Dennis Nickelson

Assistant Professor, Mathematics and Physics

573-592-4274

dennis.nickelson@williamwoods.edu

Summary of Expertise:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Atmospheric and Space Science
  • Geology and Earth Science
  • Science Teacher Training

Education:

  • Ed. S. and Ph. D. in science education, University of Missouri
  • M.Ed., Lincoln University
  • B.S.E. in physics/chemistry, Central Missouri State University

Affiliations:

  • National Science Teacher Association
  • American Association of Physics Teachers (Physics Teaching Resource Agent)
  • Science Teachers of Missouri
  • Missouri Academy of Science
Major Projects:
  • 2009- National Science Foundation Grant: A-Time for Physics First in Missouri: Physics Faculty and Curriculum Development, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2008- Chairman, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Math, Engineering, Science and Technology Standards Development Team for High School Science
  • 2006-2009 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Grant Math and Science Improvement Grant: Coach/Mentor/Peer Teacher/Curriculum Development Team, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 2003-2006 Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education- Teacher Quality Grants, Making Science Accessible Through Inquiry and Literacy for the St. Louis Public Schools (COPI), Lincoln University
  • 1996-1999 Missouri Team, Constructing Physics Understanding in a Computer Enhanced Environment, Part of a National Science Foundation Grant, San Diego State University
  • 1192-1994 Training Coordinator/Instructor, Missouri Science Education Computer Training Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • 1989-1991 Missouri Kindergarten-Sixth Grade Science and Math Project- Physical Science Lead Trainer, University of Missouri-Columbia

Honors and/or awards:

  • Missouri Academy of Science Outstanding Teacher Award
  • Monsanto Science Teaching Award
  • Sigma XI (CMSU Chapter) Outstanding Teacher Award
  • 1994 Teacher of the Year, Jefferson City Public Schools
  • Finalist for the 1995 Missouri Teacher of the Year

Presentations:

  • A-Time for Physics First, National NSTA meeting, Boston, Mass., March 2008
  • Implementing Unit Eight Planetary Motion for A-Time for Physics First, Interface, 2008
  • Using Portfolios To Assess Student Achievement, Midwest Regional Meeting of The American Chemical Society, University of Missouri-Columbia, November 7, 2003
  • Portfolio Assessment, Chemistry-Physics Department Alumni Symposium, CMSU, 2002
  • Constructing Physics Understanding in a Computer Assisted Environment, National Meeting, NSTA, Orlando FL, 2000
  • The Missouri CPU Project, Interface Conference, 1999
  • Constructing Physics Understanding in a Computer Assisted Environment, Interface, 1998
  • Constructing Physics Understanding, STOM 1997
  • Constructing Physics Understanding in a Computer Assisted Environment overview. STOM, Jefferson City, 1996
  • Portfolio Assessment in High School Physics, NARST, St. Louis, 1996
  • Using the Computer to Gather Data in the Science Classroom, Teachers, Industry and Environment, Jefferson City, 1996
  • Using the Computer to Gather Data in the Science Classroom, Interface Conference, 1993
  • Using the Computer to Gather Data in the Science Classroom, STOM Fall Workshop, 1992
  • Computer Interfacing in the Science Classroom. Interface Conference, Tan Tara, 1992
  • Computer Interfacing in the Science Classroom. Missouri School Boards Association, 1991
  • Chemical Demonstrations , Interface Conference, 1990
  • Hands on Activities for the Teaching of Electricity. Grades 4-6, Columbia, 1990
  • Teaching about simple machines and electricity to 4, 5, 6th graders, Cole R-I, Russellville Elementary School, 1989
  • Star Walk, STOM, 1982