Psychology and Human Factors News

Egg Drop Learning Objective in MSTA Journal

Published November 30, 2015

News

Joshua Ellis and Emily Dare published an article entitled “Rethinking the Egg Drop with NGSS Science and Engineering Practices” in the Fall 2015 issue of the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Journal. The STEM education article, which made the journal cover, addresses the application of meaningful math and science concepts to a traditional classroom activity. The Egg Drop is an opportunity for students to learn engineering principles by designing a mechanism to prevent breakage of a dropped egg.

The article authors are Joshua Ellis, Assistant Professor of STEM Education and Emily Dare, Assistant Professor of STEM Education, Michigan Technological University, Matthew Voigt, Graduate Student in Math and Science Ed, San Diego State University, Gillian Roehrig, Professor of STEM Education, University of Minnesota.

Brett Campbell in Student Stories

Published November 17, 2015

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Psychology major Brett Campbell is part of Student Stories, by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). Brett talks about his campus involvement, why he chose Michigan Tech, and how he participates in CDI student organizations.

SHPE Chapter will conduct Family Engineering Event in Detroit

Published November 17, 2015

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News

The Michigan Tech Student Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) will be spreading the word about engineering as a possible STEM career path. The Tech students will conduct a Family Engineering event Sunday at the Academy of the Americas in Detroit. A free supper for families will be provided from 3:45-4:30 p.m. Families will then attend three 35-minute activities. To learn more, visit the Family Engineering webpage or contact Joan Chadde by email or at 7-3341.

From Tech Today, by Joan Chadde.

Schreifels Performs with Superior Wind Symphony

Published November 11, 2015

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David Schreifels, Psychology, is among the performers for this weekend’s musical event, Collecting Small Things by the Superior Wind Symphony. The event takes place Saturday, November 14, 2015, at the Rozsa Center. You can also LISTEN LIVE online.

Joan Chadde appointed to the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council

Published November 11, 2015

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Joan Chadde has been appointed to the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council, an advisory group composed of representatives of municipalities, industry, non-profits and forestry professionals that provide assistance and advice to the state urban and community forestry program administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Because of her work in urban forest stewardship in Detroit, Chadde was asked to represent the K-12 education perspective. The Council works to advance the conservation and maintenance of urban forests throughout Michigan by ensuring trees and forests where people live, work and play are healthy, sustainable and diverse.

From Tech Today.

Recycling Lecture on Nov. 19, 2015

Published November 5, 2015

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The program “Recycling in the UP: A Tale of Two Landfills,” will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in G002 Hesterberg Hall of the Forestry Building on the Tech campus.

The Copper Country Recycling Initiative will present a panel discussion:

recycling efforts in Houghton County
new cardboard recycling facility to be constructed at the Houghton transfer station and at a satellite location in Chassell
find out which U.P. community has the goal of becoming a Zero Waste Community

Cosponsored by:

Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative

Michigan Tech Center for Water & Society

Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Keweenaw Land Trust

Copper Country Recycling Initiative

From Tech Today, by Joan Chadde.

Two Community Outdoor Nature Programs in November 2015

Published November 4, 2015

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There are two Community Outdoor Nature Programs in the month of November. “Leaf and Needle ID: Do You Know What’s Growing in YOUR Backyard,” will be held at 2 p.m Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015, at the Maasto Hiito Trails Chalet in Hancock.

Join environmental educator Denise Landsberg on a nature walk to explore the Maasto Hiito trails and the common trees growing in our area. Things to bring: warm clothes and comfortable footwear.

A “Sensory Night Hike: Discover Your senses Coming Alive at Night,” will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Nara Nature Center. Explore the Nara trails at night and learn how senses adapt to the dark. Things to bring: warm clothes, comfortable footwear and a flashlight.

These programs are sponsored by the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals and coordinated by the Western UP Center for Science and Environmental Outreach. The Center hosts two programs each month. For more information contact the Center at 7-3341.

From Tech Today.

Tan and Mueller Publish in Behavior Research Methods

Published November 2, 2015

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News

Sarah Tan and Shane Mueller (CLS) published “Adapting Cultural Mixture Modeling for Continuous Measures of Knowledge and Memory Fluency” in the journal Behavior Research Methods.

From Tech Today.

Michigan Technological University Ranked #6 Up and Coming Undergraduate Psychology Program In the Midwest

Published October 29, 2015

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News

Michigan Technological University has been named as having the #6 up and coming undergraduate psychology program in the Midwest in a recent ranking by Best Psychology Degrees. The ranking considered the presence of graduate degree programs, innovative and cutting-edge methods and resources, recent facility updates, research opportunities, internships, student organizations and societies, and “wow” factor.

The editors noted psychology students at Michigan Technical University can specialize in areas such as Forensic Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Human Factors Psychology, and Educational Psychology, highlighting the flexibility of the program.

Best Psychology Degrees’ mission is to provide assistance to aspiring psychology professionals in selecting the best degree program for each individual.

Michigan Tech Psychology Program Ranks Highly

All psychology majors can participate in internships at local organizations and research opportunities are available in topics including Physical Ergonomics and Individual Differences in Human Performance.

Become an Energy Detective

Published October 29, 2015

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Is your house drafty? Does your roof grow prize-winning icicles? Are energy bills eating up your budget? Have energy vampires invaded your home? The Portage Lake District Library invites kids and their families to learn how to become a Sherlock “Homes” energy detective and search for clues to energy waste from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

Participants will learn ways to cut energy losses in their homes and save money. Families will participate in several fun, hands-on activities. “Inspector Gadget” will show how to use a Kill-o-Watt meter to measure energy use of household items and a “Draft-o-Meter” will show how to measure air leaks. With “Keep It Hot, Keep It Cold,” participants will compare the insulating properties of different materials. “Watt’s the Best Light Bulb?” will teach how to measure the light and temperature of different light bulbs and in “Where Are the Leaks?,” temperature with and without insulation will be compared. A free drawing for items from the Homeowner’s Energy Saving Treasure Chest will begin at 7:30 p.m.

This Energy Education Program is coordinated by the Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education with support from the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET) and Michigan Tech.

From Tech Today, by Portage Lake District Library.