Faculty Biography | Leon Walls

• Expertise
• Scholarship
• Courses
• Education
• Awards
• Certification
• Associations

Areas of Expertise:

Curriculum and Instruction; Multiculturalism; Teacher Education

• Multicultural Science Education: Teaching science with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and cultural inclusion in K-5 classrooms.
• Nature of Science (NOS): Teaching and research related to investigating the views of science held by K-5 children and pre-service teachers, specifically as it relates to people of color.

Scholarship

Selected Publications

• Walls, L. (2012). Third Grade African American Students' Views of the Nature of Science. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 49 (1), 1-37.  [abstract]
  Abstract: This study examined the nature of science (NOS) views of lower elementary grade level students, including their views of scientists. Participants were 23 third-grade African American students from two Midwest urban settings. A multiple instrument approach using an open-ended questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, a modified version of the traditional Draw-A-Scientist Test (DAST), and a simple photo eliciting activity, was employed. The study sought to capture not only the students’ views of science and scientists, but also their views of themselves as users and producers of science. The findings suggest that the young African American children in this study hold very distinct and often unique views of what science is and how it operates. Included are traditional stereotypical views of scientists consistent with previous research. Additionally, participants expressed excitement and self efficacy in describing their own relationship with science, in and outside of their formal classrooms. Implications for teaching and learning NOS as it relates to young children and children of color are discussed.
• Walls, L., Buck, G., & Akerson, V. L. (In press). Culture, gender, and nature of science in elementary settings. Springer Publishing.
  Abstract:
• Lumina Foundation for Education. (October, 2008). Indiana's Twenty-first  [abstract]
  Abstract: Distills evaluations of a state program to promote college preparation and access for low-income students. Assesses links between preparation courses and colege attendance and completion, successful support practices, and retention efforts.

Selected Presentations

• Walls, L. (2012, March). Teaching and Assessment of Inquiry and Nature of Science with Early Childhood Students. Panel presentation at the 2012 NARST Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.
• Walls, L. (2011, April). Culture, gender, and nature of science in elementary settings. Poster presented at the 2011 NARST Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.
• Walls, L. (2011, April). Identify-A-Scientist: How third grade African American elementary students see scientists. Paper presented at the 2011 NARST Annual Convention, Orlando, FL.
• Walls, L. (2010, March). Third grade African American elementary students’ views of the nature of science. Poster presented at the 2010 NARST Annual Convention,
• Walls, L., & Bryan, L.A. (2009, April). Awakening a dialog: Examining gender and race in NOS studies from 1967 to 2008. 2010 NARST Annual Convention, Garden Grove, CA

Courses Taught in the Last 5 Years

Laboratory Experience in Inquiry; Teaching Science for Meaning

Education

• Ph.D. in Geoenvironmental Science Education from Purdue University
• M.A. in Instructional Leadership from Marquette University
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from St. Mary's University, TX

Awards & Honors

• Jane and Michael Wilson Doctoral Award in Science Education from Purdue University: This award recognizes an outstanding doctoral dissertation. Nominations are handled through the departments. Each department has one winner, and one of them is selected for the College award. A certificate and monetary award is given. (2008)
• Bilsland Strategic Initiatives Fellowship from Purdue University: The Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship is a Graduate School fellowship which provides support to an outstanding College of Education Ph.D. candidate in the final year of doctoral degree completion. Applicants must have completed their coursework, passed their qualifying examinations, and have an approved dissertation proposal. (2008)

Licensure or Certifications

• Wisconsin Educator License, 5-8

Professional Associations

• National Association of Research in Science Teaching (NARST), National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)