Current Projects

SCIENCE EDUCATION

RESEARCH INTEREST:  To improve the quality and training of pre-service teachers by carefully linking content-based courses (physics, chemistry, earth science) to state standards as well as emphasizing the importance of pedagogical content knowledge.

Effective use of Student Response Technology (SRT)

I have been using electronic Student Response Technology (SRT) in PHSC 170 and ESCI 300 classes since Spring 2004. One of the most promising aspects of SRT is that it simulates individual instruction (direct and immediate feedback from instructor for every student), which has been shown in other studies to provide a major advantage to student learning compared to typical classroom learning. I presented my work with SRT at the GSA National Meeting in Denver, Colorado on November 10, 2004. I am currently (summer 06) writing a manuscript summarizing how SRT contributes to teaching effectiveness and student learning.

Misconception in physical and earth science

I have administered pre- and post-semester surveys since Spring 2003 in PHSC 170 (all sections) and since Spring 2004 in ESCI 300 (all sections except those in which instructor was not willing to participate in survey). The goal is to identify common misconceptions about science that many adults (and thus our future teachers) have when they enter the classroom. Results provide a basis for course and/or instructional modifications. The surveys identify concepts that students learn correctly during a semester, as well as those that they still do not understand at the end of a semester. The surveys also include Likert scale questions addressing the students’ confidence in their own skills with respect to science and science teaching. I am currently (summer 06) writing a manuscript describing the results of this study.

Documenting Science Requirements in California Elementary Education Programs

The quality and quantity of science education in public schools is a national concern in the United States. A range of indicators, from low student scores on primary and secondary school science assessments to a diminishing U.S. science and engineering workforce in the international arena, suggest that reforms are needed. A logical place for reforms to begin is in post-baccalaureate degree programs that prepare new elementary school teachers; however, it is first necessary to clarify the breadth and depth of science instruction currently required in elementary education degree programs. Through web-based questionnaires directed at college and university faculty involved in science curriculum for multiple-subject teacher credential programs, this study will quantitatively determine how much required science instruction is presented to undergraduate students who are in elementary education degree programs at colleges and universities around the state of California.

GEOLOGY

RESEARCH INTEREST: The application of structural geology, geochronology, paleomagnetism, volcanology, petrology, and isotope geochemistry to investigate regions of continental and transitional plate tectonics.

Paleomagnetic studies

        I recently purchased a state-of-the-art drill and orienting system to collect drill cores from rocks for paleomagnetic analyses. Paleomagnetic studies can address a large number of questions in geology, such as determining the presence and magnitude of tectonic rotations or using magnetic polarity and secular variation records to date rock units.

        TOWSLEY CANYON: I have begun a study of sedimentary units in Towsley Canyon (San Gabriel Mountains). The uplift of the Santa Susana Mountains in southern California began as long ago as 2 million years ago or as recently as 600,000 years ago (e.g., Treiman and Saul, 1986; R. Squires, unpublished fieldtrip guide). The mountains are still moving upwards today. In fact, the 1994 Northridge earthquake raised the Santa Susana Mountains as much as 1 meter (3 feet) (Yeats and others, 2001). Paleomagnetic results can be compared to the geomagnetic time scale to constrain the age of uplift by identifying the date of the last marine incursion as recorded in the mudstones of the Pico Formation. If the timing of uplift of local mountain ranges is much more recent than previously believed, it would have important implications for such a heavily populated region (i.e., earthquake risk related to uplift along faults). Paleomagnetic samples from the Pico Formation are being used in a pilot study to test this rock’s magnetic characteristics.

        BIG PINE: In Spring 2006 I directed a Senior Thesis project that examined the basalt lava flows of the Big Pine volcanic field in Owens Valley. The Big Pine volcanic field in Owen’s Valley, California, consists of 24 basaltic cinder cones and one silicic vent. The formation of this volcanic field is related to extension and faulting in the region (e.g., Connor and Conway, 2000), but it is not clear if these domes are monogenetic (formed during a single volcanic episode) or polygenetic (formed during several volcanic episodes). Paleomagnetic analysis can be used to determine the duration of volcanic activity. Results will help us to better understand the processes that govern magma supply and ascent. Results were presented at GSA in October 2006.

Mentoring through Research: Catalyst for Success in Geosciences

The ongoing Catalyst program in the department of Geological Sciences consists of research projects directed by CSUN faculty members involving high school, undergraduate, and graduate students from underrepresented minority groups. My role in this program will be to help orchestrate the high school part of the program, including coordinating involvement with Northridge Academy High School on the CSUN campus.