Non-Thesis Project Papers
This collection contains graduate research papers by students in the Science Education Program.
The Graduate Research Paper is a non-thesis paper or project, which can be considered the capstone of the graduate program. For the paper, students synthesize information they have learned throughout the program and apply it to the field experience. To view the Award Winners, click here.
To search all Graduate Research Papers, click here.
To go to the Science Education Program page, click here.
Submissions from 2026
Integrating Literacy into a High School Climate Change Unit, Bailey Bushman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Autoethnography on Being a Queer Science Teacher in the Midwest, Emily Gomez, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Transforming the Chemistry Classroom: Flipped Learning as a Scaffold for Inquiry, Hannah Alicia Nash, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2025
The Impacts of a Problem-Based Learning Unit on Computational Thinking Skills in a 7th Grade LEGO Robotics Classroom, Madison Beeler, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using Analysis of Teaching and Assessment Practices to Revise Implementation of a Force Unit in an 8th Grade Science Course, Caleb Christine, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using a Research-Based Approach to Develop an Updated Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning (CER) Writing Rubric for a High School Science Department, Robin Ashley Thaisen, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2024
Measurement: The Forgotten Unit: Introduction to Quantitative Data Acquisition in Ninth Grade Physical Science, James F. Duff, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Evaluating the Impact of Model-Evidence-Link Charts in Seventh-Grade Student’s Ability to Engage in Scientific Argumentation over Plant Reproductive Structures, Josephine Libby, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Evaluating the Impact of an OpenSciEd Natural Selection Unit on Students’ Understanding of Disciplinary Core Ideas and Transfer of Scientific and Engineering Practices, Austin Read, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Evaluation of a Plate Tectonic NGSS-Designed Unit in Ninth-Grade Earth and Space Science Using an EQuIP Rubric, Amber Rose Heller Sherwood, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only) 2025 Award
The Impact on Growth of the Scientific and Engineering Practices Throughout the Semester in 9th Grade Earth Science, Mallory Wills-Howe, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2023
A Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Aligned 3rd Grade Weather Unit, Jennifer Hageman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Development and Implementation of a NGSS Curriculum Unit for Astronomy in Ninth-Grade Earth and Space Science, Jessica Hughes, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2022
Identifying misconceptions about evolution relative to science curriculum exposure at the secondary level, Rachel Carney, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
High school earth science students evaluating agricultural solutions, Jaclyn Citlali Sanchez Erickson, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Integrating the Next Generation Science Standards into a 9th grade physical science classroom using Newton's second law of motion, Chad Pietig, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Submissions from 2021
Analysis of assessments on secondary students' development and interpretation of models, Alaina L. Appley, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Impact of inquiry science courses on preservice elementary students' ideas on science, Lance Charles Baetsle, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Creation and implementation of an integrated climate change curriculum centered on earth and life science standards, Katherine Eastin, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Accuracy of self-assessment in a ninth grade earth science classroom, Alyssa Jacobson, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Effects of stepwise guided inquiry on students' attitudes and depth of knowledge from written lab reflections in high school chemistry, Melissa Rae Campbell Johnson, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2022 Award
Enhancing scientific literacy through attention to argumentation as a disciplinary literacy practice, Whitney McWilliams, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Human impact on the environment: A middle school project based learning unit development, Shannon Power, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Development of a NGSS curriculum unit for periodic trends and properties in ninth-grade physical science, Amy L. Price, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Analysis of student perceptions on climate change in a rural Iowa school district, Tyler Scholl, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Immediate vs. deferred feedback during formative assessments in a 9th grade physical science course, Jordan Sonntag, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Autoethnography on teaching during a pandemic, Kelsey Ufford, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2020
Using adapted primary science literature to enhance argumentation and reasoning skills in middle school students, Betsy Wiederin Lemus, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
The impact of confidence-based marking on unit exam achievement in a high school physical science course, Casey Clark, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
An analysis of learning targets on summative assessments in a high school chemistry course, Mark R. Hennessy, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Utilizing pre-laboratory strategies in a high school chemistry classroom to improve performance on guided inquiry labs, Jacquelyn Schmitt, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Making the water cycle accessible and relevant for English language learners, Summer Teed, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Identification of trends in scientific communication by minority students in an integrated and advanced ninth grade science curriculum, Loren Thalacker, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2019
Using NGSS phenomena as a formative assessment to measure understanding of science concepts in a ninth grade physical science classroom, Keith Richard Kohl, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Submissions from 2018
