| Creating Text Sets |
Creating text sets for your students helps to build their background knowledge and
vocabulary as a way to introduce various examples of literature in an enriching and
engaging format. Text sets typically center around a theme/topic with an anchor book
that branches out into other genres that share the common theme. Text sets also include
activities that create connections to the books by having students experience the
main theme in a broader and appealing way. Inspired by Gardner's theory of multiple
intelligence learning, text sets include various ways children experience the theme
and vocabulary of the text. Whether it’s pictures with lots of visuals or materials
and activities that invite children to explore using their senses, the text set provides
wonderful ways for every child to gain access to rich literacy experiences. The text
set that I created is based on the theme of food and nutrition and was created for
children in a toddler to pre-k classroom. Children in this age range are being introduced
to the concepts of self-help skills and expanding their vocabulary of everyday objects
and experiences. The category of food and nutrition is rich in its diversity of texts
and allows for multiple possibilities to create and connect to curriculum. Food and
nutrition are subjects that are universally experienced and act as a bridge among
cultures, traditions, and age ranges. I chose for the anchor text The Hungry Little
Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Branching off of this book I created a text set that includes
varied types and visually diverse forms of literature, activities and multimedia tools.
This text set can be used by early childhood educators and families to captivate and
encourage young children to develop an enjoyment of literature and expand their vocabulary
and horizons. |
Eva Simonian |
| M≥Monday – Building Your Brand Through Digital Tools |
M≥Monday is a live-action digital journal designed to help students build their personal
brand, showcase their skills, and share their journey in real-time. By using simple
digital tools like HTML, CSS, and WordPress, this platform allows students to manage
projects, reflect on their progress, and broadcast their work to potential employers,
collaborators, or broader networks through platforms like LinkedIn. The blog is more
than a creative outlet — it's a tool for presenting findings, sharing data, and analyzing
completed projects in a way that's professional yet personal. Whether for creative
or academic work, M≥Monday bridges the gap between learning and applying digital skills,
showing how technology can empower students to explore, organize, and broadcast their
unique contributions. By participating in the conference, M≥Monday highlights how
acquiring basic digital skills can help students not only stay current with technology
but also leverage it to build connections, demonstrate growth, and create opportunities
for themselves beyond the classroom. It's a powerful tool for anyone ready to take
control of their learning and future. |
Zarina Dyussen |
| World of Groin |
In a world that's neither here nor there (or anywhere for that matter), and where
humans are nowhere to be found are the Groins, a species of bipedal creatures with
little intelligence, a complete lack of self-awareness and humanity and a knack for
violence. The World of Groin is told through acrylic paintings and a comprehensive
species guidebook. Learn the groin life cycle, from the infantile stage of the "Grub"
to the reproductive stage of the "Mother of Groin." Examine Groin culture and learn
everything from the 100 Year March, to the shunning of nudism. Their world is shrouded
in strange impossibilities and mysterious origin. Where did the symbols on their chests
come from? Why do they covet rocks? Who is the famed J^2? All will be explained in
"The World of Groin." The original Groin was my brother's creation. We would both
throw around ideas that would make each other laugh and write it down. Soon however,
I would begin to expand the World of Groin myself, building off what my brother and
I had created. From there began the paintings, writing origin for the Groins, and
eventually creating a species guidebook for them. The whole thing is a creation to
behold. It can at times be stupid, disturbing, funny and overall, a strange world
to peer into. The project will be presented in a number of mediums, mostly focused
on paintings, but also on drawings and sculptures. I very much hope you enjoy the
bizarre World of Groin. |
Conroy Franklin Casey |
| Music in Ancient China: Its History, Philosophy, and Legacy |
This presentation examines the significant influence of music in ancient China, as
it went beyond artistic expression to serve as a fundamental element of governance,
ethics, and spiritual rituals. Rooted in Confucian and Daoist beliefs, Chinese music
was viewed as a representation of cosmic balance and a tool for developing individual
moral character and social harmony. The presentation explores the historical development
of Chinese music, beginning with its mythological beginnings involving Ling Lun and
the pentatonic scale, moving through its incorporation into state ceremonies during
the Zhou Dynasty, and culminating in its peak during the Tang Dynasty. It emphasizes
how music reflected the philosophical concepts of harmony and simplicity while influencing
