bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instructional strategy change and the attitude and achievement of seventh‐ and eighth‐grade science students
Authors: Houtz Lynne E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis sequential methodologic elaboration study investigated differences between the middle school and the junior high instructional strategies and the effects on adolescent attitude toward science in school and science achievement. Subjects of the quantitative phase were 570 seventh‐ and eighth‐grade students in one school in an urban school district in the midwest United States during a transition year from junior high to middle school. Germann's Attitude toward Science in School Assessment and the school district's Benchmark Exams were employed to measure student pre‐ and posttest attitude and achievement. Variations within grade level, gender, race, general ability, and socioeconomic group were evaluated. Results of split plots revealed no significant differences in science attitude between the experimental middle school group and the junior high control group at this phase. However, there was significant improvement in attitude in both seventh‐grade populations, but no change in attitude in either eighth‐grade population. No significant differences in attitude were found between males and females, Caucasian students and students of color, or students of different ability or socioeconomic groups. Significant increases in science achievement were revealed in the seventh‐grade junior high control group, the eighth‐grade middle school, and the eighth‐grade junior high, but not in the seventh‐grade middle school. No significant differences in achievement were found between males and females. Caucasians scored significantly higher in achievement than students of color. Average and high ability students scored significantly higher pretest to posttest, but low ability students did not. High ability students scored significantly higher than both average and low ability groups. There was significant improvement in science achievement for students in the sufficient socioeconomic status group, but not in the low socioeconomic status group. These results were discussed with the five science teachers, the principal, and a university consultant in the setting, who were the informants of the qualitative elaboration phase of the study. Ethnographic methods uncovered themes explaining differences and similarities within the two instructional strategies. Teachers' feelings and stages of concern were identified. The results are discussed in terms of effectively implementing changes in instructional strategies and assessing science achievement of early adolescents.
A study of urban middle school students with high and low attitudes toward science
Authors: Atwater Mary M. , Wiggins John , Gardner Catherine M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractScientific literacy is essential to survive in this technological world, but it appears that scientific literacy is not of high priority for many students. This research project was undertaken to gather demographic data, intentions to engage in science, and attitudes of urban, middle school students. Scores on the Simpson‐Troost Attitude Instrument were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. Results indicate less than 50% of the students come from high‐school‐graduated parents who work full‐time to support the family. Less than 50% of these students indicate any interest to engage in science at the high school level, yet many plan to enter a science‐related career. A majority of the students possess an uncertain attitude toward their science teachers and science curricula. However, all possessed high achievement motivations, strong positive attitudes toward their families, and high self‐concepts.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! children's conceptions of forests and their inhabitants
Authors: Strommen Erik 
Published: October 2006

AbstractForty first‐grade children, drawn from urban areas in Nebraska and New Jersey, were asked to produce drawings of forests and were interviewed about forests and the types of living things found in them. Results indicate that the children's concepts of animals and where they live are quite diverse, but highly concrete and unorganized. Although children correctly assigned most forest‐dwellers to the forest (deer and squirrels, for example), they also tended to assign almost all other animals (elephants, sharks, etc.) to the forest as well, especially carnivores. A general lack of awareness of plant life, insects, water resources, and other forest features was also observed.
Children's application of simultaneous and successive processing in inductive and deductive reasoning problems: Implications for developing scientific reasoning skills
Authors: Watters James J. , English Lyn D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe research reported in this article was undertaken to obtain a better understanding of problem solving and scientific reasoning in 10‐year‐old children. The study involved measuring children's competence at syllogistic reasoning and in solving a series of problems requiring inductive reasoning. Children were also categorized on the basis of levels of simultaneous and successive synthesis. Simultaneous and successive synthesis represent two dimensions of information processing identified by Luria in a program of neuropsychological research. Simultaneous synthesis involves integration of information in a holistic or spatial fashion, whereas successive synthesis involves processing information sequentially with temporal links between stimuli. Analysis of the data generated in the study indicated that syllogistic reasoning and inductive reasoning were significantly correlated with both simultaneous and successive synthesis. However, the strongest correlation was found between simultaneous synthesis and inductive reasoning. These findings provide a basis for understanding the roles of spatial and verbal‐logical ability as defined by Luria's neuropsychological theory in scientific problem solving. The results also highlight the need for teachers to provide experiences which are compatible with individual students' information processing styles.