Development of curriculum for Next Generation Science Standards in high school chemistry, Jennifer L. Brown, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Teaching evolution and common ancestry with dissection, fossils and phylogeny, Nicolas A. Brown, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Genetics unit lesson plan for the Next Generation Science Standards, Erin Hogan, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper 2020 Award
Science Research and Engineering & Design Into Education, Amanda R. Schiller, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Evaluation of a flipped classroom on student achievement in a low income school district, Michael Yeoman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2017
Collaborative learning: Do two-stage quizzes positively affect students' perceptions of their understanding and achievement in high school physics?, Benjamin J. Arp, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Developing writing prompt assessments for the next generation science standards: Physical science, Kristen Ann Birchard, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Understanding by Design approach to a Next Generation Science Standard in high school chemistry: Chemical reactivity, Jill Christofferson, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
First year professional learning community implementation within the Marion High School Science Department, Madilyn M. Ramaekers, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Energy, matter, and change: A high school chemistry unit development, Allison Schipper, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Strategies for integrating literacy into a science classroom, Michelle Seddon, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Development of a standards-based classroom for high school physics at Solon Community School District, Tim Sheeley, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Developing model identification skills in an advanced placement Physics 1 classroom, Ian Spangenberg, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using the Next Generation Science Standards EQuIP Rubric: Evaluating a course in biomedical science, Brandon Yoder, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Submissions from 2016
Developing authentic summative assessments that correlate to the Next Generation Science Standards for a middle school science classroom, Nick Bushkofsky, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Robotics in the classroom: The effectiveness of robotics based curriculum in STEM education, Mark Nall, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Impact of problem based learning on teaching light to middle school science students, Stephanie Yager, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
Submissions from 2015
Instruction and standards-referenced grading in a 9th grade conceptual physics classroom, John C. Chai, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using a 5E learning cycle to adapt a college physics instructional unit for high school, Stacia Marie Kelly, Science Education Program, Graduate Research Paper (UNI Access Only)
The inclusion of engineering design into the high school biology curriculum, Cody D. LaKose, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Understanding by Design unit lesson plans for the next generation science standards: life science, Arie Schiller, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2014
The Development of Curriculum for Monticello High School’s General Biology Class, Nicole A. Chambers, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Increasing Student Involvement in Physics: An Activity Based Curriculum Unit for the Physics Classroom, Melinda Leah Hamann, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2013
High School Physics: Virtual Circuit Construction vs. Real Circuit Equipment, Charlie Leslie Gardner Jr., Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Alignment of a 9th Grade Earth Science Curriculum With the Iowa Core, Courtney Elizabeth Giesel, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Student Centered Instruction & Incorporation of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) into the Life Science Curriculum, Cathy Hones, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Problem Based Learning Lesson for the Next Generation Science Standards: Earth and Space, Amy Ann Tursi, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Developing the Nature of Science Skills in At-Risk High School Students: Students “Doing” Science Using Historical Perspectives and Inquiry, Glenn DeWayne Varner, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Science Teaching Methods That Work With At-Risk Students in an Urban Setting, Devin Bryce Yeoman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2012
Developing a Stem Education for Rural Elementary Students, Lisa J. Chizek, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Misconceptions in Science Education, Angela Francis, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Emphasizing Project Based Curriculum in Principles of Engineering - A Project Lead the Way Course, Pamela Rae Baier Hartman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Formative Assessment in the High School Chemistry Classroom, Clinton Fay Schmitz, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Forensic Science: An Applied Chemistry Single Semester Course, Theresa A. Theis, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Factors That Influence Wellness Program Participation Among Male Blue-Collar Workers, Lindsay M. Wolff, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2011
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards Certification Portfolio Option, Tracy Lynn Bell Maxted, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
A NBPTS Portfolio, Jeffrey Todd Teske, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2010
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Portfolio Option, Paula L. Buchholz, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Project/Problem Based Learning Activities for High School Biology, Susan Considine, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Michelle Oslin Griffen, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Useful Tips for the First Year Science Teacher, Kate Ellen Harken, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Differentiating Instruction in the High School Science Classroom: Instructional Accommodations for Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, English Language Learners, and Gifted Learners, Nicole M. Kesselring, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2009