Chinese cultural identity. Core themes encompass the interaction of Confucian morals
and Daoist worldview in forming musical traditions, the impact of instruments such
as the guqin and pipa, and the significance inherent in the pentatonic scale. The
article also explores the global reach of Chinese music, demonstrating its lasting
significance with instances like Hans Zimmer's Kung Fu Panda soundtrack and the Twelve
Girls Band, which combine traditional and modern elements. Through an examination
of music's importance in ancient Chinese culture and its impact on contemporary global
music, the paper highlights its enduring philosophical relevance. The conversation
wraps up with a personal insight on integrating these principles into today's works
(including my own compositions as a musician), connecting age-old traditions with
contemporary artistic expression. This research helps illuminate how historical musical
philosophies still inspire and unite cultures over time and distance. |
Clara B. Guatta Cescuni |
| The Responsive Classroom |
For my final research project in EDU-105 Foundations of Education, I chose to take
a deeper dive into what the Responsive Classroom model looks like in action. This
presentation describes the hallmark practice of "Morning Meeting" with personal pictures
and examples from a day in a second-grade classroom. It examines the idea of "Active
Learning" which encourages and inspires peer collaboration, student ownership, empowerment,
risk taking, retention, and much more. This developmentally responsive approach helps
to build a culture of community and belonging. Responsive classroom considers cognitive
and affective development through the use of consistent classroom routines, engagement
of learners, student led inquiry, and the involvement of student families. This presentation
explores aspects like the use of "Energizers," "Teamwork," the magic of "Quiet Time,"
and "Closing Circle," all of which are integral in a true "Responsive Classroom."
Finally, it addresses "The Heart of the Responsive Classroom" and the innumerable
benefits to students, teachers, and communities. |
Evangeline Weller |
| PTSD and Support in Our Area |
My project focuses on support for children and adults diagnosed with Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, in Berkshire County. It can be caused or brought
on by witnessing or being a victim to a traumatic event. These traumatic events can
include but are not limited to domestic violence, sexual assault, a violent crime,
natural or human-caused disasters, a serious illness and/or death of a loved one,
and combat exposure. PTSD symptoms can be separated into four main categories: avoidance,
intrusive thoughts, negative changes in thinking and mood, and lastly negative changes
in physical and emotional reactions. Because of the many different symptoms to PTSD,
there are many different therapeutic interventions that a person dealing with PTSD
can seek out for treatment. Most of the time, a combined number of methods works best,
for example, group support and psychiatric care. Some of the most common treatments
are cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatric care, where you might try out medication,
and therapy. Therapy can include group therapy, family therapy and/or one on one therapy.
About 12 million Americans suffer from PTSD during any given year. The best way to
try and prevent someone from developing PTSD is to seek out timely treatment after
exposure to a traumatic event. It is important for those suffering from PTSD, and
their families, to know that they are not alone. Knowing where to get help in our
area is imperative in helping those in need. We can help reduce the stigma surrounding
mental illness by raising awareness in our community! |
Rachel Taylor |
| Identification of Enterococcus Faecalis |
"The Unknown Report" is a project in which students are given an unidentified bacterium
and must run physical and chemical tests to diagnose and identify the bacterium. The
bacterium in this project was Enterococcus faecalis. The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive coccus shaped bacterium. This bacterium is typically commensal
to the human gut, but in certain cases can be the cause of an infection. This bacterium
can cause nosocomial diseases, meaning it is mostly contracted and spread in the healthcare
setting. The immuno-compromised and elderly groups of the population are much more
susceptible to contracting an Enterococcus faecalis infection. In the healthcare setting, identification of this bacterium usually requires
a urine sample, as the most common disease it causes is a urinary tract infection |
Tyler W. Duquette |
| Influenza A: The Pandemic Flu |
There are three types of Influenza known as A, B, and C strains, but this project
will focus on Influenza A, the most virulent of the three types listed. Influenza
type A, or pandemic influenza, is a viral infection caused by orthomyxovirus. Influenza
A can be infectious, ranging from seasonal flu to global threat pandemics. According
to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have only been four "pandemic" Influenza
events in the last 100 years. There are several subtypes of the Influenza A virus
based on its structure. There are 18 known types of hemagglutinin and 11 types of
neuraminidases. Only a few of the combinations are known to be infectious to humans.
