14809 research outputs found
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Connecting Classroom Concepts to Kinetic Thrills: Teaching Piecewise Functions Through Rollercoaster Design
No full textSUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen
Capstone Thesis
Full text linkThis capstone addresses the ongoing challenge of supporting multilingual learners (MLs) in high school global history classrooms, where complex writing demands often exceed the language development supports available. Grounded in sociocultural theory, SIOP Model, and Cummins’ BICS/CALP framework, this project explores how scaffolded instruction can bridge the gap between language acquisition and content mastery. The literature identifies three key barriers: limited teacher training in language-integrated instruction, insufficient collaboration between content and ENL educators, and a mismatch between assessment expectations and students’ English proficiency. In response, a two-part professional development (PD) series was designed to support global history teachers in implementing scaffolded academic writing instruction for MLs. This project concludes with implications for improving ML engagement and achievement in writing, recommendations for future teacher preparation, and the need for sustained professional learning that centers the academic development of multilingual studentsSUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen
Fostering Environments to Support Students with Second Language Anxiety and Stress
Full text linkThis thesis capstone project aims to explore the impacts of language anxiety and different ways teachers can foster supportive environments for language learners. Research identified several problems language learners encounter that increase anxiety, including lower achievement, low language confidence, poor perception of language speaking, lack of intrinsic motivation, and having negative classroom experiences. To help mitigate several of these problems, teachers can be equipped with different teaching strategies to support students’ language learning and emotional wellbeing. Strategies include social-emotional learning, creating positive interactions, utilizing cooperative learning, building confidence through scaffolded instruction, and translanguaging skills. With implementation of different pedagogical techniques, language learners will experience lower stress and anxiety, resulting in higher academic achievement and language proficiency. Therefore, professional development can be utilized to support teachers in learning about the problem anxiety poses to language learners and strategies they can implement to support their students in achieving higher proficiency and reducing anxiety.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen
Under the Canopy: How Microclimates Influence Amphibians
Full text linkAmphibians are an important indicator species of microclimate conditions and ecosystem health. Canopy cover, soil temperature, and substrate strongly influence species health and abundance. Herpetofauna are associated with coarse woody debris and other cover objects that alter microsite conditions increasing soil nutrients and moisture. Canopy and site conditions are correlated with soil moisture and temperature and can determine amphibian community composition. Droughts are becoming more common in the northeast and have profound effects on moisture-reliant species such as fish and herpetofauna. Lack of soil moisture influences leaf litter quality and decomposition rates in the understory. We evaluated how microclimatic factors (e.g., canopy cover and soil temperature) influence these species especially during periods of experiencing regional drought. In fall 2025, we performed amphibian cover object searches along transects in rural wetland habitats in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties in northern NY. Herpetofauna were identified and morphometric measurements (e.g., weight, length), as well as abiotic site conditions (e.g., substrate type, microhabitat temperature, percent canopy cover, soil series) were recorded using the Survey123 app. At point of capture, soil temperature was obtained using a thermal imager (FLUKE Ti125) and percent canopy cover by uploading canopy photos into the Canopeo app. Our findings indicate that higher canopy cover results in cooler soil temperatures and greater amphibian abundance. Across all sites except the high elevation forested Paul Smiths VIC, northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) were the most abundant species and require open habitat near wetlands for spring breeding, meadows in the summer, and wetlands that will not freeze in the winter for brumation. Green frogs (L. clamitans) were unique to Mace Chasm because of pool and riffle stream conditions necessary for breeding. Wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) found only in Port Douglas require forested areas and vernal pools for breeding, as do spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) found only at Paul Smiths. While northern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea bislineata) were only found at the edge of the Great Chazy River in Lewis Preserve. Highest percent canopy cover supported numerous red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) at Paul Smiths. Sites surveyed are characterized by moist microclimates essential for amphibian survival. Closed canopy conditions increase the likelihood of coarse woody debris microhabitat for amphibians. Future droughts will continue in frequency, so conserving mature structurally complex woodlands is essential.SUNY PlattsburghCenter for Earth & Environmental Scienc
Correlates of Discrimination and Vigilance Severity Profiles in a National United States Sample
