Poster Presentations - Session 2

What are They So Angry About?: A Photo Exhibit of Political Graffiti in Geneva, Switzerland

Lavanga Wijekoon, '04 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

A Voice Unheard: Studying the Selectively Mute

Katrina Tammen, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Children who suffer from selective mutism are capable of speaking and are sometimes quite talkative within the comfort of their homes. However, when placed in new or uncomfortable settings, they become anxious and will not speak. This research study investigated the different ways in which elementary teachers can make accommodations for selectively mute children in the classroom. Data was gathered through observations of a selectively mute kindergarten student and interviews were conducted with his teacher and his mother. Findings indicated that selectively mute students respond positively to comfortable atmospheres that foster the use of nonverbal communication.

Female Gravitation Toward Physics

Darcy Thompson, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

This research investigates gender differences among high school students with regards to the study of physics. This study focuses on the different perceptions that males and females have about physics and differences in their classroom behavior. High school physics students were surveyed to find any gender differences in the perceptions about the subject. They were observed in a classroom setting to find if males and females behaved differently in a physics classroom. Based on previous research, females have more negative perceptions about physics than males, especially concerning the difficulty and usefulness of the subject. Male students are found to respond to questions more frequently and approach problems in a different manner than female students. As a result of this study, teachers are encouraged to adjust curriculum and teaching styles in order to encourage more female participation in physics classes and foster positive perception about the subject.

Optically Induced Magnus Effect on Birefringent Particles

Ryan Smith, '07 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Classroom Calculator Use: How Does It All Add Up?

Eric Sala, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

This research focuses on how teachers utilize calculators in the classroom and how students perceive the role of the calculator in their learning. Four classes of secondary mathematics students were surveyed and students were assessed to gain insights on how calculators are useful in student learning. Teachers were interviewed to understand how they incorporate calculators into their teaching. Based on previous research, graphing calculators are more frequently used in upper-level courses than in lower-level courses. Students who rely extensively on calculators do not always use them to their fullest potential in solving problems. It is advocated that both students and teachers need to be proficient in using graphing calculators to maximize their benefits in learning and teaching mathematics.

Bismuth Compounds in Organic Synthesis: Bismuth Triflate Catalyzed Intramolecular Carbonyl ENE Reaction

Ann C. Palma, '07 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Language Deficiency and the Occupational Attainment of Mexican Immigrants

Elizabeth Planas, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Affordability in the Rental Market: 1990-2000

Sean Moran, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Low Level Detection of Atrazine in Bloomington-Normal Surface Water Sources

Michael McAvoy, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

Take a Seat! Effectiveness of Elementary Classroom Seating Arrangements

Lauren Macey, '05 et al. — Sat, 16 Apr 2005 13:15:00 PDT

This research examined the different types of seating arrangements (e.g., individual, dyad, groups) teachers commonly use and their overall effectiveness in an elementary classroom. Data was collected through observation during and after student teaching, surveys, and interviews with teachers and students. This research focused on the effectiveness of three common setting arrangements. Like most previous research studies, the emphasis is on identifying which seating arrangement is most beneficial for all students. Previous findings indicated that there has been a high correlation between group seating and student time off-task.