Science Education.

Chair: Aimee T. Lee, University of Southern Mississippi

Vice-chair: Sheila Brown, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center

THURSDAY MORNING

Pacific

9:30 TEACHING ABOUT AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES

Austin Taylor* and Kay Baggett, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Educational Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

The purpose of this project was to educate fourth through sixth grade students about invasive species. The project involved researching local invasive species, creating a short PowerPoint presentation of these species, and developing age-appropriate educational activities to reinforce the presented information. The project was presented to students in several classrooms for the targeted grades and evaluated by their teachers for perceived value using a Likert-scale evaluation. To measure the content effectiveness of the presentation, pre- and posttests were administered, analyzed, and interpreted.

9:45 A NEW INTERACTIVE DISPLAY AT THE SCOTT AQUARIUM: INCORPORATING AGE-APPROPRIATE, INTERDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITIES ABOUT THE OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS AND ADAPTATIONS OF MARINE ORGANISMS

Mollie K. Giles* and Becky Espey, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The primary objective of this project has been to create an interactive educational display representing various aspects of the ocean ecosystem and adaptations of marine creatures. Children may choose to participate in a variety of age-appropriate, interdisciplinary activities. The project consisted of building a children's interactive exhibit in the Scott Aquarium. The exhibit consisted of backboards upon which various descriptive paragraphs and interactive activities were displayed for the children's use. These activities include worksheets, puzzles, books, games, and "hands-on" examples of sea creatures. The project included choosing subject matter, researching information on the chosen subjects, reviewing interactive educational materials, and constructing the actual exhibit. This project was based upon the Scott Aquarium exhibits located in "Imagination Stations" used in the Biloxi Public School System.

10:00 THE USE OF PHYSICAL WATERSHED MODELS FOR GRADES 6 THROUGH 12 SCIENCE STUDENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

R. Gonzalez (1)*, W.L. Kingery (2), and D.H. Huddleston (2), (1) West Lowndes Middle School, Columbus, MS 39701, and (2) Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762

This paper will discuss several hands-on experiments used to teach grades 6 through 12 science students about watershed hydrology using a physical model constructed using relatively inexpensive materials. Plexiglass boxes were built to accommodate soil materials that enable simulation of three dimensional river systems. The model let students visualize a range of river processes. They were given the opportunity to interact with the model and investigate river dynamics, sediment transport, erosion, and erosion control. An evaluation was made of students' use of critical thinking and scientific problem solving in designing and performing scientific research and experimentation. The pedagogical implications of these experiments with kinesthetic and visual learners were evaluated. These activities allow teachers and students to focus on various learning styles in science. Further, state requirements in physical, chemical and biological sciences, as well as environmental issues and processes, can also be addressed. The models permit students to summarize the interrelationships among resources and human activities in their local environment.

10:15 THE EFFECT OF A CONTROLLED BURN BASED ON CHEMICAL ANALYSES AT A FORT BAYOU SITE

Matt Reudelhuber* and George Ramseur, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

The local branch of The Nature Conservancy, based in Ocean Springs, owns plots of land which it is attempting to maintain or return to a "natural" state. The Old Fort Bayou Mitigation site is an example of this type effort. To date, the focus of the restoration attempts has been in the form of controlled burns. Historically, fire has served as a natural stressor necessary to expose the seed bank and limit overgrowth. The purpose of this project has been to determine whether or not the burns have been changing the composition of the soil. Results of this effort will indicate if the soil is returning to the state necessary to support the rare species which are known to flourish in pine savannas. This study involved selecting a control and burn area from three sites for the chemical determination of soil composition.

10:30 Break

10:45 TEACHING KINDERGARTNERS ABOUT THE LIVES, DEVELOPMENT, AND EXTINCTION OF DINOSAURS

Amanda Weaver*, Teresa Callahan, and Patricia Hodges, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and Magnolia Park Elementary School, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

The purpose of this project was to teach kindergarten students the importance of history on dinosaurs. The students learned about the time of period in which the dinosaurs lived, the process of dinosaur extinction, and how the dinosaurs played an important part in the development of today's world. The project also included hands on activities in which the children made paper mache dinosaur eggs, became a type of dinosaur for a day, and an activity that taught them the same water supply that the dinosaurs used is still used today. This project helped the students understand the historical significance of dinosaurs.