Pandemics are caused when a new strain of Influenza A emerges, and the host immune
system has no defenses. An infamous strain of Influenza A is H1N1, which was responsible
for the outbreak in 1918 that reportedly claimed 40-50 million lives. Several medications
help treat and lessen the severity of Influenza infections. Influenza A strains constantly
mutate, substituting proteins and becoming resistant to many antiviral medications,
causing concern for future outbreaks. |
Caleb Stone |
| Measurements of Neonatal Eastern Garter Snakes and Hatchling Painted Turtles from
Berkshire County, Massachusetts |
During the spring semester of the field methods research class, we conducted a study
on eastern garter snakes and hatchling painted turtles. We measured various parameters
for the garter snakes, including snout-to-vent length, tail length, ventral scales,
and subcaudal scales, subsequently calculating their overall length. The data was
organized in an Excel spreadsheet to determine statistical measures such as mean,
median, mode, range, standard deviation, and variance. For the painted turtles, we
collected data by measuring the carapace and plastron lengths and widths, along with
their total weight in grams. All specimens were sourced from Berkshire County, Massachusetts,
with data collection occurring between September 20th and Oct. 20, 2024. The primary
aim of our research was to investigate the utilization of an artificial habitat made
of wood and metal by the garter snakes, while also assessing the size and activity
of the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) on campus. Ongoing studies will enhance our understanding of this species, which
is prevalent in the Berkshires, yet there remains a continuous need for further data
on their morphology and behaviors. |
Robert Garth Perry |
| Exploring Aquatic Insects in Berkshire County Through Fly-Fishing |
Freshwater ecosystems have seen drastic decline, with an average 83% decline since
1980. Insects at large have seen a 45% decline globally, in the last 40 years. The
Berkshires have an abundance of aquatic insects that play crucial roles in freshwater
ecosystems. They provide forage for fish, amphibians, birds, and other insects. The
Housatonic watershed has been taken advantage of, and it can be inferred that things
like PCBs and pollution have contributed to local population decline in wildlife.
Hopefully with more research, the loss of wildlife can be highlighted, and more action
can be taken. Through fly-fishing, people can be introduced to aquatic insects and
hopefully gain an interest in protecting them. |
John Beauregard |
| Demonstrating Phenotypic Mutations in D. Melanogaster |
Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) are model organisms that are used in teaching and researching genetic mutations.
This experiment was designed to demonstrate how different types of mutations occur
when fruit flies with different phenotypic traits are crossed. The mutations used
in this experiment were either autosomal or sex-linked genes, of which would be dominant,
partially dominant, or recessive. Punnett squares use the parents' known genes to
predict the percentage of the possible combinations of genes the offspring will inherit;
in this case they predicted the different phenotypic mutations the fly offspring would
possess. After the parent flies were crossed and the resulting offspring were counted,
the predicted percentages from the Punnett squares were compared to the actual counts
and percentages of fly mutations and sex. Virgin female fruit flies were used in most
of the P1 generations, which was beneficial and aided in accurate data across the
generations due to the ability to pair the P1 females with the intended P1 males.
