1. Felipe Gutierrez
Eastwood High School
Geometry, Algebra II

Geometry with student movies
His study will investigate how filming student presentations may help students retain material in their geometry class and improve their performance in the class. An experimental group in which students film themselves presenting geometry material will be compared to a control group. He hypothesizes that students in the experimental group will not only improve their retention of information, but will also form more positive attitudes about math.

2. Cynthia Obrero
Plato Academy
Biology

Integrating technology and multiple intelligences to ensure a higher quality learning in high school biology curriculum
Her study focuses on the theory of Multiple Intelligences because it encourages educators to think of intelligence as a set of many different abilities and skills that help learners respond to different problem-solving situations. In teaching high school Biology, she will explore teaching strategies that tap into students’ multiple intelligences. One strategy will consist of incorporating technology into Biology lessons. She will collect data on how such strategies affect students’ performance on Biology exams.

3. Sheila Wofford
Irvin High School
Integrated Physics and Chemistry

and Rosa S. Hernandez
Lydia Patterson
9-12 Science

Computer game, theme, or both? The effects of integrating a forensics adventure game and forensics-based laboratories in a high school chemistry classroom
The purpose of their project is to reduce students’ anxiety about chemistry lab experiments by engaging high school students in an activity to increase their self-efficacy in the lab. The activity is a forensics simulation game, designed to familiarize students with the purposes of lab experiments. The teachers hypothesize that this interactive game will increase students’ self-efficacy and achievement in science.

4. Lorena Molinar
Fort Hancock High School
Pre-algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus

and Gustavo Alvarado
Fort Hancock HS
Pre-algebra, Geometry, Algebra II

Impact of having access to technology at home
The purpose of their research project is to investigate whether rural students’ academic achievement can be enhanced by the availability of technology both at school and at home. The study will compare a group of students who use computers both at school and at home with laptops issued to them through a migrant program, to a group of students who do not have computers at home. The teachers are interested in whether an achievement gap exists for those students who do not have access to a computer at home.

5. Veronica Vera
Silva Health Magnet
Algebra II, Algebra I, AP Calculus

Improving understanding of Algebra II and Calculus using Power Point as an assessment tool
Her study will test the hypothesis that students grasp higher math concepts more easily and become more interested in learning these concepts when they use technology in Algebra II and Calculus classes. Students will be evaluated on their ability to develop presentations in which they communicate their understanding of difficult math concepts. Students who deliver presentations with the aid of technology will be compared to other students whose presentations will not incorporate technology. The ability to communicate complex ideas is considered especially important for these future health professionals.

6. Carmen Imai
Socorro Middle School
Science 7th & 8th grade

Study of recent immigrants in science
The purpose of her study is to gather more information on how recent immigrants are being served in secondary science. In particular, she will examine perspectives on the best teaching practices for second language learners. She will gather qualitative data from ESL and science teachers, Mexican immigrant students and their parents, and experts in the field of science and ESL. This research project is intended to help educators better serve minorities students, so that these students will pursue careers in science and
engineering.

7. Glenn White
Clint High School
Algebra II & Pre-AP Algebra II

Technology in the classroom -- is it worth the cost?
His study investigates the issue of whether implementing technology in the classroom is a worthwhile expenditure for today’s schools. A non-traditional, technology-based approach to mathematics instruction will be implemented to evaluate whether it influences students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and impacts performance on the TAKS test. The impact of technology on students’ value of mathematics will also be assessed. Additionally, he will investigate whether certain groups of students benefit from the use of technology more than other; these groups include ESL students, Special Education students, and
male versus female students.

8. Yvonne Aguilera
and Elia Anchondo
Montwood High School
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC)

Perceptions of a first-year ATCP teacher's experience and the role of individual faculty mentoring
Their project intends to provide greater insight into how to provide support for beginning teachers. A case study will be used to document the impact of teacher preparation provided by the alternative certification program, along with individual mentoring, on an individual’s performance during the first year of teaching. A mixed methods approach will be used to collect data on self-efficacy, performance on the state certification test, classroom practices, and students’ performance on benchmark exams. This study is considered important in the midst of national debates on teacher quality and connecting student learning to teacher effectiveness.

9. Kathleen Head
Biology, Pre-AP Biology
and Veronica Fuentes
Biology, ESL Biology, Anatomy/Physiology
Montwood HS

Implementation of lesson study in science classrooms and its effect on minority student performance
Their study aims to develop an effective model for implementing Japanese-style lesson study in El Paso science classrooms. They will investigate whether research-based Biology lessons developed with the lesson-study method will raise students’ performance on Biology exams, TAKS, and district benchmark exams. Videotaped data will be collected to review teachers’ responses to students during lessons. This study will provide preliminary data on the impact of lesson study on minority students.