11:00 CREATING A KIDS' PAGE FOR THE J.L. SCOTT MARINE EDUCATION CENTER AND AQUARIUM

Brandi Hamilton* and Chris Snyder, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration

This project was designed to provide children visiting the MEC & A web site with information and activities concerning local marine animals and habitats. This web page is a component of the Center's main web site and has different, age-appropriate activities in which kids can participate. This web page includes an activity and game page, an information page on fish, and a page listing activities and/or programs that the Center offers for kids. The activities will provide information to visitors in an entertaining and interesting way. This web page will be linked to the home page of the MEC & A web site.

11:15 CONCEPTUAL AND ATTITUDE CHANGE OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS THROUGH THE READING-WRITING-SCIENCE LEARNING CONNECTION

Aleta Sullivan, Pearl River Community College, Poplarville, MS

This qualitative research investigates the influences of reading popular science magazines and writing personal essays and their influence in facilitating learning in science. Another purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of constructivist teaching practices and cooperative learning to attain conceptual change among community college students in a Human Anatomy and Physiology course. The affective dimension of learning anatomy and physiology through reading and writing was studied by examining students' attitudes and personal beliefs expressed in their essays. This research combined several methods to engage the learner: reading an article of the learner's choice from the "Vital Signs" series of Discover Magazine, writing an essay on the article read, collaborative group discussions, and critique of the essay. The students wrote essays using guiding questions provided by the researcher. The essays were shared during the collaboration and critique sessions when students were in base groups. Reading and writing faciliates adult learners' conceptual change in a human anatomy and physiology course through the linking of concepts to previous life experiences, whether personal or previously studied materials. The positive effects of the cooperative learning on minds-on construction of knowledge on adult learners' attitudes toward reading ans writing about human anatomy and physiology were expressed during the focus group interviews. The choice of reading materials, working with peers, and freedom to express persoanl beliefs regarding the medically related articles positively influence the adult learners' interest in continued reading and learning in human anatomy and physiology.

11:30 PERFORMANCE IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE MICROBIOLOGY CLASSES IMPROVED THROUGH USE OF ACTIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES

Mary Lux, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Active learning has been a time-honored tradition in microbiology laboratory courses. Emphasis on active learning in the lecture component of the course is equally important. Over the course of two summers, students enrolled in Microbiology at the Forrest County Allied Health Campus of Pearl River Community College participated in a study to determine the effectiveness of active learning in the classroom setting. The study involved three sections of the course. Each section met once a week for a five hour block of time through the 10 week summer semester. One section was the control section and participated in limited active learning activities during lecture. The other sections were the test sections. Lecture time was allotted for active learning strategies such as creating illustrations, completing tables, working with small groups, and answering questions posed in the Socratic tradition. The same amount of material and the identical tests were used for all classes. Pretest were taken on the first day of each section, and the identical 10 questions were incorporated into a 100 item final exam. The results of the study yielded the following average scores for pretest and post test, respectively: control, 12 and 47, test sections (averages), 14 and 68. The higher scores on the post test and final for the test groups suggest that the active learning activities increased student learning.

11:45 Divisional Business Meeting

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Pacific

1:00 TEACHING EDUCATORS ADVANCE MATH AND SCIENCE (TEAMS): IMPROVING TEACHER QUALITY AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Babu P. Patlolla*, Noland J. Boyd, Theophilus Danzy, Jr., and Josephine M. Posey, Alcorn State University, Alcorn State, MS 39096

Alcorn State University conducted a four-week summer workshop for local middle school and high school teachers. Eighteen teachers were selected from Natchez/Adams, Claiborne, Hazlehurst, Jefferson, Vicksburg, Warren Central and Wilkerson Schools. Primary goals of this workshop were: to strengthen the teachers' content knowledge and teaching skills in math and science, to make them aware of technology and new class room techniques and to introduce ways to help students to close the gap between society's science illiteracy and apply science facts and ideas to daily life. The core of the summer activities included class room/laboratory hands-on activities, computer application projects, visit by professional scientists and field trips to Medical Center, Waterways Experiment Station and USDA laboratory. Two follow-up sessions are planned for the 2003-2004 academic year to discuss how the participants are incorporating their new knowledge in their class. Participants enjoyed the workshop and are eager to share their experiences with their colleagues. (This program was funded by Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning through No Child Left Behind: Improving Teacher Quality Grant Professional Development Program # 2003-53E)