Concept mapping for the development of medical curricula
Authors: Edmondson Katherine M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIncreased use of problem‐based approaches to medical education has highlighted the challenges of curricular revision and interdisciplinary development. Venturing beyond disciplinary boundaries can be difficult, despite a desire to create interdisciplinary courses and adopt new ways of teaching. Concept mapping is an effective tool for developing an integrated curriculum. This article includes examples of concept maps that represent an entire veterinary curriculum, specific courses, and case‐based exercises. The author argues that concept mapping is a valuable tool for curriculum development of any scope or discipline, but is particularly helpful for creating interdisciplinary courses and case‐based exercises.
Nature of worldview presuppositions among science teachers in botswana, indonesia, japan, nigeria, and the philippines
Authors: Ogunniyi Meshach B. , Jegede Olugbenro J. , Ogawa Masakata , Yandila Cephas D. , Oladele Femi K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe focus of this study was to identify the nature of worldview presuppositions held by a group of science teachers from five non‐western cultures. The results show that the subjects, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds, hold identical worldview presuppositions. It is not clear at this exploratory stage to what extent the subjects' alternative viewpoints influenced their scientific outlook or their science teaching. However, an analysis of the subjects' viewpoints suggests either poor conceptualizations of the nature of science or a form of collateral thinking, whereby an individual accepts or uses both mechanistic and anthropomorphic explanations depending on the context in question and without exhibiting any sign of cognitive dissonance. The implications of such a scenario for the teaching‐learning process are highlighted.
An empirical examination of the effects of family commitment in education on student achievement in seventh grade science
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wildman Louis 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA national data base from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY) was employed to examine the effects of family commitment in education on student achievement in seventh grade science. The backward elimination procedure in the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was adopted in this study to select significant variables of family commitment at α = .05. The results show that around 22% of the variance in student science achievement can be explained by the selected significant LSAY variables. An analysis of the impact of family commitment seems to indicate that parental education and encouragement are important factors in the improvement of student achievement. However, educators, including school personnel and parents, should exercise caution regarding how they help students with their homework and how they reward students for good grades.
Levels in Learning
Authors: Korthagen Fred , Lagerwerf Bram 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn 1957, Van Hiele published his study on levels in learning mathematics. In this article we present an elaboration of the theory on levels in learning and an illustration of this theory based on empirical results. We distinguish between three levels: The first is the formation of an image out of a range of familiar examples or experiences. Second, on the basis of the image a schema can be built, which includes all kinds of interrelated details. Third, a theory can be developed with basic assumptions, definitions, and logical inferences. Before entering the next level, the learner should be sufficiently experienced on the actual level. It is shown that the theory on levels in learning can be integrated with other learning principles, such as notions from constructivism.
Pit‐relocation of antlion larvae in relation to their density
Authors: Matsura Toshiaki , Takano Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2006

SummaryOf the biotic factors potentially affecting the foraging behavior of pit‐building antlion larvae, Myrmeleon boreTjeder, we focussed on the density effects and examined experimentally influences of larval density on pit construction behavior, spatial distribution and pit relocation rate. Moreover the mechanism of mutual interference among larvae was examined.
After releasing 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 third instar larvae of M. bore at the center of each container (30×30×10 cm3) filled with sand, we measured number of pits, pit diameter and position of pit base.
More than 80% of antlion larvae at each density always constructed pits, and the rates of larvae that had not constructed pits rose in proportion to the density. Pit size was approximately constant independent of the density.
The density of M. bore larvae clearly affected the residence time of the pits, i.e. more larvae frequently relocate pits with increasing larval density.
To analyze the spatial distribution pattern of the larvae in a container, nearest neighbor distance (NND) was measured. Comparison between the observed NND and the expected value for NND in random distribution obtained from computer simulation suggested that high larval density produced a uniform distribution owing to their mutual interference.
The result of an experiment to examine the mechanism of mutual interference among larvae showed that frequent dropping of sand into a pit tossed by neighbor antlion larvae causes a pit‐relocation.
