Strengthening The Link Between Service And Science-Learning

Service learning is a relatively new educational concept with old roots and provides a mechanism to bridge the gaps between science, universities and communities. At the University of Washington, Seattle, chemistry department students opt for a three-quarter credit, elective course series entitled Science Service Learning (SSL). The goal is to enhance the student's education with practical applications of the learned knowledge while providing a needed service in the community. Students choose from a variety of service activities such as assisting elementary school teachers in the classroom, taking hands-on science activities to a transitional housing project, designing revegetation plans for a local utility district and performing water quality monitoring tests for community groups. In addition to their service projects, students participate in weekly discussions relating to the roles of scientists in the community. Reaching beyond their own campus community, SSL students develop civic skills along with scientific expertise.

Paper SOCED-6 will be presented by Deborah Wiegand from 9:10 to 9:30 a.m., Tue., March 31, in the Convention Center C- 250, Level 2

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