A bi-weekly newsletter for faculty and staff in the College of Human Sciences.
Colleagues honored at recent university awards' ceremony
More than 70 Iowa State faculty and staff, recipients of the university's most prestigious awards for members of the campus community, were honored during an in-person ceremony Oct. 25 in the Memorial Union Great Hall. Learn more here and watch a recording of the ceremony here.
Interdisciplinary Team Research Award: Data Sciences for the Public Good; Cassandra Dorius, associate professor of human development and family studies is among the team members
R.K. Bliss Extension Award Recipient: Barbara Woods, special projects manager, Human Sciences extension and outreach
International Service Award Recipient: Ann Marie Fiore, University Professor of apparel, events and hospitality
Early Achievement in Departmental Leadership Recipient: Li-Shan Chou, chair of kinesiology
Supporting those who serve, military-affiliated students in the classroom
CHS Diversity, Equity and Community Committee Fall 2021 Brown Bag Series - Nov. 12

There are currently 675 military veterans, reservists and National Guard members enrolled at ISU. Military veterans bring unique life experiences that can enrich the learning experience in a classroom. Join us for a panel discussion with ISU military and veteran students to discuss their experiences at ISU and gain perspective of how you can engage and support students like them in your classroom.

  • When: Friday, Nov. 12; Noon to 1 p.m.
  • Where: Zoom, meeting ID: 989 3783 8123
  • Questions? Contact Amy Popillion, Chair of CHS DECC at hiamy@iastate.edu
Around the College & Campus
Scholarship and Innovation
Recent National Science Foundation grant explores integration of computer science and computational thinking in to K-2 literacy

There’s little doubt that computer science (CS) education and understanding computational thinking (CT) are critical to students’ future success. To meet the goal of engaging students (particularly underrepresented students) in CS and CT, the process must begin in early elementary years. Literacy is a strong push at the kindergarten through second-grade levels and seems to be a prime opportunity to integrate CT-related subject matter.

Kristina Tank, associate professor in the School of Education, is part of a three-year grant award sponsored by the National Science Foundation titled, Collaborative Research: Rethinking Circle Time, integrating computational thinking in to K-2 literacy.

In this collaborative project, Tank will work with researchers at Indiana University and Purdue University to explore rethinking traditional literacy “circle time” as a venue for incorporating CS/CT learnings.

The team will explore multiple types of activities that include plugged and unplugged approaches as well as computational toys to guide high-level instructional practices that support enhanced CT understanding and abilities for all students.

A link to the sharable article can be found here.
Technology Tips: How to send messages
from grade book in Canvas
Use the Canvas "Message Students Who" tool to reach out to students based on their academic performance. Congratulate students who are doing well, check in with students who are struggling, and follow-up with students who are missing due dates. You can also let students know you have received their assignment but have not yet graded it (a sort of confirmation receipt). These short messages can help maintain instructor presence in your course.

To use this tool:

  1. Go to the course grade book and hover on an assignment header cell
  2. Click the three dots to display the options menu
  3. Select "Message Students Who"
  4. Select one of the four criteria filters: 1) Haven’t submitted yet, 2) Haven’t been graded, 3) Scored less than, and 4) Scored more than. For the last two options, you must also enter a cutoff grade.
  5. Compose your message and send it by clicking the red "Send Message" button. The message will go to each student individually, so students will not be able to see who else received it.

For more tips on how to use grade book, click here.
Events, Announcements and Opportunities
  • Review Benefits Nov. 1 - 19: Benefit changes can be made in Workday through Nov. 19. There is a webinar being held at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3, with the recording available after. See this information for full details.

  • Fine Dining: A Taste of the Tropics Nov. 3: The third of four fine dining events this semester is being held on Nov. 3 in the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom from 6 to 8 p.m. Reservations are required and full details can be found here.

  • Salsa Workshop Nov. 4: The Culinary Science Club is hosting a Salsa Making Workshop on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Details can be found here; registration is required.

  • Wellness Opportunity Nov. 8: Self Care 101 is Monday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn how to put yourself first at least once a day to enhance all areas of your life and maximize well being. Register for the virtual course in Learn@ISU.

  • 28 Days to Go: Our college has raised $9599 toward our goal of $15,000 in this year's United Way campaign. How do your donations help? A $5 cup of coffee could be a donation that provides 70 nutritious meals for Heartland Senior Services. Learn more and donate here.

  • Nominate a P&S Employee for an Award: Nominations for 2021 Professional and Scientific Council CYtation Awards are open through Dec. 1. Learn more here.

  • Winter Session Reminder: Winter session course registration is open through Dec. 22 and all the details can be found here. If you have the chance, remind students about this opportunity.

Resources for You!

Explore the college and Iowa State resources below to help with everything from pre-award grant services and instructional design to setting up a Canvas account or making a website update.
Share Your News!
Happenings is a bi-weekly e-newsletter for faculty and staff in the College of Human Sciences. Submit ideas, events and other noteworthy items using the resources on this page. Our next edition publishes on Nov. 16!