Phone: 828-227-3352
Email: bricker@wcu.edu
Office Address: Killian 212B

Education

• Ed.D., Teacher Education, University of Tennessee, 2005
• M.S., Teaching & Curriculum, University of Rochester, 1993
• B.S., Natural Resources, Cornell University, 1989

Research Interests

Patricia is interested in elementary and middle grades science education and specifically in inquiry-based science, the use of language in science, and teacher professional development.  Her research is intricately connected to teaching and service and her scholarly work primarily focuses on Boyer’s scholarship of application. 

Publications and Presentations - Selected List

Publications

• Bricker, P., Rogowski, N., Hedt, M., & Rolfe, N.  (2010).  Transporting students Into Thin Air—Using science to enhance reading.  Science Scope, 34(2), 37-43.
• Bricker, P., Sachs, S., & Binkley, R.  (2010).  Using citizen science to measure the effects of ozone damage on native wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beyond.  Science Scope, 33(8), 12-19.  
• Bricker, P.  (2009, August).  Using NSTA/CBC outstanding science trade books in North Association/Children’s Book Council outstanding science trade book award winners Carolina elementary and middle grades classrooms: Correlating National Science Teachers to the National Science Education Standards and the North Carolina Science Standard Course of Study Goals (K-8).  Cullowhee, NC: Western Carolina University.
• Bricker, P., Carlisle, P., Chesley, N., Flynn, S., Knoell, D. L., Launius, J.C., Rearden, K., Sharp, L., Texley, J. & Wiig, D.  (2009).  Outstanding science trade books for students K-12.  Science & Children, 43(7), 39-46. (Reprinted in Science Scope, 32(7), 43-50 and Science Teacher, 76(3), 55-62.) 
• Bricker, P.  (2007).  Reinvigorating science journals.  Science & Children, 45(3), 24-29.  
• Lovedahl, A. N. & Bricker, P.  (2006).  Using biographies in science class.  Science & Children, 44(3), 38-43.

Funded Grants

• Farm to School: Cultivating the Next Crop of Educators, 2009-2010, Project Partner with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project and Jackson County Schools
• NC Quest Project 2020: Preparing Future Ready Students for a Global Society, 2007-2009, Principal Investigator
• NC Quest- SCIENCES: Seeking Clear Indicators for Effective New Changes in Educating Students, 2006-2008, Project Team Member
• Toyota Tapestry Science Education Grant to Jonathan Valley Elementary in Waynesville, NC, 2004-2005, Faculty Consultant

Refereed Presentations

• Bricker, P. , & Jackson, E.  (2010, September 24).  Farm to School: Cultivating the next crop of educators (phase one).  Association of Science Teacher Educators Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting in Johnson City, TN.
• Bricker, P. , & Small, D.  (2010, March 20).  Developing science leaders: An elementary science professional learning community.  National Science Teachers Association annual convention in Philadelphia, PA.
• Rearden, K., Billups, C., Bricker, P., Chesley, N., Flynn, S., Knoell, D., Lanius, J.C., Saul, E. W., Wiig, D.  (2010, March 19).  Nurturing science in students using outstanding science trade books.  Short course at the National Science Teachers Association annual convention in Philadelphia, PA.
• Bricker, P., Small, D., Robinson, B., & McKinney, E.  (2009, March 20).  Elementary instructional coaching: Science and literacy join forces!  National Science Teachers Association annual convention in New Orleans, LA.
• Bricker, P., Connor, M., Rogowski, N., & Small, D.  (2008, March 29).  Overcoming obstacles in inquiry based science (It takes a village!)  National Science Teachers Association annual convention in Boston, MA.