Education
B.S. Animal Science – Cornell University
M.S. Biology – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
D.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Field
Inquiry Teaching, Science Education, Environmental Education, Entomology (Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Millipedes)
Interests
My research interests cover several areas, including best practices in science teaching, authentic assessment practices, the effects of environmental education on attitudes, and several arthropod species. I have been involved in many studies comparing traditional and inquiry teaching in science classrooms at the secondary and college levels. I am currently involved in evaluating the use of authentic assessments such as lesson plans for content knowledge evaluation with preservice teachers. I have ongoing research looking at the effects of long-term and short-term environmental programs on the attitudes and awareness of participants. I am currently involved in research on various species of Phasmids (stick insects), and have undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects with cockroaches, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, African Giant Black millipedes, and mantids. Research areas with these organisms include coloration, reproduction, development, and feeding behavior.
Publications
Travis, H. J. 2009. Authentic Assessment: Using 5-E Lesson Plan Development to Evaluate Science Content Learning With Pre-service Teachers. In L. W. Crow, D. French, and T. R. Lord, (Eds.) College Science Teacher’s Guide to Assessment. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, p. 81-86.
Lord, T. L., Travis, H. J. 2008. Promoting Inquiry with Pre-service Elementary Teachers through a Science Content Course. In R.E. Yager (Ed.), Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press, p. 95-113.
Lord, T. L. and Travis, H. J., 2006. Ferns and Fern Allies of Pennsylvania. Pinelands Press, Pemberton, N.J.
Travis, H. J., 2005. The Effect of Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacasoma americanum) Infestation on Fall Webworm (Hyphantria cunea) Selection of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) as a Host Tree. The American Midland Naturalist, 153(2), 270-275.
Travis, H. J. and Lord, T.L., 2004. A Comparison Between Traditional and Constructivist Teaching Techniques In College Biology Labs. Journal for College Science Teaching, 34(3): 12-18.
Travis, H. J. 2003 Pheromone Trail Following: An Easy Lab Activity for the Classroom. The American Biology Teacher, 65(6): 456-461.