Movement patterns of three Athalia sawflies in relation to the spatio‐temporal distributions of their habitats
Authors: Nagasaka Koukichi 
Published: October 2006

SummaryI compared the differences in the movement intensity of three species of sympatric Athalia sawflies, A. japonica, A. rosae and A. infumata feeding on cruciferous plants. Mark‐release‐recapture census was conducted to estimate movement distance, sex ratio and age composition of adult sawflies. In addition, the sex ratio of newlyemerged adults was examined by rearing field‐collected larvae until adult emergence. Age composition and longevity of adults were estimated experimentally. The movement intensity was evaluated mostly with the indirect information thus obtained.Females moved more actively than males in all three sawflies. A. japonica females of all age classes moved actively in spring and autumn, but in summer they disappeared. Also, A. rosae females of all age classes moved actively in spring and autumn. In summer, in contrast with A. japonica, A. rosae females moved most actively among the three species in all seasons. A. infumata females, in particular the young females, moved most actively among the three species, except A rosae in summer.The movement patterns of the three sawflies were deduced in relation to the spatio‐temporal distributions of their habitats. In spring and autumn, when host plants were abundant, A. japonica and A. rosae females were dispersed among the host patches within the census are. In summer, however, when host plants were scarce, A. japonica entered diapause, whereas A. rosae migrated to neighboring areas. On the other hand, A. infumata, in particular young famale, innately dispersed to seek for temporary host plants throughout the census seasons.
‘Predator‐foolhardiness’ in an epidemic cicada population
Authors: Nagamine Masaaki , Itô Yosiaki 
Published: October 2006

Summary‘Predator‐foolhardiness’ (Lloyd andDybas, 1966b) in an epidemic population of the sugarcane cicada, Mogannia minuta was tested by counting the number of successful and failed trials of hand‐capturing of adults in the centre and periphery of a heavily infested area. Males frequently failed to escape from capture in the outbreak area but they did not in the peripheral zone. Females could escape well irrespective of the density. It was considered that the ‘predator‐foolhardiness’ of males is not due to genetic differentiation through the process of outbreak but to the effect of massive chorus on the escape behaviour.
Relation of transition probabilities in the Leslie model to those from experimental cumulative distributions
Authors: Yu Yanan , Gold Harvey J. , Stinner Ronald E. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWe explore the relationship between transition probabilities in the Leslie model and those derived from experimental cumulative distributions. The nature of the two kinds of probabilities are discussed, and a formula derived for converting from one to the other. A numerical example is given to illustrate the differences.
A galling aphid with extra life‐cycle complexity: Population ecology and evolutionary considerations
Authors: Wool David , Burstein Moshe 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn most gall‐forming aphids, only the fundatrix is able to induce a gall on the host plant. In Smynthurodes betae Westw. (and a few other species), F2 descendants emerge from the mother gall and induce their own, morphologically different galls. This constitutes an added complexity to the already very complex life cycle of gall‐forming aphids.We investigated the ecology of S. betae on marked trees and shoots at four sites in Israel. Gall initiation, gall distribution and density, and temporal changes in clone size within the galls were investigated during two consecutive years. We discuss the possibility that the two‐gall life cycle evolved from the typical one‐gall system of most gall aphids, and the possible selective advantage of this added complexity in the life‐history strategy of gall aphids. Although the total reproductive output of S. betae is not higher than in related species with a single gall per life cycle, there seems to be an advantage in the subdivision of each aphid clone into several galls, thus reducing the risk of the accidental extinction of the clone (genotype) by environmental factors, including parasites and predators.
Effects of gall volume on survival and fecundity of gall‐making aphids Adelges japonicus (Homoptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: Ozaki Kenichi 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe number of larvae reaching maturity within the gall of Adelges japonicus was positively related to gall volume, and the relationship between the number of mature larvae and gall volume did not change with different densities of colonized larvae.The population changes in the bud galls of A. japonicus were surveyed by collecting the galls, which did not suffer predation or parasitism within the galls, from young artificial plantations of Picea jezoensis over two years. In the year when the density of colonized larvae was high, they suffered a 42% mortality within the galls, whereas mortality was nearly zero in the low density year. The numbers of larvae per gall were positively correlated with gall volume. The regression lines of the number of colonized larvae on gall volume did not differ significantly in the regression coefficients between the two years, whereas the intercept was significantly higher in the year when the density of colonized larvae was higher. However, different within‐gall mortality nullified this difference, and the regression lines of the number of mature larvae on gall volume had no significant difference both in the regression coefficients and the intercepts. This suggests that the number of mature larvae per gall was limited by available resources within the gall which were positively related to gall volume. In 25% of the galls in which mature larvae inhabited, the space within the galls were completely filled by the larvae, indicating that space was one of the limiting resources. Gall volume also affected the number of adults that emerged from the gall and the potential number of their progeny.
