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Tag Archives | 2015

Jonathan Rinck & Jonathan Garn

By on November 15, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Rinck, Jonathan, and Jonathan Garn. “Earth, Fire and Vegetable Oil.” Ceramics Technical no. 41 (November 2015): 84-87.

Abstract: The article presents ceramist Aaron Cole’s kiln that runs on waste vegetable oil and provides possibilities for an inexpensive firing process that is more affordable and sustainable than traditional firing methods. Topics discussed include Cole’s development of a kiln that recycles Spring Arbor University’s waste vegetable oil to use as fuel and the kiln’s capability of firing up to cone 8 with minimal sources of propane and gasoline thus offering a free alternative to more traditional fuels.

Jonathan Rinck

By on November 14, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Rinck, Jonathan. “Pewabic pottery: Still glazing after all these years.” Ceramics Technical 41 (2015): 112.

Abstract: The article presents Pewabic Pottery established by Mary Chase Perry-Stratton who modelled and fired her first clay pot when she was only 5 years old but took pottery seriously in her 30s. Pewabic Potter is characterized by its emphatically handmade appearance as Perry-Straton wanted her work to retain a human touch. The pottery continues to operate at present, filling large commissions like the work for The Detroit Zoo and Chicago’s Shed Aquarium.

Jen Letherer

By on October 31, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Letherer, Jen. Remote Virtue: A Christian Guide to Intentional Media Viewing. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2015.

Remote VirtueTelevision and movies shape popular culture, with audiences often unaware of how media messages influence the way they think, act, and view the world. In this enlightening guide, author Jen Letherer interprets film and television shows from a Christian standpoint, revealing how beliefs and values portrayed on the big and small screens often impact the moral conduct of daily viewers. This book provides the tools for Christians to discern the implicit and explicit messages found within this medium, and shows how motion pictures can improve or erode religious principles and a spiritual way of life.

In a conversational tone, the work combines classic film theory, an assessment of story structure, and faith-based film criticism to delve into meaning and interpretations of popular movies and shows. Highlighted television programs include Top Chef, Modern Family, Downton Abbey, and The Walking Dead. The book also features films like Citizen Kane, Thelma and Louise, Star Wars, Inception, and The Hunger Games. This fascinating critique prompts media consumers to analyze the messages that their favorite broadcast programs send, consider if those messages are in line with their own values, and align their viewing choices with their personal beliefs.

Thomas Kuntzleman

By on October 14, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Kuntzleman, Thomas S.  “National Chemistry Week: A Platform for Scholarship“. Journal of Chemical Education 92, no. 10 (October 2015): 1585-1588. doi: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5b00660

Abstract: National Chemistry Week (NCW) is an annual centerpiece for chemistry outreach orchestrated by the American Chemical Society. During this week, chemical educators promote chemistry through public lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiments. These exhibits inspire and motivate students, young and old, to study and appreciate chemistry more deeply. Chemical educators also benefit through participation in NCW, because doing so has great potential to initiate and advance scholarly efforts. How outreach efforts such as those associated with NCW can stimulate and support scholarship in chemistry is described.

Jeffrey Bilbro

By on September 30, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Bilbro, Jeffrey. “Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community/The Intellectual Journey of Thomas Berry: Imagining the Earth Community.” ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies In Literature & Environment 22, no. 4 (September 2015): 909-911.

Abstract: This article reviews the books, “Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community” by Mary Evelyn Tucker  & John Grim, and “The Intellectual Journey of Thomas Berry: Imagining the Earth Community” edited by Heather Eaton.

Jonathan Rinck

By on September 29, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Rinck, Jonathan. “Matthias Alten in Michigan.” Michigan History Magazine 99, no. 5 (September/October 2015): 32-37.

Abstract: The flickering, impressionistic brushstrokes and colors of Mathias Alten’s paintings — some 2,500 in number — were much admired in their time. He traveled and painted across Europe, finding particular inspiration on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. But the artist resisted the enticing allure of living on the continent, as so many other American painters of the early 20th century did. After all his journey’s abroad, he unfailingly returned home to Michigan, the inspiration for his finest paintings.

 

Dale Linton

By on September 29, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Linton, Dale B. “International Christian Schoolteachers’ Traits, Characteristics, and Qualities Valued by Third Culture Kids.” Journal Of Research On Christian Education 24, no. 3 (September 2015): 190-211. doi: 10.1080/10656219.2015.1102665

Abstract: In this qualitative grounded theory study, 24 participants, referred to as third culture kids(or TCKs), ages 18–30 years, who had previously attended international Christian schools were interviewed to determine the dispositions they valued in their teachers. Incorporating principles of grounded theory, a series of rigorous steps were undertaken resulting in the construction of three primary findings TCKs valued in international Christian schoolteachers. These findings were then situated within an extensive literature review. The results provide insight into the “ideal” international Christian schoolteacher desired and valued by TCKs. These findings should be of great interest to anyone responsible for training, preparing or recruiting international Christian schoolteachers, and/or providing ongoing professional development to the teachers in such schools.

Michael Buratovich

By on September 15, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Buratovich, Michael. “Leaving the Fold: Darwin’s Doubt and the Evolution of Protein Folds.” Reports of the National Center for Science Education 35, no. 5 (2015).

Abstract: In an earlier article (Buratovich 2015), I examined one of the main arguments promulgated by Discovery Institute philosopher of science, Stephen Meyer, in his book Darwin’s Doubt (2013). Meyer maintains that the rapid diversification of animal life during the Cambrian “explosion” required the swift evolution of new genes that provided animals with the genetic information needed to form new cell types. In that article, I showed that not only does the fossil record show evidence of complex multicellular life well before the Cambrian explosion, but also sequenced genomes of modern sponges and cnidarians (corals, Hydra, and sea anemones) possess the genes necessary to build more complex animals, strongly suggesting that the ancestors of these creatures had all the genes necessary for the Cambrian explosion. Thus, it can be concluded that the increase in novel animal forms was due to innovative regulation of these genes during animal development rather than the evolution of new genes themselves.

Thomas Kuntzleman

By on September 11, 2015 in Faculty Publications

Kuntzleman, Thomas S. “The dynamic density bottle: a make-and-take, guided inquiry activity on density.” Journal Of Chemical Education no. 9 (2015): 1503.

Abstract: An activity is described wherein students observe dynamic floating and sinking behavior of plastic pieces in various liquids. The liquids and solids are all contained within a plastic bottle; the entire assembly is called a “density bottle”. After completing a series of experiments that guides students to think about the relative densities of both the liquids and solids in the bottle, students are able to explain the curious floating and sinking phenomena. As a part of the activity, students construct their own bottles and are encouraged to describe to others how the density bottle works. These bottles can be constructed using inexpensive and easily obtained materials. The level of inquiry involved in the activity can be tailored to meet the particular interests and needs of students. Modifications to the density bottle, including an engaging one that uses LEGO pieces, are discussed.