three novel science activities relating to the structure of the atom, bioinformatics, and the denaturation of protein

Plan B Paper. 2013. Master of Science in Education- Physics--University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Physics Department. 30 leaves. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 10).This paper describes three novel activities that were designed to teach difficult scientific concepts to a wide age range of students (7th through 11th grade). The subject of the three activities include the structure of the atom, bioinformatics, and protein denaturation. Each section within the paper includes background information and material lists necessary for the activity, in addition to a procedure and reflection. The two models of learning used to analyze the activities were Bloom's Taxonomy and the Constructivist Theory. In Bloom's Taxonomy, there are six levels in the Cognitive domain: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation (in order from lowest to highest). As a student progresses from the lower levels to the higher levels, their comprehension and mastery of the subject increases. According to Constructivism, a learner needs to be active in the learning process so that they can give meaning to their experiences. This happens when the learner reconciles their experiences to something they previously held to be true

Optimized identification of fecal pollution sources in a rural tidal watershed in coastal New Hampshire

Escherichia coli ribotyping was used to identify fecal contamination sources in Grommet Creek- a tidal creek that drains into Great Bay and contaminates shellfishing beds. Water samples were collected during late summer through late fall. Fecal samples were collected to establish a local source species database. Fecal indicator bacteria were enumerated from water samples and ribotyping was conducted by using EcoR1 restriction enzyme digestion and an automated RiboPrinter(c). There was consistent relative abundance between source types with wild animals and birds as the primary sources. An optimized approach for maximizing source identification involved using a 90% similarity threshold and prioritizing the first (local) database, then the second (larger area), and the third (regional) database for source identification. Using this approach, 67% of the E. coli water sample isolates were identified to sources, mainly as geese, deer, and fox, suggesting that diminishing of these sources could improve water quality

Waterfowl Biology and Management

This Forestry and Natural Resources Fact Sheet 31 by Clemson University Extension Services provides information on waterfowl biology and management

AN ANALYSIS OF THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF PARENT/CHILD READING UTTERANCES WHILE READING DIFFERENT GENRES

The purpose of this study was to investigate how different genres affect the quality and quantity of parent/child reading utterances. I analyzed the reading utterances of parent/child dyads with preschool aged child while reading informational and narrative books contributing to this line of research by systematically selecting books based on scholarly criteria to minimize variability within and between genres. I invited families whose children attended preschool at a private school to participate in this study. On a weekly basis, over a six week period, participating families selected an informational book and a narrative book to be read. Each newly selected book was read at least once during that week. Each reading was audio-taped and tapes were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. Results indicate that genre affects both the quality and quantity of parents' and children's reading utterances. Both parents and children generated more total utterances and comprehension related utterances when reading informational books than when reading narrative books. Two parents demonstrated a marked increase in their use of comprehension related utterances while reading informational books than when reading narrative books. Four of the six children demonstrated a marked increase in their use of comprehension related utterances while being read informational books compared to narrative books. I then conducted a more fine-grained analysis to examine the parents' and children's reading utterances while reading specific informational books and specific narrative books. Regardless of genre, the type of book being read affected the number of utterances generated by the parents and children differently. The children demonstrated a preference for narrative books over informational books. Finally, I found that three themes, supported with vignettes, emerged from the data: Lost Opportunities, Grasped Opportunities, and Influences on Reading Behaviors. All three emergent themes addressed parent/child interactions and the affect they had on the reading sessions

2006-2007 Residence Halls Association Congress Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes for the Resident Hall Association Congress of Morehead State University for 2006 and 2007

Iowa DNR News, September 19, 2017

E-newsletter providing information about Iowa natural resources activities across the state. Produced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Key ecological sites of Hamilton City: Volume 1

Ecological sites of significance previously identified in 2000 were reviewed in 2011. Natural vegetation in areas acquired by the city since 2000 was also surveyed to identify any new key sites. In total seventy key sites that met the Waikato Regional Council Regional Policy Statement criteria for ecological significance were identified across Hamilton City. Of the original key sites, the total area covered by sites, average site size and overall quality of sites had increased between the 2000 and 2011 surveys. This was due to restoration efforts across the city by Hamilton City Council and the community. Vegetation restoration efforts have had other biodiversity and ecological benefits such as providing additional habitat for the city’s increasing tui population. Key sites are not spread evenly across the city or across landform types. Most key sites are either in gullies or adjoining the Waikato River. Less than 1% of urban alluvial plains and peat bogs are key sites. Two sites on private land have degraded and no longer meet the ecological significance criteria in 2011. The current survey utilised a standard methodology focused on vegetation types. There will be other significant sites not identified including sites with significant fauna values but a detailed and costly survey would be required to identify all such sites. The 1.5% of the city area covered by key sites is well below the 10% minimum recommended to prevent biodiversity decline in urban areas. Areas where vegetation restoration has begun in the city have the potential to expand existing key sites or develop new sites if council and community efforts continue in the future. The Council and its restoration partners should continue to seek ways of increasing native vegetation cover in Hamilton City and restoration of the distinctive gully landform remains the best option