1:15 A POST-BACCALAUREATE PROFESSIONAL PORTAL TRACK TO MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER 

Rob Rockhold, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216

The School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences at UMC announces the initiation of the Professional Portal Track (PPT), a two-year, Master of Biomedical Science degree-accruing postbaccalaureate training program for educationally- and economically-underserved students who are interested in entering degree programs in Medicine or Dentistry on the UMC campus. An applicant to the PPT must first make application to the school of ultimate interest (Medicine or Dentistry) through regular admission procedures for that school. The appropriate Admission Committee will recommend a student for entry into the PPT, based on a student's background, on evidence that a student demonstrates behavioral characteristics desired in a contemporary physician or dentist, and on evidence of a student's interest in treating Mississippi citizens currently underserved by health care. An applicant must register for/have taken the Graduate Record Examination. The academic emphasis of the program will be (1) enhancement of relevant academic skills, (2) acquisition of a body of basic biomedical knowledge, and (3) analysis of health care delivery to the underserved within the State of Mississippi. A student who completes the seven quarter academic program in good standing and fulfills specific individual criteria specified during the admission process will be afforded admission in to the school of their interest. An inaugural class of up to 15 students will be admitted in the Summer of 2003.

1:30 BASE PAIR AND THE COMMUNITY SCIENCE FORUM (CSF): USING THE POWER OF THE CHILD TO EDUCATE THE VILLAGE

Rob Rockhold (1)*, Susan Bender (2), Jordan Butler (3), Cindy Cook (3), Susan Neral (1), and Donna Sullivan (1), (1) University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216; (2) Jim Hill High School; and (3) Murrah High School, Jackson, MS 39216

The CSF is a community outreach activity for Base Pair and UMC. Its purpose is to use high school students from the Base Pair class at Murrah and the Student Oriented Academic Research (SOAR) class at Jim Hill to organize, promote and present information on biomedical science and health care to lay members of the Jackson community. The philosophy that drives the Forum is to "capture the power of the child to educate the village." Piloted in 2002-2003 with talks on the "West Nile Virus" and "Bioterrorism Agents," a presentation on "Health Risks Associated with Type II Diabetes" was delivered in October, 2003. Three to four presentations/year on issues of compelling importance to the general public are planned. Students are trained in biomedical information research, mentored by biomedical research professionals, and tutored in the finer elements of public discourse. Use of advanced electronic databases (Medline, PubMed) and presentation software, including PowerPoint[TM] and Microsoft Publisher[TM], is a specific element of training. Evening presentations to the general public are offered on the UMC campus. Evaluation of the impact of the program on health knowledge is a specific component of the activity. (Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the University of Mississippi Medical Center).

1:45 Break

2:00 DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLICATION, IMPORTANT PLANTS OF THE MISSISSIPPI COASTAL REGION

Kimberly Harvey* and Shelia A. Brown, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Native plants indigenous to the Mississippi Gulf Coast are presented in a booklet developed for the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). The primary objective of this project was to assist with the development of descriptive text necessary for each of the images that was selected for the book by representatives of the Mississippi Department Marine Resources and the Grand Bay (NEER). Digital photography was used to capture images of the plant species in their natural environment. Information about plant types, habitat areas, flowering times, heights, and detailed descriptions were included for each species. This booklet provides tourists, educational groups, as well as local residents, valuable information for identifying the diverse types of plant life that are commonly seen along the salty and fresh water coastal areas of Mississippi.