Full text linkBackground: There are long-standing disparities in discrimination and hypervigilance, however there is no research exploring correlates of different severity profiles using a national U.S. sample. We identified patterns in discrimination and vigilance, and examined sociodemographic, health, and geographic factors associated with severity. Methods: Data was retrieved from 28,202 individuals in the 2023 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative U.S. sample of adults aged 18+. Respondents completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale and Heightened Vigilance Scale, and a latent class analysis (LCA) identified severity subgroups. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyzed sociodemographic, health, and geographic variables associated with discrimination-vigilance severity. Results: Three discrimination-vigilance severity latent classes emerged: low (45.6 %), moderate (39.8 %), and high (14.7 %). High severity was significantly associated with Black (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] = 3.62, 95 % CI = 3.07–4.27) and Asian (RRR = 1.25, 95 % CI = 1.04–1.51) racial groups, female (RRR = 1.14, 95 % CI = 1.03–1.26), higher education such as graduate degree (RRR = 2.48, 95 % CI = 1.92–3.20), U.S. citizenship (RRR = 1.75, 95 % CI = 1.39–2.22), employed (RRR = 1.64, 95 % CI = 1.39–2.22), sexual minoritized groups such as bisexual orientation (RRR = 3.95, 95 % CI = 2.91–5.37), poor health (RRR = 2.14, 95 % CI = 1.54–2.97), disability (RRR = 1.22, 95 % CI = 1.02–1.46), depression (RRR = 3.11, 95 % CI = 2.53–3.84), anxiety (RRR = 4.07, 95 % CI = 3.39–4.87), and West region (RRR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 1.17–1.78). Conclusions: We identified discrimination-vigilance severity subgroups, with numerous sociodemographic, health, and geographic factors linked to high severity. These results may identify high-risk individuals and guide clinical practice given the influence of discrimination and vigilance on psychological distress and mental health disorders.SMURUpstate Medical UniversityPublic Health and Preventive Medicin
Trends in stream power and erosion at a suburban stream in Western New York
Full text linkStreambank erosion is a highly damaging and prevalent nonpoint source pollution that impacts water quality, flow, and ecology. Urban watersheds are particularly sensitive due to a greater proportion of directly connected impervious land cover resulting in increased runoff into streams. Climate change has exacerbated the problem in the Northeast United States, as precipitation quantities, along with the frequency of high intensity storm events, have risen markedly in recent decades. Cross Canal Brook is a small stream east of Rochester, NY, and a tributary to Irondequoit Creek, where erosion and flooding events have seen a recent rise that has disturbed the local ecology and damaged human property. This project uses discharge data measured in the field, lab analysis of sediment and nutrients, and hydrological modeling to diagnose the causes of these phenomena. Field observations from this study confirm that severe erosion is taking place, and modeling results indicate that directly connected imperviousness has created a high runoff response to precipitation, worsened in the winter by inflow from Erie Canal dewatering.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Earth Science
Strengthening Home–School Partnerships Through Communication Strategies: The Role of ENL Teachers in Supporting the Academic Success and Language Development of Latino English Learners
Full text linkIt is common that Latino and multilingual families face challenges in the United States school system. One of these challenges is staying connected with schools due to language barriers and cultural differences. This makes it difficult for families to become involved in their child’s education and for English language learners to get the appropriate support that they need. My capstone project looked at how ENL teachers can build stronger home-school partnerships through better communication. I reviewed research to answer two main questions. The first question is, what communication strategies help teachers build trust with Latino families? The second question is, how can teachers use these strategies to support collaboration and student success? From the research, I learned that two-way communication in families’ home languages, showing respect for families’ cultures, and giving consistent updates are all ways to help families feel included and valued. Using the findings from the research, I created a professional development session to help teachers practice these skills. The professional development consists of interactive role play, message templates, and real-life scenarios that prepare teachers to apply ENL communication with families in ways that build trust and respect. The goal of this project is to help teachers communicate better with families in order for students to feel better supported, succeed in school, and strengthen family engagement.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen
The Development of SEL Spaces for ELLs
Full text linkMany teachers across the globe are woefully underprepared to support English Language Learners (ELLs) as they navigate a multitude of stressors. Specifically, in secondary schools, ELLs can feel isolated and disconnected from peers as well as the material. Therefore, this capstone aims to provide researched strategies for the question: How can schools better develop social emotional learning (SEL) spaces for ELLs. Classroom practices are accentuated throughout the capstone in order to support educators as they embark on the journey of assisting ELLs to become the best version of themselves. Teaching strategies which dismiss culture place ELLs in a deficit. Culture must be utilized as a driving force of education when working with diverse learners so that they feel seen. The pressing issue of preparation and worthwhile professional development (PD) is discussed in order to illuminate the need for this capstone. In this capstone, two days of PD are provided, the first illustrating the need for educators to self-reflect and utilize culture when working with ELLs, while the second focuses upon the importance of empowering families and building rapport with students to best support language learners. Prospective outcomes aim to provide educators with resources to better develop SEL spaces for ELLs.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen
Microeconomics (ECO 20100) class syllabus
Full text linkThis course covers microeconomic theory that frames the reasoning and policy perspectives of mainstream economics. It will explore rational economic action under assumptions of optimal decisions in a contained-choice environment. The focus is both on the consumption and production of goods and services and their maximizationJob Linkage 2019-2020Program DirectorSUNY Rocklan
A 5E Instructional Approach to Trigonometry in Algebra II
Full text linkThis curriculum project was created for teachers who seek to strengthen Algebra II students’ understanding of trigonometry. Each of the lessons were guided by the New York State Next Generation Standards and implement the 5E instructional method. The four lessons were designed to motivate group work, utilize prior knowledge, and implement technology. The lessons detail how each of the 5E phases should be carried out for the following lessons: six trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent, and their reciprocals), solving for exact values of special and quadrantal angles, the unit circle, and graphing sine, cosine, and tangent. All keys for student materials are in the appendix.SUNY BrockportDepartment of Education and Human Developmen