Previous studies have shown that students at all levelselementary, secondary and post-secondarytend to apply linear reasoning in mathematical problems where non-linear models are needed. They rely on proportionality and linear equations without paying attention to the problem features needed for an accurate model. In the present study, students were taught using an activity-inspired by modeling curricula. In a hands-on activity, they explored the rate of change of linear and nonlinear functions that arise in describing elastic materials, recording average rates of change and noting key graphical features. This led them to articulate the relationship between nonlinear models, local linearity and the derivative. Pre/post-tests revealed a significant difference in performance between the control and experimental groups with respect to conceptual understanding of linearity and its applications.

Antarctica is the worlds coldest, driest and windiest continent. It is a harsh environment that few people will ever see but it is a very important part of our Earth system. Over the past 34 million years the climate in Antarctica has deteriorated from one that supported lush vegetation to the conditions observed today. By studying this trend and the associated changes to ice and vegetation we can gain critical insight into climate changes taking place today. This thesis presents three pieces of curricula that will help students and the general public understand some of the research currently underway in Antarctica while introducing them to geospatial tools that can be used to study climate and other large spatial and temporal events. The first paper guides students through an investigation of changing palynological distributions over time. In the activities described, students will use these data to infer climatic change on different geologic time scales and in different locales. Students will use published data-sets to trace changes in plant assembly over the past 34 million years on the Antarctic Peninsula as well as to understand the demise of the North American Ice Sheet during the last 20,000 years. The activity also introduces the use of GeoMapApp mapping software for the preparation of geo-spatial imagery and data processing. In the second paper, I outline a forensics activity that is based on actual cases where pollen has been used to solve crimes. This paper outlines a method to geo-locate a crime scene by combining Google Earth and data from NOAAs paleo-climate website. Here the focus is on spatial, rather than temporal, changes in climate and flora. Finally, I present an activity that uses GeoMapApp and multi-beam sonar data from the Ross Sea to find and map megascale glacial lineations which can then be used to infer paleo-ice stream locations and grounding zone wedges that were laid down during the last glacial maximum.

In Gas Treating Plants worldwide the most common practice for the measurement of foaminess of alkanolamide solvents used in the sweetening of natural gas is the sparge method. This research investigated the use of an alternative method using optical measurement technology to repeatedly measure the lifetime of a single bubble. A custom built instrument called the "Interfacial Stability Assessor" (ISA) was used in determining which selected components in the acid gas removal unit (AGRU) had an effect on the foaming ability of the treating amine solvent di-isipropanolamine (DIPA). A mass balance of the AGRU was also performed to determine the extent of hydrocarbon absorption in the solvent and foam fractionation carried out on the amine solvent to determine other possible foaming contaminants. All experiments were performed onsite at the North West Shelf Gas Treating Plant in Karratha, Australia. Overall, this research indicates that ISA is extremely sensitive to changes in surface tension and viscosity. All the organic acids tested did not increase the foamability of DIPA, however n-hexane and 'residue' from degradation products did increase the foamability of DIPA at their tested concentration ranges. / Thesis (MApSc(ChemicalTechnology))--University of South Australia, 2006

Thesis (M. A.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 162-185). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2005. / Supervisor: Stuart Mestelman. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Capital Bible Seminary, 1990. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-90).

Thesis (M.S.)--Youngstown State University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 86-90).

Thesis (M.S.) -- Central Connecticut State University, 2008. / Thesis advisor: Cynthia Pope. "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 185-202). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (license)--Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

Thesis (M.S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Resource Development, 1970. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-125).