2:15 CONSTRUCTION OF A NOVEL DNA TEACHING MANIPULATIVE

Raymond Scheetz*, Aimee T. Lee, and Rosalina V. Hairston, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Available models of DNA do not relate the three dimensional physical model to the two-dimensional chemical structures depicted in classes and in text books, and students may have difficulties identifying the components of ball and stick models, which use color-coded spheres to represent atoms. Additionally, prior models do not make the formation of anti-parallel DNA strands obvious, when complimentary bases pair, an important concept in DNA structure. The injection-molded teaching manipulatives described in this paper assembles DNA from nucleotide units, in much the same way that DNA is enzymatically made in cells, rather than by assembling individual atoms. This model is NOT an atomic scale model, but rather one designed specifically to be used as a hands-on teaching manipulative. Ring systems of bases and sugars are molded flat with chemical structures clearly depicted, for easy identification and correlation with textbook structures. Nucleotide units of the present model clearly show how complimentary bases hydrogen bond, and how nucleotides in the same strand link through 3'5' phosphodiester bonds. Proper spatial orientation of base, sugar, and phosphate groups generates the familiar double helix, with an evident major and minor groove. By trial and error pairing of nucleotides in alternative orientations, students intuitively discover the underlying features of molecular structure which are of paramount importance in DNA replication, repair, and transcription.

2:30 FACILITATING LEARNING IN INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY BY USING MODELS

Rosalina V. Hairston* and Aimee T. Lee*, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

A DNA model developed by Dr. Ray Scheetz was used to collect data for research about using models to facilitate student learning. Two methods of data collection, qualitative and quantitative, were used in this research. Two groups of students enrolled in an introductory college biology laboratory were compared in this study. The teaching assistant gave an introductory lecture describing the basics of a DNA molecule to all students. Group one (N = 50) was not allowed to manipulate the DNA model while group two (N = 63) was allowed to manipulate the model for ten minutes. We then administered an 11-question quiz regarding information about the different components of a DNA molecule. A three-question survey was administered to the students who used the DNA model. A T-test was used to statistically analyze if there is a significant difference between the two groups of students. The results reveal that there was no significant difference between the scores of the students using the DNA model and the scores of the students not using the DNA model. However, the mean of group two was higher than the mean of group one. The qualitative surveys consisted of questions referring to how the model helped them conceptualize the structure of DNA. Although the difference in groups was not statistically significant, the survey revealed that the model helped them understand the abstract aspects of the DNA molecule.

2:45 Divisional Poster Session 

CREATING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FOR EXHIBITS AT THE WALTER ANDERSON MUSEUM OF ART 

Phung Kim Hoang* and Patricia Pinson, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

The purpose of this project was twofold: to conduct research on the Pascagoula River Basin and river system and to compile history and facts in order to create handouts for docents (educated volunteers) who provide tours at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. Sources came from the Nature Conservancy, and libraries, as well as material from the Sun Herald Special Reports. Additionally, research on the life of Walter Anderson was gathered for the "Fortune's Favorite Child: The Life of Walter Anderson" exhibit. This exhibit was featured November 13, 2003-February 1, 2004. This information was available for docents to use in presentations to visitors.

COASTAL FLORA AND FAUNA PORTRAYED IN ANDERSON'S ART

Phung(Lily) Nguyen* and Cindy Guay, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Walter Anderson was a "Renaissance Man." Well-educated with many talents, Anderson was a watercolorist, muralist, author, printer, woodworker, environmentalist, decorator, and potter. The goal of this project is to inform and educate young visitors using activities that showcase local flora and fauna portrayed in Anderson's work at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. The project developed these activities for the educational center within museum.

GULF COAST RESEARCH LABORATORY AND NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE: PARTNERS IN SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION

Ammanda Bowman* and Joyce Shaw, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Over the last fifty years, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) has partnered with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and its predecessors on major scientific and conservation projects. Sharing personnel, marine vessels, and information, both agencies have generated a body of knowledge that documents and describes northern Gulf of Mexico marine resources. This project focuses on the history of the relationship between GCRL and NMFS. The publications of Dr. Thomas McIlwain, a former GCRL director (1989-1994) and former Fishery Administrator at NMFS Pascagoula Laboratory, as well as other GCRL scientists who have worked on NMFS projects will be added to an online bibliographic database. Archival materials documenting the relationship between the two agencies has been organized and filed. A poster describing the project is being presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences.