Spreadsheet Based Immediate Feedback Formative Assessments for Naïve Conception Recognition and Corrective Accommodation in the Physical Sciences, Jonnie R. Becker, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using Project-Based Learning to Build an Environmental Science II Course, Molly Crock, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBTS) Portfolio Option, Steven Aaron Hester, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Curriculum Development: New Geology Course for Grades 10-12, Kyle N. Hoffman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using Wisconsin Fast Plants to Incorporate Inquiry into the General Biology Curriculum at Linn-Mar High School, Steven R. Meeker, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
“Atmosphere and Climate”: A Curricular Guide for High School Environmental Science a Creative Component, Kari M. Schmidt, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Curriculum Development Project: Water Quality Unit, Keith Weber, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2008
Standardized Testing and Alternative Assessment as a Means of Measuring the Science Student, Johnpaul L. Collins, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Professional Standards Portfolio Project, Daniel De Groot, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Insects: A Sixth Grade Curriculum Unit, Katherine Schultz, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Artificial Satellites: Lessons About Perspectives, Tom L. Wagner, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Curriculum Reform: A Comparison of a Teacher Created Rock Unit and the SEPUP Rock and Mineral Unit, Derek Thomas Wibe, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Professional Standards Portfolio Option, Rochelle Rene Wilkins, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2007
NBPTS Portfolio Option: Young Adolescence Science, Mary Margaretta Beck, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
NBPTS Portfolio Option, Cindy L. Borske, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Incorporating Readings Outside of the Textbook Into a High School Science Curriculum, Melissa Hesner, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Student Achievement at the Middle Level: Is Block Scheduling a Viable Option in Science Education?, Julie A. Holub, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Teaching Standards Portfolio Option, Karen Koenig, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Teaching Standards Portfolio Option, Nathan Oswald, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Portfolio Option, Dawn Marie Posekany, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Discovering DNA, Melisa Reilly, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Learning Cycles in the Biology Classroom, Christine Winstead, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2006
Luminous Light, Angela Breitbach, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Using High-Order Questioning to Investigate Marine Animal Phyla, Tanya Conrad, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification Portfolio, Margaret Hogan, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Incorporating Reading Comprehension Tools into an Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum, Stephanie Monahan, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2005
Using Learning Cycles to Introduce the Nature of Science, Sally Coleman, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Social Issues in Biology: A Course Template, Marcey J. Hand, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
A Comparison of the Scientific Achievement of Students Using ITED, ITBS, and District-Developed Performance Assessments, Marcia Ruth Powell, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
An Inquiry of Plants, Brad D. Wymer, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2004
A Closer Look at Constructivism, the Learning Cycle, Scientific Process Skills and Their Interrelationships within a High School Chemistry and Physics Classroom, Jennifer M. Gates, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
The Implementation of National Science Education Standards by Ninth Grade Science Teachers in Northeast Iowa, Richard Hofmeyer, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Sound Waves: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Brian Howes, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Standards Based Recommendations for K-8 Science Curriculum at Independence Community School District, Jan Reed, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Assessment: A Creative Component, Sandy Ross, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2003
The Effects of Hands-on Science on Student Achievement, Christopher Andrew Gersitz, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2001
Effective Strategies for the Teaching of Science to Secondary Students With Behavior Disorders, Jennifer Crane, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 2000
A Study of Preservice Teachers’ Views on the Nature of Science, Kathlyn K. Yang, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 1999
The Relationship Between Learning Style and Academic Achievement in a Classroom Utilizing the Learning Cycle Teaching Strategy, Linda Kay Graber, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 1994
The Effect of Inquiry Method of Instruction on the Learning Outcomes of Secondary School Science Students of Various Countries in Terms of Achievements, Process Skills and Attitudes Toward Science, Butana E. Sepenyane, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 1988
The Development of Learning Cycle Usage in Chemical Education: A Literature Search With and Analysis of Three Learning Cycles, Bernard Dean Hermanson, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
A Study to Determine if the Academic Qualifications of Seventh and Eighth Grade Science Teachers in Iowa Are Related to Whether or Not They Coach, Paul A. Swenson, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Submissions from 1985
Case Study: Comparison and Information of Science Education at the Three State Universities in Iowa, Rita Hrecz, Science Education Program, Open Access Graduate Research Paper