Not all of the crosses were able to begin with virgin P1 females which was not ideal
to demonstrate clean crosses, but it did allow for the opportunity to use Punnett
squares to explain where the unexpected results of some F1 and F2 generations' phenotypic
traits originated. The results of this experiment supported my hypothesis; that if
two fruit flies with phenotypic mutations are paired together, then the resulting
offspring will follow the results of their corresponding Punnett square. |
Morgan Depson |
| Creating Connections in Literature for Early Learners: A Text Set on Food and Nutrition |
Creating text sets for your students helps in building their knowledge and vocabulary
as a way to introduce various examples of literature in an enriching and engaging
format. Each text set is based off a theme with an initial anchor book that branches
out into other forms of literature that share that common theme. These text sets also
include activities that create connections to the book by having the student experience
the main theme in a broader and appealing way. Inspired by Gardner's theory of multi-intelligence
learning, text sets include various ways children experience the theme and vocabulary
of the text. Whether it is pictures for children who are more visual, or a game for
children who learn more tactility, the text set provides wonderful ways for every
child to have an opportunity to learn how they are most comfortable. The text set
that I created was based off the theme of food and nutrition, and was created for
children with ages ranging from toddler to pre-k. Children in this age range are being
introduced to the concepts of self-help skills, and they are creating vocabulary from
everyday objects and experiences. The category of food and nutrition is rich in its
diversity of texts and allows for multiple possibilities to create and connect to
curriculum. Food and nutrition is a subject matter that is universally experienced
and that acts as a bridge between cultures, traditions, and age ranges. I chose for
the anchor book The Hungry Little Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Branching off of this
text I created a text set that includes various types and visually diverse forms of
literature, activities and multimedia tools. The text set I created can be used by
early childhood educators and families to captivate and encourage young children to
develop an enjoyment of literature and expand their vocabulary and horizons. |
Eva Simonian |
| How SGA Is Helping Me Grow as a Future Politician |
Participating in SGA for BCC has given me an experience that lit a fire within me
to grow a deeper passion for politics and equipped me with some skills that I continue
to learn for my future political career. As a student leader, I have had the opportunity
to keep an open mind when it comes to diverse perspectives, building coalitions, and
advocate policies that not only represent me as a student, but all other student bodies
on campus. This experience has helped me develop stronger communication skills, problem-solving,
and leadership skills, which are extremely invaluable in politics. I learned Robert's
rules, how to work with administrators, and build a relationship with literally everyone
on campus. Moreover, student government provided me with a platform to address pressing
issues affecting students, such as mental health, affordability, and inclusivity.
By working on initiatives, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexity of policy
making and the importance of collaboration on compromise with other members of the
SGA. My experience in the SGA has deepened my understanding of politics and instilled
in me a sense of purpose and responsibility to serve not only the student body, but
the community I live in as well. In the near future I will represent the public in
my community as a whole. Not limiting my abilities to help only students, but everyone!
I am confident that the skills, knowledge, and networks I gained through SGA will
serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors. A true person for the people
cannot be bought. I will spread my wings and shield everyone from corruption. |
Victor Xavier Reyes Pagan |
| Static Study and Stress Simulation of a Motorcycle Frame |
This project is an examination of how the frame of a motorcycle responds to forces,
to better understand how frame design and modifications can affect safety in the event
of an impact. A 1996 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 was used as a reference to design
a simple, two-dimensional custom frame, in which the distribution of force from a
direct front-end impact was first calculated manually. The two-dimensional frame was
then converted to a three-dimensional model and a static stress simulation was performed
using the same force and point of impact as the original study. As a final step, complexity
was added to the simple frame design, and a second static stress simulation was performed,
however, the limitations of the software affected the results of the comparison. Autodesk
Fusion was used to model the simulated frame, and its simulation environment was used
to perform the computerized study. |
Michael Morse |
| Live Closer to Nature, One Walk at a Time |
We all know nature has many benefits, but how do we make time to enjoy them? It's
simpler than you think. Berkshire Community College has a long history of connection
with nature, but you don't have to be an environmental science major or an environmental
activist to benefit from what we have here. A few minutes between classes is all you
need to take a walk around campus and transform a tough day. Pulling from tens of
thousands of photographs taken on our campus over more than a decade, this project
explores how a connection with nature can heal us, particularly during difficult times.