Population regulation by dispersal over patchy environment;
Authors: Nakano Tatsuhiko 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA mathematical model for the population regulation is presented, which takes into account the environmental heterogeneity and the animal dispersal, and does not contain any direct density effect on reproduction or death processes. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of dispersal, one is the density independent dispersal, the other is the density dependent. It is shown that a population equilibrium can be maintained by the density dependent dispersal or threshold dispersal which occurs only when the population density exceeds a certain threshold level, but that density independent dispersal by itself can not continue to maintain a population equilibrium.
Contest and scramble competitions in two bruchid species, Callosobruchus analis andC. phaseoli (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Toquenaga Yukihiko , Fujii Koichi 
Published: October 2006

SummaryLarval competition between contest and scramble strategists was investigated using the two bruchid species, C. analis (contest species) and C. phaseoli (scramble species) with two different sized mung beans (large and small beans). In both sized beans, the adult emergences of each species dependen on total density of the initial larval densities of the two species and the ratio of the two densities. The emergence of one species was suppressed by the existence of the other species when the initial larval density per bean of the former species was less than that of the latter one. There were many cases in which both C. analis and C. phaseoli emerged from one bean in large beans, but such cases were quite rare in small beans. C. analis performed interference behavior only at late larval stages, whereas C. phaseoli was superior in exploitative competition all through their larval stages. These, combined with the niche segregation inside a bean, are throught to be the major factors of observed density‐ and frequency‐dependent competition results. Based on the above experimental results, long‐term competition results between the contest and scramble species were predicted.
Biodiversity and community structure of temperate butterfly species within a gradient of human disturbance: An analysis based on the concept of generalist vs. Specialist strategies
Authors: Kitahara Masahiko , Fujii Koichi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe monitored nine butterfly communities with varying degrees of human disturbance by conducting a census twice a month during 1980 by the line transect method in and around Tsukuba City, central Japan. We analyzed the biodiversity and community structures using the generalist/specialist concept. The site (community) order based on decreasing human disturbance was positively correlated with butterfly species diversity (H′), species richness (the total number of species), and the number of specialist species in a community, but not with the number of generalist species. The number of generalist species was rather constant, irrespective of the degree of human disturbance. Thus, both the butterfly species diversity and species richness were more dependent on the specialists than the generalists. Our analyses also showed that the generalist species were distributed widely over the communities, and they maintained high population densities, resulting in high rank status in abundance in a community, with more spatial variation in density per species. Specialist species showed the opposite trends. These results demonstrate that the generalist/specialist concept is a powerful tool applicable to analyse the biodiversity and structure of natural communities.
Impact factors of purse seine net and dip net fisheries on a chub mackerel population
Authors: Matsuda Hiroyuki , Mitani Isamu , Asano Kenji 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThere are two major kinds of fisheries for the chub mackerel in Japan. The purse seine net fishery exploits young and adult fish during the foraging season, while the dip net fishery exploits fish before and during the spawning season. To compare the damage to the chub mackerel stock caused by purse seine net and dip net fisheries, we introduced impact factors of the two kinds of fisheries on the two kinds of fisheries and estimated number of eggs spawned in 1982. We defined the impact factor as the ratio of the average reproductive value of individuals caught by each fishery to the reproductive value at maturity. The number of individuals caught by the purse seine net fishery was 66 times larger than the number caught by the dip net fishery, while the impact factor of the former was 84% of that of the latter. Thus, the total damage caused by the purse seine net fishery was much higher than the damage caused by the dip net fishery. We can evaluate the damage caused by mortality factors on endangered species using this method.