2011-2012 CERSER Mathematics team

A "Math Sprint tutorial model" was used to improve the End of Grade (EOG) test scores on seventh grade students at Elizabeth City Middle School in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This unique learning technique, developed at Elizabeth City State University, was used during a four-week study group composed of seventh grade students to enhance EOG test scores. The pre-test questions covered topics from the "North Carolina Mathematics Standard Course of Study" which consisted of five competencies: number and operations, measurement, geometry, algebra, and data analysis and probability. The North Carolina Mathematics Standard Course of Study is based on a philosophy of teaching and learning mathematics that is consistent with the current research, exemplary practices, and national standards. A diagnostic exam, corrective instruction, Math Sprints, and a post test were used to assist students with understanding of seventh grade math. The results of the pre and post exams showed student improvement in understanding seventh grade math.

Summer 2012 CReSIS

Glaciers account for 10% of the Earth's surface. However, during the Ice Age that surface was three times the size it is now. The most prominent glaciers are located in Antarctica and Greenland and are decreasing in mass balance. Mass balance is the difference between accumulation and ablation (melting and sublimation). Climate change may cause variations in snowfall and temperature (warmer temperatures, less snowfall). Glaciers are more essential to human life, than people take for granted; they release fresh water scour bedrock and cool the weather during the summer. The downfall of the decrease of glacier mass balance is that it is increasing the global sea level rise. With the decline of our glaciers it can define a major loss in a natural resource, as well as higher sea level rise and warmer than normal temperatures. The research will support how much significance a warmer climate and precipitation can affect how fast our glaciers will dwindle.

2012-2013 CERSER Mathematics team

Researchers, policymakers, business, and industry have indicated that the United States will experience a future shortage of professionals in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Several strategies have been suggested to address this impending shortage, one of which includes increasing the representation of females and minorities in the STEM fields. In order to increase the representation of underrepresented students in the STEM fields, it is important to understand the motivational factors that impact underrepresented students' interest in STEM academics and extracurricular programs. Research indicates that greater confidence leads to greater interest and vice versa (Denissen et al., 2007). In this paper, the mathematics research team examined the role of practical research experience during the summer for talented minority secondary students studying in STEM fields. An undergraduate research mathematics team focused on the link between summer research and the choice of an undergraduate discipline. A Chi Square Statistical Test was used to examine Likert Scale results on the attitude of students participating in the 2006-2012 Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) Summer Research Programs for secondary students. This research was conducted at Elizabeth City State University located in northeastern North Carolina about the factors that impact underrepresented students' choices of STEM related majors in college. Results can be used to inform and guide educators, administrators, and policy makers in developing programs and policy that support and encourage the STEM development of underrepresented students.