Through sharing these photographs, this presentation aims to motivate community members
through photography and stories to explore the almost 200 acres we have here at BCC. |
Roberta Hayes |
| The Need for Awareness and Prevention Efforts in Teenage Dating Violence |
This project, developed for HSV-135: Intro to Community Resources, investigates the
unique needs of survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berkshire County,
with a focus on the services provided by the Elizabeth Freeman Center. The research
highlights alarming statistics from 2023, revealing that over 2,000 youths in Berkshire
County have high Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores. Despite this, there is
a significant gap in services for youth aged 13-18, particularly in programs that
promote education and awareness of dating violence and sexual assault. By examining
national and statewide statistics on teen dating violence, this project underscores
the urgent need for targeted prevention efforts and increased awareness in Berkshire
County. The findings advocate for the implementation of comprehensive programs to
address this critical issue, ensuring that all youth receive the support and education
necessary to prevent and respond to dating violence and sexual assault. It is imperative
that community leaders, educators, and policymakers collaborate to develop and fund
initiatives that fill this service gap. By investing in prevention and education programs,
we can create a safer environment for our youth and empower them with the knowledge
and resources to combat dating violence and sexual assault. Addressing the gap in
services for youth aged 13 to 18 in Berkshire County is not just a local necessity
but a moral imperative. By taking proactive steps to educate and protect our young
people, we can foster a community that values safety, respect, and support for all
its members. The time to act is now, and together, we can make a lasting difference. |
Dawn Syrko |
| Legionnaire's Disease: A Microbiological Review |
According to Fields et al. (2002), Legionnaire's Disease is a serious form of pneumonia
often caused by the bacterium L. pneumophila. However, 10% of reported cases are caused by other species in the same genus and
cases may be underdiagnosed. L. pneumophila is a waterborne facultative intracellular bacterium that usually makes its home in
freshwater amoeba, although L. pneumophila may also replicate outside a host cell in the biofilms in which they thrive. Legionnaire's
Disease is a noncommunicable infection, with outbreaks occurring due to shared environmental
exposure (common source spread) such as in the 1976 American Legion meeting for which
it is named (Parker et al., n.d.). According to Edens (2024), Legionella spp. are
ubiquitous in freshwater environments, but rarely in concentrations high enough to
cause disease. The problem arises when human activities create effective breeding
grounds for Legionella in spaces such as air conditioners, water cooling towers, water
fountains, and hot tubs. When Legionella in these environments are aerosolized, people
can get infected by breathing in the bacteria. Most healthy people will be able to
fight off the infection, but older adults, smokers, and those who are immunocompromised
are susceptible to infection. The severity of Legionnaire's Disease means that patients
usually require hospitalization and the illness may be fatal in about 10% of cases. |
Jessica Plowright |
| Social Media for Paterson Field House: Building Community and Boosting |
As of October 4th of 2024, according to the Director of Recreational Services Daryl
Shreve, only 19% of BCC students had activated their free gym membership at Paterson
Field House. This presentation highlights my Liberal Arts Capstone project through
which I managed the Paterson Field House social media pages on Facebook and Instagram
in an effort to increase the overall use of resources at Paterson. I collaborated
with all of the active directors at Paterson Field House in Daryl Shreve, Michael
Carnevale, and Craig Ptak to establish a game plan and make my vision a success. I
incorporated some of the ongoing events, programs and trips which took place during
the Fall 2024 semester while also promoting events which will be taking place through
the duration of the Spring 2025 semester. This presentation covers the development
process of my project, my overall goal of trying to increase the use of resources
and programs at Paterson, whether I managed to achieve my goals, and concludes with
a reflection on my experience. I truly enjoyed this experience and developed key traits
and characteristics which I will be able to carry out in the career I aspire to obtain
as well as beyond my time here at Berkshire Community College. |
Sebastian M. Dowd-Smith |
| Systemic Racism |
Systemic racism is deeply embedded in the societal, political, and economic systems
of the United States, often viewed as an unavoidable norm. Rooted in history, its
foundations stem from slavery, Jim Crow laws, and white supremacy, perpetuating inequality
across generations. My paper explores how systemic racism marginalizes African Americans
in areas such as healthcare, education, employment, and the criminal justice system,
while disproportionately benefiting a small elite. Personal anecdotes and historical
analysis highlight the profound impact of discrimination, revealing the societal conditioning
that sustains hate and inequality. The paper emphasizes that racism is a learned behavior,
passed through environments and generational teachings. Through awareness, education,
and advocacy, these ideals can be dismantled, fostering a society where equality is
not aspirational but foundational. The resilience of African Americans, as exemplified
by leaders advocating for change through nonviolence and love, inspires hope. By addressing
systemic barriers and promoting equitable policies, society can strive to ensure equal
opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race. |
Amber Boesse |
