Lake Ice and 
Snow Science 

Delena Norris-Tull

Assistant Professor of Education,
University of Montana-Western
710 S. Atlantic, Dillon, MT 59725
Phone: 406-683-7043
e-mail: d_norris@umwestern.edu

In 2000, Martin, Ron, and I began the collaboration that resulted in the implementation of ALISON. At that time, I was teaching in the School of Education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where I specialized in science education and distance delivery of courses to teachers and future teachers in remote areas of Alaska. From 1998-2000 I served as the Director of the Rural Alaska Science and Mathematics Network, a project funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research. In that capacity I coordinated the activities of seven mathematics and science faculty members who had responsibility for teaching college mathematics and science courses via distance delivery.

I am now at the University of Montana-Western, where I teach science education and environmental education. In addition, I am the author of numerous articles and books, many of which are related to environmental education.

I have published two books on wild plants of Texas: Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest (Texas Monthly Press), and Wildflowers, Trees, & Shrubs of Texas (Taylor Trade Publishing). A collaboration with twelve teachers in remote western Alaska villages resulted in the publication of an electronic book on the bilingual programs of the Lower Kuskokwim School District (Our Language, Our Souls). In 2000, Martin approached me with his initial ideas for the ALISON project.                                          
As I have experience with the needs of teachers and schools in rural Alaska, I encouraged him to consider extending the project to include teachers from around the state, and in particular teachers from rural schools who have access to fewer opportunities for such valuable professional development. As an ALISON project coordinator my main responsibility has been to evaluate the impact of the project on teachers and their students, and to work with the other project coordinators and participating teachers in developing K-12 science and mathematics activities related to research on snow and ice, activities that assist K-12 students in meeting the National Science Education Standards and the standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

I have published two books on Texas botany: one a field guide to wildflowers, trees, shrubs and vines, the other a guide to edible and useful plants. In 2000, a collaboration with twelve teachers in remote Alaska villages culminated in a book that I edited on the bilingual programs of the Lower Kuskokwim School District.

I have a BA in English Literature from the University of Texas, an MS in Fisheries and Wildlife/Environmental Education from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Texas.

Publications