Jonathan M. Breiner

Bio: Jonathan M. Breiner is an academic researcher from University of Cincinnati. The author has contributed to research in topics: Socio-scientific issues & Particle. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 11 publications receiving 662 citations.

What Is STEM? A Discussion About Conceptions of STEM in Education and Partnerships

Abstract: Educational reformation has proceeded slowly despite the many calls to improve science and mathematics for our students. The acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has been adopted by numerous programs as an important focus for renewed global competitiveness for the United States, but conceptions of what STEM entails often vary among stakeholders. This paper examines the conceptions of STEM held by faculty members from a public Research I institution in the middle of a regional “STEM movement.” Faculty members responded to two open-ended questions: (1) What is STEM? and (2) How does STEM influence and/or impact your life? Although 72% of these faculty members possessed a relevant conception of STEM, the results suggest that they do not share a common conceptualization of STEM. Their conception is most likely based on their academic discipline or how STEM impacts their daily lives. STEM faculty members were likely to have a neutral or positive conception where non-STEM faculty members often had negative feelings about STEM.

Dependence of silica particle sizes on network chain lengths, silica contents, and catalyst concentrations inin situ-reinforced polysiloxane elastomers

Abstract: Poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks were prepared by tetrafunctionally end-linking hydroxyl-terminated chains with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Molecular composites were then prepared by in situ sol–gel reactions on additional TEOS swelled into the networks, resulting in the formation of reinforcing silica fillers within the host elastomers. The amount of filler generated generally increased linearly with an increase in the TEOS swelling ratio, as expected. The silica particles formed were examined by small-angle X-ray scattering. Of particular interest were the relationships between particle size and molecular weight Mc of the network chains (mesh sizes), amount of filler introduced, and catalyst concentration. Particle sizes were smallest for the smallest values of Mc, possibly demonstrating constraining effects from the very short network chains. At fixed Mc and filler concentrations, higher catalyst concentrations gave larger particles. Increase in filler concentration generally had little effect on particle size at low and high loadings, but markedly increased sizes at intermediate levels (10–20 wt %), presumably caused by coalescence of the scattering entities into considerably larger aggregates. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1421–1427, 1999

Biodiesel and Integrated STEM: Vertical Alignment of High School Biology/Biochemistry and Chemistry

Abstract: This article explores the vertical alignment of two high school classes, biology and chemistry, around the core concept of biodiesel fuel production. High school teachers and university faculty members investigated biodiesel as it relates to societal impact through a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers. Using an action research approach, two high school teachers created and implemented biodiesel lessons in both biology (biochemistry algae focus) and chemistry (transesterification focus). This article describes the extent to which this integrated STEM biodiesel lesson, which is vertically aligned in one high school, affected the students’ skills and attitudes in relation to STEM subjects. The lesson plans used and the student outcomes based on the biodiesel activities are provided on the basis of a year’s implementation. Overall, student skill sets and attitudes improved based on pre–posttest data and classroom indicators, such as student questions. One implication of this work inc...

Correspondence: Speculation on the relationship between organizational structure, entropy, and organizational function

Abstract: Measures of entropy and efficiency were calculated for four simple organizational structures Based on these results, it was speculated that organizational configuration can play a role in organizational function since information flow and the concomitant order and disorder are affected

Structural and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: Recently, polymer nanocomposites reinforced with lower volume fraction of nanoceramics and carbon nanotubes have attracted steadily growing interest due to their peculiar and fascinating properties as well as their unique applications in commercial sectors. The incorporation of nanoceramics such as layered silicate clays, calcium carbonate or silica nanoparticles arranged on the nanometer scale with a high aspect ratio and/or an extremely large surface area into polymers improves their mechanical performances significantly. The properties of nanocomposites depend greatly on the chemistry of polymer matrices, nature of nanofillers, and the way in which they are prepared. The uniform dispersion of nanofillers in the polymer matrices is a general prerequisite for achieving desired mechanical and physical characteristics. In this review article, current development on the processing, structure, and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with respective layered silicates, ceramic nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes will be addressed. Particular attention is paid on the structure–property relationship of such novel high-performance polymer nanocomposites.

A conceptual framework for integrated STEM education

Abstract: The global urgency to improve STEM education may be driven by environmental and social impacts of the twenty-first century which in turn jeopardizes global security and economic stability. The complexity of these global factors reach beyond just helping students achieve high scores in math and science assessments. Friedman (The world is flat: A brief history of the twenty-first century, 2005) helped illustrate the complexity of a global society, and educators must help students prepare for this global shift. In response to these challenges, the USA experienced massive STEM educational reforms in the last two decades. In practice, STEM educators lack cohesive understanding of STEM education. Therefore, they could benefit from a STEM education conceptual framework. The process of integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in authentic contexts can be as complex as the global challenges that demand a new generation of STEM experts. Educational researchers indicate that teachers struggle to make connections across the STEM disciplines. Consequently, students are often disinterested in science and math when they learn in an isolated and disjoined manner missing connections to crosscutting concepts and real-world applications. The following paper will operationalize STEM education key concepts and blend learning theories to build an integrated STEM education framework to assist in further researching integrated STEM education.

Mechanical properties of hybrid organic–inorganic materials

Abstract: Homogeneously dispersed organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites can be obtained by increasing the interfacial interactions between both components via the formation of hydrogen bonds or covalent bonds, by mixing various polymers or via the adequate choice of the inorganic precursors The mechanical response of these advanced functional materials is an issue of paramount importance when industrial applications are targeted Large progress in the understanding of the mechanical properties of O–I hybrids has been gained by testing these materials under different conditions (static and dynamic, low and large deformations up to fracture) and using specific techniques developed for the mechanical characterization of conventional materials such as polymers, glasses or ceramics However, the mechanical properties of hybrid O–I materials are dependent on their micro- and nanostructures and on the nature and extent of the O–I interfaces Consequently, predictable mechanical properties for hybrids still represent a major challenge for hybrid materials science Industrial attraction for hybrid materials has been emphasized by the development of new functional coatings An important issue is the interface between the film and the substrate since strong adhesion can be tailored and ensures that delamination of the film will be limited