DEVELOPING AN UNDERGRADUATE FIELD BIOLOGY PROGRAM

Sarah Armstrong* and James P. McKeown*, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS 39210

There are many opportunities for undergraduates to study abroad in a classroom setting, but biological field research is usually reserved for graduate students. In the summer of 2002, we began a successful undergraduate research program at the Moyers Biocultural Reserve in southern Yucatan, a 2000 ha tract of second-growth dry forest owned by Millsaps College and administered in cooperation with the Mexican government. Students are assigned a problem fitting their background in biology. Projects may be done as Undergraduate Research credit or as part of the Honors or Ford Fellowship Programs. Each student does a literature review prior to the summer field season. In the field, students collect, identify, and preserve their specimens, and maintain field notebooks. Upon returning to Jackson, each student writes a formal report of their findings in the standard research report format. Students are evaluated on use of the literature, their collections and identifications, and their final report. In our first season, we and five students created a temporary field laboratory at a partially-restored plantation near the reserve. Four of the students collected and identified insects. The fifth student began a catalog of flowering plant pollen, to be compared to samples from the pre-Columbian archaeological site on the property to identify the plant materials available to the former inhabitants. Students learned a lot of biology, but also life-long skills of communication, self-reliance, tolerance, and reflection.

THE NSF GK12 FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI: A BIOLOGIST IN THE SIXTH GRADE

Meagan Williams, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

GK12 is a nationally funded project by the National Science Foundation. At the University of Southern Mississippi there are twelve graduate fellows from several different departments that interact with a number of teachers from all grade levels. Its goal is to provide a larger content base for teachers at local elementary and secondary schools and to broaden the scientific knowledge of teachers at all grade levels. As one of the biology fellows, I made weekly visits to three different sixth grade classes during the fall of 2003. During these visits, students and teachers alike learned what science is, who does science, how science is done and a variety of topics within the scientific field. Some of the activities/demonstrations included: an introduction to chemistry through a liquid nitrogen demonstration, a classroom activity making silly putty and slime and an activity that demonstrated the pH of various household chemicals. Other topics covered included a fossil dig activity using chocolate chip cookies, an edible cell model constructed out of Jello, an energy lesson using pendulums, and a group activity about animal communication. Throughout the course of only a few months, ~80 sixth graders and three teachers were exposed to the basics of science, research and learning through several entertaining, but thought provoking activities and demonstrations.

Divisional Talks

3:15 DEVELOPING INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS LINKING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT TO EVERYDAY LIFE

Adam Ridgdell* and Jennifer Hale, Cooperative Intern Program Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The purpose of this project was to develop an interactive exhibit to educate and inform students and the general public of the importance of products and extracts of marine biota in the development of commercial products. The exhibit includes products containing essential components from the sea, which affect the daily lives of humans. Each item was coded to allow the visitors to scan the product. As visitors scan specific products, information regarding the marine resources and utilization of the product is displayed on a monitor. This exhibit will be on permanent display at the J.L. Scott Marine Education Center and Aquarium in March 2004.

3:30 IMPROVING AN ANIMAL CLASSIFICATION PROJECT FOR K-4 STUDENTS

Erin Canady*, Jennifer Stokley, and Teresa Callahan, Cooperative Intern Program Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Magnolia Park Elementary School, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

The primary objective of this effort has been to enhance an animal classification project which is implemented each academic year. A demonstration poster has been created based on computer and literature research related to comparing and contrasting characteristics. This poster improves K-4 students' knowledge on how to classify animals. This project has been designed to help the K-4 students give presentations in front of the class to enhance and reinforce their classmates' knowledge of classifying animals according to physical characteristics, combined with habitat, diet, and life span.

3:45 THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER DATABASE FOR MANAGEMENT PURPOSES AT THE J.L. SCOTT MARINE EDUCATION CENTER AND AQUARIUM

Phillip B. Conn* and Alexander L. Schesny, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus, University of Southern Mississippi, J.L. Scott Marine Educational Center and Aquarium, Biloxi, MS 39530, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The purpose of this project was to create a database of all the fish, invertebrates, plants, and aquatic life support systems within the Center's approximately 60 public aquariums. All data for this project were complied from archived log books, information collected from aquarium staff, and through current observations, measurements, and photographs. Using a sophisticated aquarium software program, these data will be utilized daily by the aquarium management to "better track" health trends of the aquatic inhabitants and their environments.